"VJL"

[JohnHL]

Because I am childlike in so many ways, simple things amuse me.

Imagine my delight upon discovering that many of the S&W, 3rd gens models I prefer (latest production TSW models) had serial number prefixes of "VJL", indicating shipped dates in 2003.

As my initials are "JL" and I was born in 1953 (50 years prior to 2003), it seemed reasonable to someone with my small minded sensibilities to pursue models I desired that sported the "VJL" serial number prefix.

So most of my TSW models are "VJL" prefixes with 2003 ship dates.

The only model I am currently seeking is a railed 4013TSW (or 4053TSW, the "DAO" model which is easily convertible) with a "VJL" prefix.

I have an earlier "non-railed" 4013TSW (MSE prefix, 1997 ship date) that I would probably trade or sell when I locate the later model.

My first S&W, a 629-1, has an "AJL" prefix with a 1985 ship date.

The rest of my guns have no "personal" connection other than I liked them and they were good deals.

(OK, Mark from Summit was thoughtful enough to send me a CHP4006TSW with "53" as the final two digits in the serial number, but that's it.)

So tell me, do any of you esteemed members consider something as trivial as a serial number prefix when pondering an acquisition?

Or am I the only one to whom such excruciating minutiae is even relevant?

John?

 

[GerSan69]

I hate to admit it, but you aren't.
It had my number, literally.... a 2" Model 15
I normally dislike Cerakoted guns, but I bought this one because the last 4 of the serial number are my old PD badge number.

 

[GeoJelly]

Another '53 guy - interesting! I have long-since given up on finding anything made in that year. The prices are out of sight and I'm getting by table crumbs on SS. I have also given up on 3rd Gen's - the last one I picked up off of GB had a broken trigger play spring and I just didn't want to mess with it. GB seller took it back and I was only out the shipping both ways. That said, I am still looking for a decent CHP 4006 - but the two I've found around here, recently, have the trigger play spring issue (which, I think was actually a 'feature' on the CHP versions).

 

[JohnHL]

I hate to admit it, but you aren't.
It had my number, literally.... a 2" Model 15
I normally dislike Cerakoted guns, but I bought this one because the last 4 of the serial number are my old PD badge number.

It's the "personal connection" that makes it "extra" special!

John

 

[JohnHL]

Another '53 guy - interesting! I have long-since given up on finding anything made in that year. The prices are out of sight and I'm getting by table crumbs on SS. I have also given up on 3rd Gen's - the last one I picked up off of GB had a broken trigger play spring and I just didn't want to mess with it. GB seller took it back and I was only out the shipping both ways. That said, I am still looking for a decent CHP 4006 - but the two I've found around here, recently, have the trigger play spring issue (which, I think was actually a 'feature' on the CHP versions).

While I definitely would not consider us "antiques", GeoJelly, unfortunately the market place has decided that our "birth year guns" are antiques and are priced accordingly.

And yes, I do not like the non trigger play spring "feature" on the CHP4006TSW pistols and the fact that the drawbar must be replaced to accommodate one.

But I still had to have one, anyway.

John

 

[TercGen]

I've never looked at the serial numbers for any numerical significance, but I definitely keep my eye out for 3rd Gens starting with a VJ-code, as they always seem to be very well put together. I've handled/owned a number of these guns in the TSW category that have an extremely tight slide-to-frame fit. I've never looked into when these were made, but early 2000's would indicate perhaps the peak of the S&W 3rd Gen production? Whatever the reason, I'm always happy to acquire a new one with this date code.

Another '53 guy - interesting! I have long-since given up on finding anything made in that year. The prices are out of sight and I'm getting by table crumbs on SS. I have also given up on 3rd Gen's - the last one I picked up off of GB had a broken trigger play spring and I just didn't want to mess with it. GB seller took it back and I was only out the shipping both ways. That said, I am still looking for a decent CHP 4006 - but the two I've found around here, recently, have the trigger play spring issue (which, I think was actually a 'feature' on the CHP versions).

