Smith and Wesson serial number search
- Thread starter Driveout02
- Start date
S&W revolver need help dating with SN
Hello this is my fist post on this forum. Great stuff going on here at TFL. I have what I thought to be a Model 36 chief special. However it is a 6 shot .38 spcl with a serial number C 57xxx engraved bottom of grip. It was passed down through a family member and story has it that his step brother carried it as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. I was told the snub nose smith was issued to pilots because the 5" 1911 was not comfortable for long sitting durations. I'm not sure if that is true it is just what I was told. Please help identify. I do not know the frame size I assumed it to be j frame due to snub, but next to my sw m&p 340 it is looks to be a larger size. Firing pin is exposed and pinned to hammer and the front sight is a half circle blade, not a ramp like newer sw revolvers. Any info will make me really happy. Thanks
Edit* I have pics but they are on an old phone that is being repaired so I can lift all my lost data...I can post if need be
Hello this is my fist post on this forum. Great stuff going on here at TFL. I have what I thought to be a Model 36 chief special. However it is a 6 shot .38 spcl with a serial number C 57xxx engraved bottom of grip. It was passed down through a family member and story has it that his step brother carried it as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. I was told the snub nose smith was issued to pilots because the 5" 1911 was not comfortable for long sitting durations. I'm not sure if that is true it is just what I was told. Please help identify. I do not know the frame size I assumed it to be j frame due to snub, but next to my sw m&p 340 it is looks to be a larger size. Firing pin is exposed and pinned to hammer and the front sight is a half circle blade, not a ramp like newer sw revolvers. Any info will make me really happy. Thanks
Edit* I have pics but they are on an old phone that is being repaired so I can lift all my lost data...I can post if need be
It's a .38 Military & Police. Serial numbers ran from C1 in 1948 to C223998 in 1951. It became the model 10 when S&W began stamping model numbers ~ 1957. It's built on the "K" frame.
Various versions of the model were issued to pilots during the Vietman era but would likely have U.S military markings on them. That said, it's possible he was allowed to carry his personal firearm with him.
Jim
Layton
Jim thank you for your wisdom and knowledge. I was beginning to get discouraged I would not know the background as I have been curious and looking in the wrong places here and there for a couple years. I am thrilled to know this now. would this model be more collectable or more highly valued than a model 10 since it predates those modes? Would you happen to know a ballpark value on this as I have not seen a lot of them listed? It came with a black leather thumb break holster from Valencia California. I have not fired it but I do clean and oil it and handle it only after washing my hands to remove any skin oil and I must say it is a sculptured masterpiece. Where can I find info on older Rossi revolvers?
Jim thank you for your wisdom and knowledge. I was beginning to get discouraged I would not know the background as I have been curious and looking in the wrong places here and there for a couple years. I am thrilled to know this now. would this model be more collectable or more highly valued than a model 10 since it predates those modes? Would you happen to know a ballpark value on this as I have not seen a lot of them listed? It came with a black leather thumb break holster from Valencia California. I have not fired it but I do clean and oil it and handle it only after washing my hands to remove any skin oil and I must say it is a sculptured masterpiece. Where can I find info on older Rossi revolvers?
Generally speaking, the older the more desirable. S&W has been making the 38 Military & Police since 1899. They made millions of them. That said, an early post war example can range from about $300 well used to about $700 in like new condition. Add more for original box and paperwork. Can't help you on the Rossi.
Jim
Just bought a 649 with serial number AYP15XX. The number on the frame under the grip matches that inside of the cylinder. There is a T inside of a circle on the both the right grip and right side of the grip frame.
Could anyone tell me the year of manufacture and what some of the markings signify? Thanks in advance for your time and help.
Could anyone tell me the year of manufacture and what some of the markings signify? Thanks in advance for your time and help.
S&W M&P help dating
Been readin this forum for a bit....first post. Just picked up a S&W M&P (pre model 10 I believe) and struggling to date it. S/N 370xxx, 3 screw and screw in front of trigger guard. Any help is appreciated. Paid too much I imagine, but a pretty gun. Thanks.
Been readin this forum for a bit....first post. Just picked up a S&W M&P (pre model 10 I believe) and struggling to date it. S/N 370xxx, 3 screw and screw in front of trigger guard. Any help is appreciated. Paid too much I imagine, but a pretty gun. Thanks.
1993.
The two best versions (IMO) are the 617 no dash and -1 to which yours falls into.
370XXX would date it around early 1920's.
It did become the model 10 when S&W began model numbers around 1957.
It actually should have a 4th side plate screw hidden behind the grip.
Jim
Para Bellum
New member
S&W Mod 49-1, S/N: BFP4509
Hi Folks,
I've just bought a S&W Mod 49-1, S/N: BFP4509
I liked it from the very first glance.
Have a good day and thank you,
PB
Hi Folks,
I've just bought a S&W Mod 49-1, S/N: BFP4509
- Do you specialists know, when it was built and whether this series is known for issues?
- And would it be safe for using +P ammunition?
I liked it from the very first glance.
Have a good day and thank you,
PB
Last edited:
As my book is just the Second Edition, I have a hunch that my SN look-up isn't as well defined as the current Third Edition and some of these letter prefix SN's get hairy. Jim may arrive with a "more correct" date but I believe very late 1990 or early 1991 is the date.
As to +p, it has been S&W's standard line that if:
--the revolver has a stamped model number (1957 or later)
--if it is not specifically stated otherwise
--if it is SAAMI spec .38 Special+p
...then it is good to go AND endorsed by the manufacturer.
Two side notes...
Some folks and (worse!) a few small ammo manufacturers will occasionally ABUSE the term "+p." In the case of people, it is most often casual ignorance. In the case of BUFFALO BORE ammo, it is a wanton disregard for established industry standards and I find it to be an obnoxious act.
For the record, .38 Spl runs 17,000 psi max and .38 Spl+p runs 18,500 psi max, and I say that just to convey some idea of how much difference there is.
For reference, .357 Magnum runs 35,000 psi max.
Run .38 Spl+P in your 90's era Model 49 just as much as your shooting hands will allow.
As to +p, it has been S&W's standard line that if:
--the revolver has a stamped model number (1957 or later)
--if it is not specifically stated otherwise
--if it is SAAMI spec .38 Special+p
...then it is good to go AND endorsed by the manufacturer.
Two side notes...
Some folks and (worse!) a few small ammo manufacturers will occasionally ABUSE the term "+p." In the case of people, it is most often casual ignorance. In the case of BUFFALO BORE ammo, it is a wanton disregard for established industry standards and I find it to be an obnoxious act.
For the record, .38 Spl runs 17,000 psi max and .38 Spl+p runs 18,500 psi max, and I say that just to convey some idea of how much difference there is.
For reference, .357 Magnum runs 35,000 psi max.
Run .38 Spl+P in your 90's era Model 49 just as much as your shooting hands will allow.
Para Bellum
New member
Thanks a lot!
Have a good day,
PB
Have a good day,
PB