S&W Dates of Manufacture I have some S&Ws that I cannot seem to narrow the date of manufacture down any farther and don't want to send off for a letter for each, either. I figure we have enough experts around here that may have better resources available to them than just the internet and an old S&W book to help, and was hoping some of you may be more successful than I. Decoding the serial number on a Smith & Wesson firearm requires some research, as several codes were utilized for guns manufactured before and after World War Two. Reading the serial number is appealing for gun owners because the letters and numbers can reveal the year of manufacture and the rarity of the weapon. Seems like a quick internet search is all that's required to match a serial number to a manufacture date. But not Smith & Wesson. I do realize they weren't good about keeping them in order and that a higher serial number doesn't always mean a later manufacture date. Look up the pistol's full serial number -- including all letters and numbers -- in the back section of the 'Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson' book. These listings inform you of the pistol's date of manufacture, based on the serial number. S&W Model 36 Date of Manufacture. Ok, here's one I just picked up. Smith and Wesson Model 36 (no dash) with adjustable sights with Serial # 391XXX. Help dating the gun would be appreciated. Sorry for the repeat post, but I think I was getting lost in the shuffle of the other thread.

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Smith Wesson 5906 Serial Number Date Of Manufacture Code Today, Smith & Wesson is mostly known for revolvers and their growing line of M&P pistols. Despite the rapidly growing popularity of these polymer-framed striker fired semi-auto pistols, there’s also a lot of buzz around the former metal-framed S&W pistols that were discontinued a few. Smith & Wesson Model 60. Another long-standing J-Frame has been the.22/.32 Kit Gun or Models 34 and 35. Debuting in 1953 these.22 LR revolvers with adjustable sights and either 2”, 4” or 6.

1. As gearchecker says, the 25 is probably a rack number. And we look up the serial number ranges in the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, fourth edition. That gives us manufacture dates but not shipping dates. To get the actual shipping date, you can request an historians letter of authenticity from the S&W historical Foundation.
2. S&W Model 60 Chief's Special:.38 Special, J-frame, 5-shot revolver Smith & Wesson Ladysmith:.38 Special, 357 mag (60-14), J-frame, 5-shot revolver; known as Chief's Special LadySmith 4 'NY-1': Non-cataloged factory variation (bobbed hammer, double action only ) made at the request of the NYPD starting in 1987 (S&W identification number.

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Smith And Wesson Serial Number Date Of Manufacture J Frame

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   S&W serial#/date of manf.

   Where can I find a list telling the manufacture date for the serial number on a S&W model 36 Chief Special?

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   for $30 the factory offers a 'Letter of Authenticity' for your pistol.
   http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/w..ectionId=10504
   other than that, ive heard its hard to date a s+w exactly due to them using a strange numbering system. dont know for sure if its true or not.

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   Thanks for the info. I searched the web and found nothing of help. I may have to pay the piper.
   Thanks again.
   Carl

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   I don't know about the exact date but, I called Smith and gave them my Sn. and they told me the year.

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   Huntingguy, that sounds good. Do you have the number you called?
   I have mine and my uncles mod 36. I know when I bought mine and I have a vague idea of when my uncle bought his. He's dead now so I can't ask.
   How did you find the number if you don't still have it?
   If all else fails I will join and seek the info on the S&W site above.

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   Huntingguy, that sounds good. Do you have the number you called?
   I have mine and my uncles mod 36. I know when I bought mine and I have a vague idea of when my uncle bought his. He's dead now so I can't ask.
   How did you find the number if you don't still have it?
   If all else fails I will join and seek the info on the S&W site above.

   I think I just called S&W customer service.
   http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/w..ectionId=10504
   By Telephone:
   1-800-331-0852 (USA)
   Mon-Fri 8:00AM-8:00PM Eastern Time
   The number is from the link above. I am pretty sure that is the one I called. I had an early J frame I wanted to convert to a 32HR so I called.. It is possible I got in contact with the custom shop.. (No they wouldn't convert it..)

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   Thanks huntinguy, I'll call them monday.
   Why don't you reline the barrel and make a new cylinder???
   My dad had a S&W .32 kit gun with a 4' barrel. The kit gun is a J frame. You may be able to find a kit gun with a snub barrel or you could snub it yourself.
   I ended up with dads guns and gave the kit gun to my sister.