The CHP 4006TSW's will have a different feel to the SA trigger than the 'click' of a bent trigger play spring, since there is no trigger play spring on these models. I find it to feel more like a tiny bit of slack in the SA pull, but I only notice it when I'm looking for it.

 

[JohnHL]

Most agreed, TG!

The latest guns were the ultimate (literally and figuratively) "production" models made with the latest materials, machining centers, and expertise of all the generations, and the "VJ" prefix shows up a lot in the "post 2000" iterations.

My 4043TSW is "VJC" (11/99), CS9 is "VJD" (09/01), my 4586TSW is "VJE" (02/02), my CS40 is "VJF" (08/02) and all of the "VJL" pistols are between August and December, 2003.

John

 

[4T5GUY]

Although not having a personal connection, as I started to get more examples certain prefixes started to show up.

I posted a question a couple of years ago asking if anyone else was experiencing this. Of course the Novak 439 & 459 would likely be the same, but when I finally got a 639 it was the same prefix as the 659. I'd have to look but it seems this happened a few times.

I actively pursued the 1969 Brownings cause my Baby was 1969 and I totally stumbled on my 1969 T series Hi Power so I wanted them all 1969. Again no personal connection but 1969 was a great year for Brownings, (and Mustangs, Camaro's, Firebirds, and all, in that order )

Jim

 

[JohnHL]

I had a '69 Mustang Mach 1, Jim, so I most heartily agree!

John

 

[xfarfuldog]

I graduated from high school in 1969. Traded my 68 Mustang fastback for a new 69 Z/28. I had no interest in guns then. I did find a Winchester 94 in 30-30 at a pawn shop. It was made in my birth year 1951. Alas it like the Z and the Mustang were sent down the pike.

 

[URIT]

Great info. I have three CS40 models. The two SS models are VJE while the blued is EKY. Good to know that two of them are late production models.

 

[GerSan69]

It's the "personal connection" that makes it "extra" special!

John

True!
I completely forgot one other thing: I was born in 1953, too.
And then there's my badge number.... I was hired in 1979, and my hiring sequence number, 53, is my birth year. 79-53. Cue the "Twilight Zone" theme, please!

 

[BAM-BAM]

53 was a very good year........

Overall not really ...... that said I would like a birth year gun..... my first choice would be a .357 4" Combat Magnum..... which is impossible.

About a year back I bought myself a retirement gift ..... a Wilson Combat Centurion...... the Serial # is my month and year of birth 1153..... missed getting my month and day by 24 hours 119..... didn't want to wait for 11953

 

[LPD256]

I have a pre-18 from December 1952. Same DOB as me. And I have a 27-2 and a 66-2 that have 256 as the last three numbers in the Serial Number. So I guess I'm another guy like you.

 

[Jessie]

I graduated from high school in 1969. Traded my 68 Mustang fastback for a new 69 Z/28. I had no interest in guns then. I did find a Winchester 94 in 30-30 at a pawn shop. It was made in my birth year 1969. Alas it like the Z and the Mustang were sent down the pike.

You were born a high school graduate?
Very interesting

 

[CelticSire]

I have a Model 19 6 inch that's still NIB. The three digit serial number, 926, is the same as my first badge number I had when I went into law enforcement.

 

[mikerjf]

I'm a 1953 also. However, my new 3rd gen starts with "VD"...

 

[BAM-BAM]

I'm a 1953 also. However, my new 3rd gen starts with "VD"...

Penicillin is good for that ....... avoid the mercury cure!!!

 

[DR505]

I have no idea what are the serial numbers on my handguns. I just buy what I want that happens to be available at the time with the right price.

 

[JohnHL]

I graduated from high school in 1969. Traded my 68 Mustang fastback for a new 69 Z/28. I had no interest in guns then. I did find a Winchester 94 in 30-30 at a pawn shop. It was made in my birth year 1969. Alas it like the Z and the Mustang were sent down the pike.

Now I'm confused.

Did you graduate from high school in 1969, or was your birth year 1969?

John