Smith and Wesson serial number search

I scored a 296 today. I know they only made these from 99-01, but I'm curious if mine is toward the front or the back of the production run: CDF1xxx.

Thanks!
 
Mojave said:
I scored a 296 today. I know they only made these from 99-01, but I'm curious if mine is toward the front or the back of the production run: CDF1xxx.

Thanks!
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The book shows March 1999.
I remember when those first came out, an 18 oz. 44. I bought the all steel version model 696.
 
The book shows March 1999.
I remember when those first came out, an 18 oz. 44. I bought the all steel version model 696.
Click to expand...

Thanks again Jim! I'm curious to find out how bad the recoil is...
 
Edited: Been finding some information on my own

Howdy. Friend of mine just handed me a break-top Smith and Wesson, 38 S&W with patent dates of "OCT2, 1883 AUG4, 1885, APRIL9. 1889." The serial number (on the bottom of the grip frame) is 1928XX.

It's a Safety Hammerless, I think 4th issue. If I'm reading things right, it was made some time around 1905

I'd still like to know any other things you folks can tell me about it. It's in rough shape, so I know it's not worth a lot. I'd like to be able to tell its owner as much as I can about it.

Thanks.
 
Last edited:
reteach said:
Edited: Been finding some information on my own

Howdy. Friend of mine just handed me a break-top Smith and Wesson, 38 S&W with patent dates of "OCT2, 1883 AUG4, 1885, APRIL9. 1889." The serial number (on the bottom of the grip frame) is 1928XX.

It's a Safety Hammerless, I think 4th issue. If I'm reading things right, it was made some time around 1905

I'd still like to know any other things you folks can tell me about it. It's in rough shape, so I know it's not worth a lot. I'd like to be able to tell its owner as much as I can about it.

Thanks.
Click to expand...
Your guess on the date is probably close.
Not much to add other than there were 5 different variations (models) with production running from 1887 to 1940.

Jim
 
Thank you, Jim.

Any idea about value? Like I said, rough finish. Otherwise seems to function well. I haven't shot it and don't plan to, but the safety works, it locks up nicely, and the barrel is pretty clean inside.
 
I think a 38/44 but no model number any help appreciated.

I picked up a S&W marked 38 S&W Special CTG on the barrel. I'm new to revolvers and having a tough time finding anything definite on it.

Under the ejector rod is S 74431 which matches the frame butt and cylinder. Just in front of the cylinder on the frame when opened looks to be a partial V stamp then 15952 just after it.

It came with what appears to be an original black leather holster. The guy I picked it up on trade from didn't know anything other than it was an old family gun.

I've included these photos for anyone that knows a little about it and wouldn't mind sharing so I can learn a little something.
 

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Under the ejector rod is S 74431
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It's a 38/44 Heavy Duty Transition. They were made from 1946 to 1950. The SN dates yours to 1950..
Production of the 38/44 started in 1930 and ran to 1941. Production began again after the war at SN. S62496
At SN. S75000 they became the 38/44 HD model of 1950, with production continuing until 1966.

The target version (adjustable sights) was called the Outdoorsman.

Jim
 
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