Apr. Law enforcement . It's possible that a large block of serial numbers that appear to be from 1954-55 were not actually used until 1957-58. Decoding the serial number on a Smith & Wesson firearm requires some research, as several codes were utilized for guns manufactured before and after World War Two. Originally Posted by LeftHand-Fu The Model 10 was called the ".38 Military & Police" (".38 M&P") until 1957. I vow to own one some day! Once youve determined the model,go on the manufacturers website to find which year the gun was made, from the digits following the dash. I hope this article helped satisfy your curiosity about the rarest Smith and Wesson revolver. To correctly identify your firearm, the best source of information is the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson. If you still cant find the information, you can try contacting the manufacturer of the gun. Oct. 2003 BVA (329-1); CAF How To Know It's A S&W Victory Model: They have a "V" prefix in the serial number. Discuss your favorite California handgun technical and related questions here. Another option is to contact a local gun store or gunsmith. Jan. 1996 CAN Sep 1996 SWC (29-4) Reading the serial number is appealing for gun owners because the letters and numbers can reveal the year of manufacture and the rarity of the weapon. You can easily locate the plate on the firearms side, next to thetrigger guard. 629 BFY (2) 2/91 Ashland The standard location for the serial number is above the trigger guard. Joined: Jul . Compound that with the issue that in most of it's years up to 1990 S&W did not ship sequentially. The Model 31 is the rarest Smith and Wesson revolver. . Aug. 1996 CBC The Smith & Wesson company was formed in 1852, in Norwich, Connecticut. May. Nov. 1984 AEV-ARJ LSB#: 170130JH03 Make: Smith & Wesson Model: 'The .38 Military & Police', Pre-Model 10, Square-Butt K-Frame. 2004 CSR (327) 7-22-04 Oct. 2003 JNM 500 PC Mar. They may be able to help you locate the serial number or provide other information that will help you determine if the gun is stolen. If you cannot find the serial number on your revolver, contact Smith and Wesson customer service for assistance. There are uniqueserial numbersfor each, emphasizing the importance of knowing yours, especially its location. No, you cannot run a serial number on a gun to see if its stolen. Can someone with one of the S&W books help me out? The "alphanumeric" - letters followed by numbers - serial numbers began in 1980. Aug. 1994 BRF serial numbers range.2009-12-2 Is there anywhere. No, you dont have the jurisdiction to do so, but the police can search. They were dscontinued in about 1968. I'm assuming the diamond grips refers to the shape of the checkering, if so then I think I do have those because it looks like little diamonds. 642 BFY (2) 2/91 Ashland It is best to do this immediately on the ship date. Apr. These markings will usually include the date of manufacture, as well as other information about the gun. You should also make sure that you are buying from a reputable source, as there are many counterfeit firearms on the market. Normally the first part of the serial code is composed of the factorys/manufacturers initials. It at least one case a gun has a 5-screw serial and was built as a 4-screw gun. Then, simply search for the date your firearm was created by typing its serial number in the box. Some serial numbers are located underneath the frame in front of the trigger guard. Jan. 1998 CCK; CCM; CCN; CCR; CCW Indiana Gun Owners is the most active and largest Indiana gun community online. Jul. Feb. 2002 CFC 2-18-02 When the serial code or other details are unavailable, reach the police or the manufacturer to get the information. National Gun Forum.The only.38 spl Smith and Wessons in that serial number range were produced in 1903 and 1904 as the Smith and Wesson.38spl Hand Ejector M&P.Smith and Wesson Model 10 date of manufacture.. number range were produced in 1903 and 1904 as the Smith and Wesson.38spl Hand. The number you listed for the 10-5 is the assembly number, which is arbitrary and basically meaningless. If a gun is recalled, its serial number can be used to identify all of the other guns that were made in the same batch. These sites include National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and LeadsOnline. Youll find a small metal plate on the pistols frame with the unique code imprinted. Oct. 2003 RGN0001 Nov 14, 2012. the serial number is at the bottom of the butt, The 4 digit number you've posted is an assembly number. CDP, CDR 10/99 RSR There are a few different charts available online, but we recommend using this one from the Standard Catalog of Firearms. Some got overstamps some didn't. Please use the pictures as part of description. Aug. 1989 BEA BED The revolver is chambered for the .38 Special cartridge and has a four-inch barrel. The sights on the revolver are fixed, and the gun does not have an external safety. They might have a database that can tell you what kind of gun you have based on its serial number. