Smith and Wesson serial number search

Model 686-3 6 inch

I need help and this seems to be the place to turn to. I've got a friend that wants to sell me his S&W .357 w/6 inch barrel and I am trying to find out when it was made and whether the $400 that he has offered it to me for is a good deal. Can anyone help me?

Model 686-3
Serial BNN6XXX
 
Cool Thread!

New Nube with no book but I would love some dates for my Smiths if possible!

Model 19-7 BRM68**

Model 66-2 AER79**

Thank you!
 
I have an old Smith $ Wesson revolver that was passed down from my great grandfather.

I believe it is one of the M&P 38's

The left side of the barrel is marked 38 S&W Special & U.S. Service CTG's

The patent dates on the right side begin with April 9, 89 and end with July 7, 03

The serial number under the barrel by the ejector rod is 125xxx.

The revolver is nickel plated with a 4" barrel.

Any information would be appreciated.
 
johnsb:
You have a .38 Military & Police Model of 1905 1st change manufactured between 1906 & 1909 in the serial range 73251 to146899.
the US Service CTG markings refer to the .38 Long Colt cartridge, which was the standard US army round at the time and can also be chambered in .38 special guns.
Your gun predates heat treatment of cylinders, so avoid use of PlusP, +P+ or jacketed ammunition. Stick to standard velocity lead rounds and you should be fine.
Your gun also predates the modern internal hammer block safety introduced in 1944. It would be prudent to leave the chamber under the hammer empty if you are keping the gun loaded.
Nickel was a factory option, if the hammer and trigger are color case hardened (straw colored) then it may be the original finish.
Value is not high as several million Military & Police revolvers were manufactured. in 2006 the Standard Catalog of S&W gave a value of $385 in excellent condition.

jdawg:
As a general rule of thumb, factory letters will add to the value of a rare specimen or if it shows it was shipped to a person of historical interest. getting a factory letter ofr a 686 will probably not add anything to the value.
 
S&W K frame

I have a S&W K frame in 38 special but I don't have it here unfortunately but I do know the serial number it's 520xxx and would like to know when it was made.

Hope this is enough info if not I'll get back later this month when I bring it back from the midwest.
 
I have a S&W K frame in 38 special but I don't have it here unfortunately but I do know the serial number it's 520xxx and would like to know when it was made.
IF the whole SN is 520XXX and it does not have a letter prefix (K,D,V or C),
then it's a 38 Military & Police 4th Change made around 1930, give or take a few years.

Jim
 
IF the whole SN is 520XXX and it does not have a letter prefix (K,D,V or C),
then it's a 38 Military & Police 4th Change made around 1930, give or take a few years.

Jim

Thanks Jim, that would be about right, there is no prefix with the number. The pistol had belonged to my great uncle who had been a police/detective between 1924 - 34 and was on the pistol team.
 
Serial Number Request

Hi! This is my first post. I am thinking about purchasing a Model 586 L Frame just to see what is supposed to be the answer to the M19 "weaknesses". The S&W catalog has been no help with this number other than to tell me when they started. It's number AAL5978. Any idea when it was manufactured? The crane only has Model 586 with no dash number for modifications, although I can't believe it's that early. Thanks, in advance.
 
Armyphotog: The AAL sn prefix would correspond to 1982, and that would be correct for a "no dash" 586 - they were introduced in 1981 and the 586-1 came out in 1986. If there is no "M" stamped in the crane area, the gun has not been sent back to S&W for the recall of no-dash and -1 586s. The original design of the firing pin and bushing allowed the cylinder to bind under certain conditions and loads. I believe the guns can still be returned for the modification that will correct the problem at no cost to the owner - may not be important for a range gun, but if you plan to carry it I would strongly recommend that you send it back.
 
My father in law showed me an old 38. special that they have had in there family for years. I am wondering what if anything someone can tell me about it its a 38 S&W special us service ctg's revolver SN apears to be 1444X. aperas to have a long bearl on it was well.
 
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