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   It is the same gun as you mentioned but with a three inch barrel. The gun is perfect, not even a wear mark. Maybe it has 100 rounds through it.
   My daughter (13) shot it a few times then it went back to its owner. I thought it was going to stay with me, that is when I called Smith. I just wanted a little more power out of it.
   I really like the 32. great kids gun, makes bigger holes than a 22. impresses the kids more.

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The Smith & Wesson company was formed in 1852, in Norwich, Connecticut. The company's first offering was a lever-action repeating pistol. Moving forward from those beginnings, Smith & Wesson shaped innovations in the manufacturing of modern handguns. As of March 2011, Smith & Wesson offers approximately 110 different pistols of varied designs and features.

Examine the barrel of the Smith & Wesson pistol. Locate either 'Smith & Wesson, Springfield, Massachusetts' or 'Smith & Wesson; Houlton, ME' stamped on the barrel. Download ati windows gamer edition x64 java. This identification proves that the handgun is an authentic Smith & Wesson pistol.

Locate the serial number on the left side of the pistol's frame. The standard location for the serial number is above the trigger guard. Some serial numbers are located underneath the frame in front of the trigger guard. Others are on the rear of the frame, above the gun's grip.

Look up the pistol's full serial number -- including all letters and numbers -- in the back section of the 'Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson' book. These listings inform you of the pistol's date of manufacture, based on the serial number.

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• Smith and Wesson pistol

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• Get a basic idea of whether your Smith & Wesson pistol was manufactured at a very early date or a later date by identifying the letters from A to Z in the serial number. The letter 'A' denotes a pistol manufactured at a very early date. The letters continue on through the alphabet, for pistols manufactured at later dates.

  The numbers in the Smith & Wesson serial numbers are random numbers.

Smith Wesson Serial Number Identification

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LSB#: 180216WJ04

Make: Smith & Wesson

Smith and Wesson Serial Number Date of Manufacture J Frame Revolver Lookup. For models 36, 37, 38, 49, 50 and pre model number versions. 1950 = start at 1. With the serial number that you have provided,your Smith and Wesson K-38 was made in the year 1956. What is date of manufacture of smith and Wesson k7 serial 61277? There is no such model number. Does anyone have a list of the various S&W 686 serial numbers and the year they were made? Also, how does one tell which generation a S&W revolver is? Last edited by JontheCynic; at 01:08 AM. Revolvers have the serial number stamped in the bottom of the grip frame. Newer models also have the serial number under the yoke, by the model number. Each time a significant engineering change was made, a dash number was assigned. Example: Mod 686-4. This would indicate the 4th engineering change to the basic 686. Of course nothing can be.

Model: 686-1 ‘The .357 Distinguished Combat Magnum’, Square Butt, L-Frame

Serial Number: AYH3554

Year of Manufacture: 1986-87 (Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 3rd Edition by Richard Nahas & Jim Supica, page 271)

Caliber: .357 Magnum

Action Type: 6-Shot, Double / Single Action, Swing-Out, Fluted Cylinder Revolver.

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”, the right is marked “S.&W. 357 MAGNUM”, the left side of the frame has S&W’s monogram logo, the right has the four line Marcas Registradas. The yoke cut is marked “AYH3554 / M / M686-1”. The yoke is marked “B3 / S / 83499” The back of the cylinder is marked “V”, the ejector rod cutout is marked “S”. The left side of the grip frame is marked “F4 / B3 / S / 83499”, the butt is marked with the serial number, the right is marked “W” in circle, “L” in triangle, and “7841”.

Smith And Wesson 686 Problems

Barrel Length: 6”, with full underlug and wide solid, serrated rib.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a patridge blade on a sprung rocker with four small allen-head screws at the center numbered 1-4. Under the rocker is a dial which allows one to change the elevation setting of the sight to one of four pre-set positions which can each be individually adjusted using the four screws. The rear of the blade has been painted orange. The rear sight is a flat top, square notched leaf in a base that is micrometer-click adjustable for windage and elevation. The edges of the notch have ben painted white.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are one piece pebble textured black rubber Hogue grips with finger grooves which leave the serrated backstrap exposed. The grips have a couple of light scuffs and handling marks, but no rips or tears. The grips rate in about Excellent overall condition.