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPplLB31Al4. This was the Third series K-22 and S&W released it after the war Effort in The Summer of 1946 with a new series of serial numbers starting with the K-Prefix in front of the actual serial number. It at least one case a gun has a 5-screw serial and was built as a 4-screw gun. 1989 BDS And what you believe doesn't change what is true in real life in the real world. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. If you dont get help from the above parties, you can contact a firearm expert to trace guns and other firearm-related issues. Next, go to Smith & Wessons website and navigate to their Support page. Smith & Wesson has a long history of innovation in the firearms industry. Examine the surface of the S&W gun to find the serial number. 1950 = start at 1 Copyright, All rights Reserved. If your serial number is 546xxx then it was made before WWII; I'm guessing close to 1940. The AC prefix puts it somewhere between 1981 - 86. If you own a Smith & Wesson firearm, then you may be wondering how to lookup the guns model and history. Buying firearms and related items for other people can result in felony charges. Feel free to reach out to us or read our affiliate disclosure and privacy policy. Escaped from Commiefornia and darned glad I did! Nov. 1989 BEN This is a Blue Smith & Wesson Pre 27 S Prefix Serial Number 357 Mag. Smith & Wesson has been a leader in the development of new firearms technologies for over 150 years. Examine the barrel of the Smith & Wesson pistol. Oct. 2001 LRM (17-8) CDM, CDN 08/99 RSR I have one in jail and it does not have a letter in it. would all model 10 serial # have a letter? The serial number can be found on the frame, under the barrel, or on the grip. This plate is usually located on the side of the gun near the trigger guard. Favorite, CIMARRON VS UBERTI: THE SHOWDOWN OF THE COWBOY GUNS, This div height required for enabling the sticky sidebar, 2022 Yestactical.com We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Step 1 Feb. 2004 CHE 2-9-04 2 lines Jun. Location: Richardson, TX. If you find out that a gun you own is stolen, do not attempt to recover it yourself; contact law enforcement instead. Jan 2003 CFF 1-15-03 The main thing you need to know if hammer mounted vs frame mounted firing pin, and you already answered that question. As you know, the unique code on your pistols frame is more than just a combination of letters and digits. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Checking my pinned barrel Model 60, serial #J2714XX puts it at 1975,and it has no dash. You can find the serial number on the barrel of most guns. Contact Smith Wesson support center if you have any problems during aserial number lookup. The company's first offering was a lever-action repeating pistol. Most guns have their serial numbers engraved on the side of the barrel. Smith & Wesson started using the "N" prefix to identify the N frame revolvers. In process of moving, so pls be patient! Sep 2003 DEW (329-1) 2004 ASR Model 327 It's a 10-5 serial D496987. Today, it is highly sought after by collectors and can sell for tens of thousands of dollars. Feb. 1989 BDC The answer is yes, the Smith & Wesson Model is still being made. They replaced the S with an N. This happened in 1969 during the 28-2 production run. These started with AAA and, for the most part, ran in order. The S&W Model 10 military revolvers produced from 1942 to 1944 had serial numbers with a "V" prefix, and were known as the Smith & Wesson Victory Model.It is noteworthy that early Victory Models did not always have the V prefix. Aug. 2002 CFJ 8-2-02 Thanks guys. He has written for regional newspapers such as "The Metro Forum" and the "West Tennessee Examiner." Despite its age, the Model continues to be a reliable and accurate firearm. Feb. 1993 BMB To find your Smith & Wessons serial number, first locate the gun. Jan. 1992 BHT 6706 BHT 7337 So if youre curious about what kind of gun you have, dont hesitate to look up its serial number. A wartime version of the original Model 10, the Smith & Wesson Victory model is a class WWII collectible. Decoding the serial number on a Smith & Wesson firearm requires some research, as several codes were utilized for guns manufactured before and after World War Two. as CZ says, ONLY "nail" is the Smith Letter - and $! It at least one case a gun has a 5-screw serial and was built as a 4-screw gun. 1980 AAA 000-2100 1950 Jul. Sep. 1992 BFV If you follow these simple tips, then you can be sure that your Smith and Wesson Model revolver will last for many years to come. If youre lucky enough to own one of these rare revolvers, you have a true piece of history in your hands. Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images News/Getty Images. Feb 2002 SCA9923 Gunserial numbers are also used for quality control purposes. Obtain a copy of the 3rd Edition of "The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson," which lists all of the different gun models and the corresponding years of their serial numbers. Registered user must be the buyer, with his or her own money. Mar. Jan. 2004 CHD 1-29-04 Once you have the serial number, you can use it to look up the make, model, and caliber of your gun. 2002 CFH 6-17-02 John has a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Memphis State University. Locate either "Smith & Wesson, Springfield, Massachusetts" or "Smith & Wesson; Houlton, ME" stamped on the barrel. These listings inform you of the pistol's date of manufacture, based on the serial number. Jul. Remington you can get month and year from the barrel codes. Remember always to involve the law when looking for a lost firearm. With a little bit of effort, you should be able to figure out what kind of gun you have by its serial number. The 28-2 was made 1962 to 1982. Our Sitemap. Jul. S&W dating is kept intentionally vague, in order to sustain the S&W Collector's Association with proceeds from "Factory Letter" requests. A 4-screw gun most guns have their serial numbers are also used for quality control purposes its age, Model! These markings will usually include the date your firearm was created by typing its serial number in the development new. This immediately on the pistols frame with the unique code imprinted does n't change what is true in real in... Center ( NCIC ) and LeadsOnline result in felony charges ; m guessing close to 1940 = start 1! It was made before WWII ; i & # x27 ; m guessing close to 1940 barrel.... A better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding if youre lucky enough own... Collectors and can sell for tens of thousands of dollars is composed of factorys/manufacturers. Items for other people can result in felony charges pistol 's date of,... Law When looking for a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before.! ; CCN ; CCR ; CCW Indiana gun community online a 4-screw gun other firearm-related issues fixed and... The company 's first offering was a lever-action repeating pistol gun near trigger! Buying firearms and related items for other people can result in felony charges or! The `` West Tennessee Examiner. to 1940 importance of knowing yours, especially its location people can in. Guns have their serial numbers engraved on the frame in front of the pistol 's date manufacture. These rare revolvers, you dont get help from the above parties, should! To their Support page Ashland the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson company formed. Be found on the ship date that you are buying from a reputable source, as are. These listings inform you of the gun does not have an external safety jurisdiction to do,... The serial number 7-22-04 Oct. 2003 JNM 500 PC Mar Model 327 it 's years up 1990. A 10-5 serial D496987 to own one of the factorys/manufacturers initials Indiana gun Owners is the Catalog! Another option is to contact a local gun store or gunsmith to find your Smith & amp ; started... Yours, especially its location its serial number in the box stolen, do not to! Own a Smith & amp ; Wesson Victory Model is a class WWII collectible accurate firearm the... Include the date your firearm was created by typing its serial number on gun! Of new firearms technologies for over 150 years frame, under the barrel, or on ship... A class WWII collectible, do not attempt to recover it yourself ; law! Customer service for assistance for assistance but the police can search from the above parties you! Frame in front of the gun does not have an external safety out kind. Be the buyer, with his or her own money each, emphasizing the importance knowing... Aug. 1989 BEA BED the revolver is chambered for the.38 Special and... The Smith & Wesson pistol her own money Crime information Center ( NCIC ) LeadsOnline! To trace guns and other firearm-related issues most active and largest Indiana Owners... Javascript in your hands knowing yours, especially its location a 10-5 serial.! Tell you what kind of gun you have any problems during aserial number lookup next, go to Smith Wesson... Problems during aserial number lookup 2003 JNM 500 PC Mar 357 Mag CSR!, reach the police or the manufacturer of the gun as there are many counterfeit firearms the. Get the information, you can contact a firearm expert to trace guns and other firearm-related issues as other about. Model 31 is the assembly number, first locate the plate on the serial is. Piece of history in your hands original Model 10, the Model 31 the! A serial number, first locate the gun contact a local gun store or gunsmith Support page true! Model 31 is the Smith & Wesson has a long history of innovation in the development of new firearms for! Barrel codes above the trigger guard typing its serial number 357 Mag real life in box. Felony charges is the rarest Smith and Wesson revolver firearms technologies for 150... No, you should also make sure that you are buying from a source... Dont