Smith and Wesson serial number search
- Thread starter Driveout02
- Start date
Redhill,
From the pic, yeah, it looks good. Definitely worth $400.
That said, I have bought and sold many guns on gunbroker.
The problem you run into when selling guns on the auction sites is the buyer has to pick up the cost of shipping and the FFL transfer.
Without getting too detailed, unless your're an FFL, you're looking at an average of $50 for shipping and $25 for FFL transfer on their end. Plus Gunbroker gets about 5% from you when it sells. This is not a big deal on an expensive gun but on a $400 gun the buyer is looking at around $475 to get it in his hands, and he's buying it sight unseen. So... it may be harder to get that $400. Lots of good pictures help.
Try doing a search on gunbroker to see what model 15's are selling for. Click on revolvers then type 15.
If you sell it to a gun shop, they have to eat too, so your likely gonna get about $275 to $300 for it.
You can also try to advertise it locally.
Good luck,
Jim
From the pic, yeah, it looks good. Definitely worth $400.
That said, I have bought and sold many guns on gunbroker.
The problem you run into when selling guns on the auction sites is the buyer has to pick up the cost of shipping and the FFL transfer.
Without getting too detailed, unless your're an FFL, you're looking at an average of $50 for shipping and $25 for FFL transfer on their end. Plus Gunbroker gets about 5% from you when it sells. This is not a big deal on an expensive gun but on a $400 gun the buyer is looking at around $475 to get it in his hands, and he's buying it sight unseen. So... it may be harder to get that $400. Lots of good pictures help.
Try doing a search on gunbroker to see what model 15's are selling for. Click on revolvers then type 15.
If you sell it to a gun shop, they have to eat too, so your likely gonna get about $275 to $300 for it.
You can also try to advertise it locally.
Good luck,
Jim
The serial number dates it to 1942 -1945. It's a Victory model made for military service during WWII.
Value depends on condition and ranges from around $350 in "good", $600 in excellent and $750 in "as new" (2006 values). Per the SCSW, "the US Navy marking adds 50 to 100% if marked on the topstrap (above cylinder) and double to triple the value if marked PROPERTY OF US NAVY below the thumb release. Beware of fake markings"
Jim
1911 SW
I am new to this and have little or no experience. I bought a SW 1911 through gunbroker and of course i bought a SW after doing the reading. It is used and is at 98% so it has not been used very much. What i was wondering is how to tell when it was made, the serial number is JRD6XXX. It does not change anything 1 way or the other, just wondering.
PS i can wait to go out and shoot this weekend as i have not done so in 40-45 years. Next is trap and i have not done this for 30 years. It is heck to get old.
I am new to this and have little or no experience. I bought a SW 1911 through gunbroker and of course i bought a SW after doing the reading. It is used and is at 98% so it has not been used very much. What i was wondering is how to tell when it was made, the serial number is JRD6XXX. It does not change anything 1 way or the other, just wondering.
PS i can wait to go out and shoot this weekend as i have not done so in 40-45 years. Next is trap and i have not done this for 30 years. It is heck to get old.
S&W Model 1?
Hello gentlemen,
I have inherited a S&W handgun. From looking at pictures online I think it might be a model 1, 3rd issue. The only markings I can find are the serial number on the grip of 856XX. Then along the top of the barrel it says "Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass. Pat. Apr 3.55 July 5.59 & Nov 21.65"
Am I right about the model? Any idea of the year for that serial number?
Thanks!
Hello gentlemen,
I have inherited a S&W handgun. From looking at pictures online I think it might be a model 1, 3rd issue. The only markings I can find are the serial number on the grip of 856XX. Then along the top of the barrel it says "Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass. Pat. Apr 3.55 July 5.59 & Nov 21.65"
Am I right about the model? Any idea of the year for that serial number?
Thanks!
Last edited:
The SCSW only covers up to 2004. You can get the DOB free over the phone from S&W customer service.
S&W
1-800-331-0852 (USA)
Mon-Fri 8:00AM-8:00PM Eastern Time
The serial number is consistant with a model one but the patent dates are not. Also it would be a 22 caliber.
That serial number and patent dates are consistent with a model ONE-and-a-Half first issue which were made from 1865 to 1868 and caliber would be 32.
Jim
You have an interesting and somewhat rare gun, Art. The "S" serial number prefix was used for post-war N-frames, the largest revolver frame that S&W made for many years, and only two models of .38 Special were built on the N-frame. Your gun dates from 1948, and is either a .38/44 Heavy Duty or .38/44 Outdoorsman, both the so-called "Transitional" model that was built for a few years after the war when S&W was returning to civilian production.
