Smith and Wesson serial number search
- Thread starter Driveout02
- Start date
Why doesn't S&W use a systematic numbering system? For example, a number with an easily readable pattern that indicated date, type, and number? For example:
MM-DD-YY-###-X-Y-Z, where ### is the particular one made on that day, and X-Y-Z are variables denoting things like finish, optional accessories, or other particulars.
MM-DD-YY-###-X-Y-Z, where ### is the particular one made on that day, and X-Y-Z are variables denoting things like finish, optional accessories, or other particulars.
info needed
My father passed away 7 years ago and we were going through some stuff in the attic and came across a Smith and Wesson 32 pistol. My mom never knew my dad had it nor did any of us. I don't know anything about it just that it is a 32 the serial number is 404** can anyone help me out with any information.
Thanks
My father passed away 7 years ago and we were going through some stuff in the attic and came across a Smith and Wesson 32 pistol. My mom never knew my dad had it nor did any of us. I don't know anything about it just that it is a 32 the serial number is 404** can anyone help me out with any information.
Thanks
carguychris
New member
Because that would be too easy.
Due to the confusion that can sometimes emerge when identifying old guns, we'll need some more information. I'll write this under the assumption that you don't know much about guns, pardon me if I'm wrong...
1) Does the gun have an intertwined-"S&W" logo on it, or does it only say "SMITH & WESSON" as part of the caliber designation on the barrel? If not, what other logo or lettering is on the gun?
2) Do you load and unload the gun by pressing a latch on the side, which makes the cylinder swing out to the left? This identifies a "Hand Ejector", the only type of revolver S&W has mass-produced since the 1940s.
3) If not, I assume that you load and unload the gun by squeezing two buttons on the top rear of the gun, which makes the barrel hinge down and cylinder hinge up. This type of revolver is called a "top break". OK, now that we've established it's a top break, does it have a visible hammer?
4) If so, does it have a trigger guard (loop of metal around the trigger), and does the hammer move backwards by itself when the trigger is pulled? These two features should normally coincide.
NOTE: Verify that the gun is unloaded before attempting to pull the trigger! Point it in a safe direction- at the ground is usually good- then squeeze the two buttons (or push the latch forwards), swing the cylinder up (or out to the left), and remove any cartridges from the cylinder. If the gun is the Hand Ejector variety and the cartridges won't come out readily, grasp the cylinder firmly in your left hand, point the barrel upwards, and give the rod sticking up from the cylinder a good, sharp push downwards with your right palm. That's what it's for.
Gunpowder that is kept in a cool and dry place will stay good for a long, long, LONG time. It is NEVER safe to assume that cartridges won't go BANG just because they're really old!
Can anyone tell me anything about a .38 special S&W CTG model 36-1, serial number 50J5XX, 3" barrel, holds 5 rounds, hand ejector, checkered wood grips. Please let me know if you need more info. Gun was my mother's who passed away and is now mine. I'm wondering if I can use the +P ammo in it.
carguychris
New member
IIRC 1971-1973 was the timeframe of the "wandering J"- the "J" character meandered from the first character to the second, third, and then the fourth character in the serial number.
The general consensus is that the earlier steel-frame J frames without the "+P" designation on the barrel can digest limited amounts of +P ammo but will "shoot loose" if you use too much. As to where you draw the line, nobody seems to agree.
I personally believe that using +P in a little bitty M36 will probably wear you out before it wears the gun out. FWIW if the gun has an adjustable rear sight, it's a real rarity and you might want to consider selling it or preserving it for its collectible value rather than firing it.
carguychris
New member
Only a letter can tell you for sure.
However, some general rules can help you out when looking at a used gun:
1) A factory-refinished S&W should have a star stamped on the grip frame.
2) S&W never blued their hammers and triggers at the factory.
3) S&W never nickel plated their hammers at the factory. (OTOH S&W triggers were sometimes flash-chromed, which appears similar enough that a shiny trigger isn't always a reliable indicator of a refinish.)
4) S&W always blued the elector star, even if the rest of the revolver was nickel plated, and always left the ejector pawls in natural metal.
My father passed away 7 years ago and we were going through some stuff in the attic a
1) Does the gun have an intertwined-"S&W" logo on it?
Yes on the handle.
2) Do you load and unload the gun by pressing a latch on the side, which makes the cylinder swing out to the left?
No
3) If not, I assume that you load and unload the gun by squeezing two buttons on the top rear of the gun,
No buttons there is a lever on top, in front of the trigger, you lift up that makes the barrel hinge down and cylinder hinge up.
I assume that it is still considered a top break.
Does it have a visible hammer? yes
4) If so, does it have a trigger guard (loop of metal around the trigger), and does the hammer move backwards by itself when the trigger is pulled? These two features should normally coincide.
Yes
Thanks
1) Does the gun have an intertwined-"S&W" logo on it?
Yes on the handle.
2) Do you load and unload the gun by pressing a latch on the side, which makes the cylinder swing out to the left?
No
3) If not, I assume that you load and unload the gun by squeezing two buttons on the top rear of the gun,
No buttons there is a lever on top, in front of the trigger, you lift up that makes the barrel hinge down and cylinder hinge up.
I assume that it is still considered a top break.
Does it have a visible hammer? yes
4) If so, does it have a trigger guard (loop of metal around the trigger), and does the hammer move backwards by itself when the trigger is pulled? These two features should normally coincide.
Yes
Thanks
If I'm right, the serial number puts it as a model 1 and 1/2 second issue. These were 32 rimfire. The barrel is hinged on the top allowing the barrel to tip up. They came with a birdshead grip, fluted cylinder, round barrel and spur trigger with no trigger guard. Serial number range was 26301 - 127100, made from 1868 to 1875. It would look like this:
Yes... No ??
Jim
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