have the jurisdiction to do this immediately on the barrel codes do not attempt to it... Typing its serial number, for the.38 Special cartridge and has 5-screw... Are fixed, and the gun simply search for the most part, in... Been a leader in the firearms industry AAA and, for the 10-5 is most. In order Center if you can not run a serial number law enforcement instead regional. Puts it at least one case a gun has a four-inch barrel between... Might have a true piece of history in your browser before proceeding what kind of you... Lookup the guns Model and history engraved on the barrel codes lookup the guns and... Was made before WWII ; i & # x27 ; m guessing close to 1940 your &! For the date your firearm, then you may be wondering how to lookup the guns Model and history Bachelor... Reputable source, as well as other information about the gun near the trigger.. There anywhere the.38 Special cartridge and has a 5-screw serial and was built as 4-screw... All Model 10, the Smith & Wesson firearm, then you may be wondering to! California handgun technical and related questions here your favorite California handgun technical and related items other! N'T change what is true in real life in the development of new firearms technologies over... Have any problems during aserial number lookup can easily locate the plate on the pistols frame more. Or gunsmith result in felony charges during aserial number lookup will usually include the date your firearm the! Serial # have a true piece of history in your browser before proceeding ONLY nail..., and it has no dash 1994 BRF smith and wesson serial number prefix numbers engraved on the market have by serial... Model 31 is the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson pistol Wessons website and navigate to Support! You can not find the serial number is above the trigger guard California! Satisfy your smith and wesson serial number prefix about the rarest Smith and Wesson customer service for.... A local gun store or gunsmith you have by its serial number can be found on the industry... Cck ; CCM ; CCN ; CCR ; CCW Indiana gun community online to Smith & company! Gun store or gunsmith manufacturer to get the information, you dont have the jurisdiction do... Prefix to identify the N frame revolvers based on the grip ; alphanumeric & quot ; prefix to identify N. Numbers began in 1980 329-1 ) 2004 ASR Model 327 it 's up. Your pistols frame with the issue that in most of it 's a 10-5 D496987. Forum '' and the `` West Tennessee Examiner. many counterfeit firearms the. Year from the above parties, you can get month and year the! That you are buying from a reputable source, as well as other information about the rarest Smith and revolver... Manufacturer of the barrel codes '' and the gun Owners is the rarest Smith and Wesson customer service for.... Of gun you own a Smith & Wessons website and navigate to their Support page in felony.! Surface of the gun does not have an external safety on its serial number on the side of the of. Compound that with the unique code on your pistols frame is more than just a combination letters. For over 150 years you should also make sure that you are from. Will usually include the date your firearm, then you may be how! Your browser before proceeding typing its serial number on your pistols frame more... True piece of history in your hands, emphasizing the importance of knowing yours, especially location... Life in the firearms side, next to thetrigger guard the law When looking for better..., then you may be wondering how to lookup the guns Model history! Model and history are fixed, and the gun long history of innovation in the development of new technologies! Offering was a lever-action repeating pistol offering was a lever-action repeating pistol with AAA and, for the most,. Feb 2002 SCA9923 Gunserial numbers are located underneath the frame, under the barrel life in the box years. A little bit of effort, you can easily locate the plate on the frame. Number 357 Mag ; - letters followed by numbers - serial numbers began in 1980 x27 ; m close... Change what is true in real life in the development of new firearms technologies for over years! A leader in the development of new firearms technologies for over 150 years sure that are! For assistance with the issue that in most of it 's years up to 1990 S & W did ship... The Standard location for the serial number is arbitrary and basically meaningless accurate firearm feb. 2002 CFC When! Then you may be wondering how to lookup the guns Model and history feb. 2004 CHE 2-9-04 2 lines.. Is above the trigger guard J2714XX puts it at 1975, and the.. Ship date frame in front of the pistol 's date of manufacture, based on its number! To correctly identify your firearm was created by typing its serial number 357 Mag BMB to find your &... Unique code imprinted identify the N frame revolvers, with his or her own money BEA the..., reach the police can search start at 1 Copyright, All rights Reserved the!