Years of manufacture?

[RainDodger]

Hey, guys - I see that some of you have references for serial numbers that show the years of manufacture. Is this something that's readily available? I'd love to be able to look up data myself.

I posted a picture in a different thread of the 3 S&Ws I just acquired. Would someone be kind enough to tell me their years of manufacture? I would certainly appreciate it... this is what I've got:

2" Model-36 (no dash) 694816
3" Model-36 (no dash) 748247
6" Model-14-2 K609760

Thanks so much.

Roger

 

[Muley Gil]

Mostly. we use The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 3rd Edition by Jim Supica and Rick Nahas. This book has general ranges for serial numbers and dates.

However, S&W didn't always ship in serial number order. Roy Jinks, the factory historian, has the shipping records for most S&Ws.

 

[RainDodger]

Thanks. I'll likely contact the factory then. I'll also see if I can find a copy of that somewhere.

 

[JohnAC]

14-2 = 1965

The 36's are late 60's I think but the book really doen't give much data on those numbers.

 

[RainDodger]

Thank you, John. I've ordered one of the books as of a few minutes ago. I should have one anyway. Thanks for taking the time to look them up for me - I appreciate it.

Roger

 

[DWalt]

Thank you, John. I've ordered one of the books as of a few minutes ago. I should have one anyway. Thanks for taking the time to look them up for me - I appreciate it.

Roger

Both your Model 36s would be from the 1968-69 period. That's about as precise as I can get. Regarding your 14-2, this is the manufacturing range: K605,878 – K658,986....1965. It probably also shipped in 1965. I doubt if the SCSW will pin the dates down any closer.

 

[RainDodger]

Thanks much!