Type of Finish: Stainless Steel

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 92% of its metal finish. The right side of the barrel has horizontal scratches on the side of the barrel and lug from the muzzle back about 3″ and the barrel has a few other light, scattered marks. The frame has scuffing on the left- and right-front between the cylinder and barrel, a light scratch under the cylinder on the left side, light scuffing at the rear under the grip, a knick in the bottom edge of the topstrap on the right side, and some scattered light scuffing not easily seen in the stainless finish. The sideplate has scattered light scuffing and the front sideplate screw has a mark to either side of its slot. The cylinder has a light turn line with some scattered light scuffing on the outside. The front and rear screw heads have some tool marks while the middle remains sharp, the grip screw head is sharp as well. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder produces light side to side play with very little back play in full lockup of all 6 chambers. The double action trigger pull is smooth, the single action is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes with a blue plastic Smith & Wesson box with gray foam lining. The exterior has light-moderate scuffs and scrapes. The foam lining has worn and discolored lightly with age. Overal, the box is in about Very Good condition.

Our Assessment: This is a well balanced, double action revolver from Smith & Wesson that has gained notoriety as one of the most effective home defense and duty pistols ever made. This model is considered by some to me more desireable than a comparable, factory-new model due to the frame mounted firing pin and lack of frame-mounted key-lock. The “M” marking in the crane cut indicates that it was returned to Smith & Wesson in 1987 under recall and was returned after modifcation at the factory or warranty station. This revolver would make a fine home defense handgun, hunting sidearm, or addition to a collection lacking a revolver but where it will really shine is in silhouette matches. With its adjustable front sight which can quickly change between four preset elevations, this revolver will make short work of chickens, pigs, turkeys and ram (the steel ones). Please see our pictures and good luck.

CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This handgun CANNOT be transferred as a dealer sale in California. This handgun CAN be sold as a Private Party Transfer (PPT) at our Simi Valley shop. All cartridge firing handguns (even C&R’s and antiques) sold to a California resident must be DROS’d. This does not apply to out of state residents.

The Smith & Wesson Model 686 is a six- or seven-shot double-actionrevolver manufactured by Smith & Wesson and chambered for the .357 Magnumcartridge; it will also chamber and fire .38 Special cartridges. Smith & Wesson introduced the Model 686 in 1981. It is the stainless steel version of the Model 586, which featured a blued steel finish. They are available ported and unported with a choice of 6- or 7-round cylinders.^[1]

Smith And Wesson Serial Number Date Of Manufacture J Frame Revolver Lookup

The Model 686 is based on S&W's L (medium) revolver frame. During the 1980s, Smith & Wesson developed its L-Frame line of .357 Magnums: the Model 581, Model 586, Model 681 and Model 686. The Models 581 and 681 have fixed sights, whereas the 586 and 686 use adjustable sights.^[2]

Variants of the 686[edit]

The 686 has been available with 64, 76, 102, 127, 152, and 211 mm (2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8.325 in) barrel lengths as standard models and other barrel lengths either by special order from S&W's Performance Center custom shop, or acquired from or built by after-market gunsmiths. The Performance Center made a limited number of Model 686s chambered for .38 Super cartridges for competitive shooters.^[1]

The 686 features a 6-round cylinder. The 686P variant, marketed as the Model 686 Plus, has a 7-round cylinder. The 686PP variant, with PP designating PowerPort, has an integral compensator (also known as a muzzle brake).

The 686 has been made with pistol grips having a squared or rounded end (colloquially, 'square butt' or 'round butt'). The grips on the pistol can be changed, and multiple after-market options are available. Acer ms2310 drivers.

