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Smith And Wesson Revolver Serial: Numbers Database [exclusive]
No serial number database is perfect. Critical limitations include:
– Note all letters and digits. Example: C 123456 or N 789012 .
Commonly found on J-frame snub-nosed revolvers (like the Model 60) starting around 1969. 3. The Modern Three-Letter Prefix System (1980–Present)
By understanding your Smith and Wesson revolver's serial number, you can gain a deeper appreciation for its history, value, and significance. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a new firearms enthusiast, the Smith and Wesson revolver serial numbers database is an invaluable resource. smith and wesson revolver serial numbers database
Prior to about 1980, S&W used a purely numeric system for many models. After WWII, they introduced model numbers (e.g., Model 10, Model 19) in 1957. Later, they switched to three-letter prefixes (e.g., CEF1234). A database must account for these eras.
These are derivative databases that have taken published tables and made them searchable. They are useful for a quick lookup.
Smith & Wesson Revolver Serial Numbers: The Ultimate Identification Guide No serial number database is perfect
This article serves as your comprehensive roadmap to understanding, accessing, and utilizing serial number databases to date and authenticate your S&W revolver.
Using a is powerful, but it has limitations. Be aware of these traps:
: Patent dates stamped on the barrel only tell you when the design was protected, not when the specific gun was manufactured. Commonly found on J-frame snub-nosed revolvers (like the
Due to the sheer volume, overlapping serial ranges, and complex history of the company spanning back to 1852, finding the age of your S&W requires a combination of understanding how their serialization worked, utilizing reference books, and engaging with collector communities.
This indicates your revolver was manufactured during or after the early 1980s. This system, which uses three letters followed by four numbers, was implemented to provide a unique identifier for each firearm as production volumes increased. The Factory Letter is generally not available for revolvers with these serial numbers.