The Heavy Duty had a fixed rear sight, i.e. milled into the topstrap over the cylinder, and the Outdoorsman had an adjustable rear sight, so you should be able to determine easily which you have. The Heavy Duty eventually (in 1957, when S&W began the model numbering system) became the Model 20 and the Outdoorsman became the Model 23. Both were discontinued in 1966.
The .38/44 was named that because back in the 30s when the gun was introduced S&W was interested in developing a more powerful .38 caliber cartridge, so built a .38 caliber revolver on the beefier .44 Special frame. There was a more powerful .38 Special loading that went along with it, now discontinued, which eventually led to the development of the .357 Magnum.
Only about 2,500 Heavy Duty Transitionals and 2,300 Outdoorsman Transitionals were ever made, so if the gun is in reasonable shape it could be quite valuable, easily upwards of $1,000.
The Heavy Duty had a fixed rear sight, i.e. milled into the topstrap over the cylinder, and the Outdoorsman had an adjustable rear sight, so you should be able to determine easily which you have. The Heavy Duty eventually (in 1957, when S&W began the model numbering system) became the Model 20 and the Outdoorsman became the Model 23. Both were discontinued in 1966.
The .38/44 was named that because back in the 30s when the gun was introduced S&W was interested in developing a more powerful .38 caliber cartridge, so built a .38 caliber revolver on the beefier .44 Special frame. There was a more powerful .38 Special loading that went along with it, now discontinued, which eventually led to the development of the .357 Magnum.
Only about 2,500 Heavy Duty Transitionals and 2,300 Outdoorsman Transitionals were ever made, so if the gun is in reasonable shape it could be quite valuable, easily upwards of $1,000.
Art, any other numbers besides the number stamped on the butt are known as "assembly numbers" and are used to keep track of fitted parts during the manufacturing process. They have no significance.
What do you mean by "they finally got the cylinder open"? Is there a problem (rusting, e.g.) with the gun such that opening the cylinder was difficult? That would be a real shame with a gun like this.
BTW, since my original response I noticed that there were also some K-frame .38 Special Transitional Models that used the "S" prefix, but according to the Standard Catalog, those guns had SNs higher than S811120, or possibly S769000. Either way, your SN predates those, so based on everything I've learned to date I believe my original assessment is correct.
Does it have the fixed or adjustable sights? Any way you could post a pic or two?
What do you mean by "they finally got the cylinder open"? Is there a problem (rusting, e.g.) with the gun such that opening the cylinder was difficult? That would be a real shame with a gun like this.
BTW, since my original response I noticed that there were also some K-frame .38 Special Transitional Models that used the "S" prefix, but according to the Standard Catalog, those guns had SNs higher than S811120, or possibly S769000. Either way, your SN predates those, so based on everything I've learned to date I believe my original assessment is correct.
Does it have the fixed or adjustable sights? Any way you could post a pic or two?
Certainly looks consistent with it being a .38-44 Outdoorsman Transitional, and it's in pretty good shape from what I can see - a bit of finish wear in the usual places, and I think some of the white areas in the photos may just be glare (?). If it were my gun, I'd take it someplace reputable to get an appraisal and spend the 50 bucks to get a factory letter from S&W. That's definitely worth a bit of money. Nice, very nice.
ETA: One last thing, if you want . . . carefully remove the grips and look to see if the serial number is stamped on the inside of the right one (i.e., the one that would be in the palm of a right-handed shooter). The original grips - and the raised-diamond Magnas shown in the photos are at least the correct design for the gun - should have the SN stamped there, probably minus the "S".
ETA: One last thing, if you want . . . carefully remove the grips and look to see if the serial number is stamped on the inside of the right one (i.e., the one that would be in the palm of a right-handed shooter). The original grips - and the raised-diamond Magnas shown in the photos are at least the correct design for the gun - should have the SN stamped there, probably minus the "S".
Speedyfish
Inactive
I just bought a clean S&W 64-3 with a serial number of 418XX. I would much appreciate any help on a date or other info.,,
OrygunMike
Inactive
S&W Model 49 Bodyguard - Serial number
Serial number is ACM7XXX
I would really appreciate knowing more about the year manufactured and any model/revision information
thanks much !
Serial number is ACM7XXX
I would really appreciate knowing more about the year manufactured and any model/revision information
thanks much !
That's likely an assembly number. Take the serial number from the underside of the frames grip butt.
It will either have a "D" in it or a three letter prefix. If your grips cover the bottom of the grip butt you'll have to remove them to see it.
That SN dates it to 1983.
It would be a 49 no dash (no revisions). The first revision (49-1) was in 1988.
Jim
Speedyfish
Inactive
Looking in the correct place, now, that serial number is AJPXXX. Mid-late 1980's?
Speedyfish
Inactive
Thanks Jim! 1986 was the last year my police department carried 64's. I got hired in 1987, during the switchover. I bought it for sentimental reasons and now I'm even happier with it.