The Model 686 has an adjustable rear sight, and until 1992, the 152 and 211 mm (6 and 8.325 in) versions had the option of an adjustable front sight. They had Goncalo alveshardwood grips until 1994, when the grip was replaced by a rubber Hogue grip.^[1]

Through the years, there have been several variations on the Model 686. The Model 686 Classic Hunter was introduced in 1988 and has a 150 mm (6 in) barrel and a non-fluted cylinder; the Model 686 Black Stainless was introduced in 1989 and has either a 100 or 150 mm (4 or 6 in) barrel with a black finish, with production limited to 5000; the Model 686 National Security Special was introduced in 1992 and has a 76 or 102 mm (3 or 4 in) barrel; the Model 686 Target Champion was introduced in 1992 and has a 150 mm (6 in) match-grade barrel, adjustable trigger stop, and walnut grips; the Model 686 Power Port was introduced in 1994 and has a ported 150 mm (6 in) barrel; the Model 686 Plus was introduced in 1996 and has a 64, 76, 102, or 152 mm (2.5, 3, 4, or 6 in) barrel, adjustable sights, 7-shot cylinder, and Hogue rubber grips. As with all current Smith & Wesson revolvers, the 686 Plus now has a key lock integral to the frame of the gun.^[1]

How To Tell What Year My Smith And Wesson Was Made

Engineering and production changes[edit]

• 686 (no dash), 1981 Introduction model
• 686-1, 1986 radius stud package, floating hand
• 686-2, 1987 changed hammer nose, bushing and associated parts
• 686-3, 1988 new yoke retention system
• 686-4, 1993 change rear sight leaf, drill and tap frame, change extractor, Hogue grips
• 686-5, 1997 change frame design to eliminate cylinder stop stud, eliminate serrated tangs, MIM hammer and trigger, change internal lock.
• 686-6, 2001 internal lock
• 686-7, 2003 Performance Center .38 Super, 6-Shot unfluted cylinder, 4' barrel, Stainless Steel, 250 Made

Gallery[edit]

Users[edit]

• France – Used by GIGN during amphibious operations.^[3]
• Norway – The 3'-barreled version with Goncalo alveshardwood-grip was used as a sidearm in the alien immigrant-branches of the Norwegian Police Service by individual plainclothes officers during the early 1990s.^{[citation needed]}
• United States – Used by U.S. Border Patrol.^{[citation needed]} Used by legacy U.S. Customs Service.^{[citation needed]} Used by the legacy U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service^{[citation needed]} Used by U.S. Navy SEALs during waterborne missions.^[4] Used by some smaller police departments and by individual officers in larger departments, especially in marine environments.^[5]
• Luxembourg – Used by the Luxembourg Grand Ducal Police as duty weapon from the 1980s through 2017 when it was replaced by the HK VP9.^[6]
• United States - Used by the Oso Grande 4x4 Posse as an approved weapon for posse members preferring a revolver. Some twenty revolvers were acquired in the early 2000's as issue/approved weapons.

Recall[edit]

In 1987, seven years after the release of the Model 686, there were reports of cylinder binding with some types of standard .357 Magnum ammunition for L-frame revolvers manufactured before August 1987. S&W put out a product warning and authorized a no-charge upgrade to make modifications to the revolver. All recalled and reworked guns were stamped with an M marking, signifying that they had been recalled and fixed; thus it is known as the M modification for all 686, 686-1, 586-1, and 586-2 revolvers.^[7]

Date Of Manufacture By Serial Number

References[edit]

1. ^ ^abcdSupica, Jim; Richard Nahas (2007). Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson (3 ed.). F+W Media, Inc. pp. 331–363. ISBN978-0-89689-293-4.
2. ^Boorman, Dean K. (2002). The History of Smith & Wesson Firearms. Globe Pequot. p. 119. ISBN978-1-58574-721-4.
3. ^Jim Supica (2011). Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 3rd. Iola, wisconsin: Gun Digest Books. p. 343. ISBN978-1-4402-2700-4.
4. ^Chalker, Denny; Dockery, Kevin (2009). One Perfect Op. New York: Harper Collins. p. 104. ISBN978-0-06-175129-5.
5. ^Sweeney, Patrick (2011). The Gun Digest Book of Smith & Wesson. Iola, Wisconsin: Gun Digest Books. p. 104. ISBN978-1-4402-2714-1.
6. ^'So sieht die neue Pistole der Police Grand-Ducale aus'. L'Essentiel. 19 January 2017. Retrieved 19 January 2019.
7. ^Product Warning, Popular Mechanics, January 1988, p. 11.

External links[edit]

Smith Wesson 686 Prices Used

How To Date Smith And Wesson By Serial Number