Smith And Wesson Revolver Serial Numbers Database
Smith & Wesson's serial number database is divided into three distinct chronological eras. Knowing which era your revolver belongs to narrows down your search. 1. The Numerical Era (1857 – 1942)
Before you can begin your search, you must find the true serial number. On Smith & Wesson revolvers, the official serial number is always stamped on the metal of the grip frame's bottom (the butt). If this area is covered by oversized grips or a lanyard ring, you may need to remove the grips to view it.
While a complete day-by-day factory log requires physical book references, the table below highlights major serial number milestones to help estimate production years. Serial Number Prefix / Range Applicable Models Approximate Production Years Victory Model (K-Frame) 1942 – 1945 S 811,120 to S 999,999 Post-War M&P (Pre-Model 10) 1946 – 1948 C 1 to C 223,998 K-Frame (M&P, Pre-10) 1948 – 1951 C 477,466 to C 622,699 Model 10, 11, 12, 45 1961 – 1962 D 1 to D 90,000 K-Frame Models N 1 to N 60,000 N-Frame (Model 27, 28, 29) 1969 – 1972 J 1 to J 250,000 J-Frame (Model 36, 37, 38, 49) 1969 – 1973 AAA to AAF All Models (First 3-Letter Runs) 1980 – 1981 LGT, LHB, LMA Modern Production Early 1990s How to Access the Complete Database smith and wesson revolver serial numbers database
Because Smith & Wesson does not host a free, searchable digital database on their website, collectors rely on compiled historical factory shipping data. The definitive print database is the .
: The S&WHF offers a Letter of Authenticity service for a fee (typically around $100). This letter provides the exact shipping date and original destination of your specific firearm. Smith & Wesson's serial number database is divided
There is no single "Smith and Wesson revolver serial numbers database" that instantly provides an answer for every model. The true database is a combination of the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson for broad estimates, the Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation's factory letter for definitive provenance, and the collective knowledge of dedicated online forums.
Regarded as the "bible" for collectors, this book by Jim Supica and Richard Nahas provides the most comprehensive compiled lists of serial number ranges and their corresponding dates. The Numerical Era (1857 – 1942) Before you
If you would like to narrow down the exact age of your firearm, tell me: What is the of the serial number? Is there a model number stamped inside the crane arm? What caliber is stamped on the barrel? Share public link
This book is the starting point for any collector. It offers lists of serial number ranges, production notes, and pricing information. When seeking a quick answer from the S&W community, members will often reference this book to provide a date estimate. The latest editions contain the most up-to-date serial number tables, especially for modern production.
If your revolver has aftermarket rubber grips or wraparound wooden stocks, you must remove them. These grips often cover the official serial number. 2. The Inside Frame Flange (The Crane/Yoke)