- 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.
- It was only used, to my knowledge, on the large ('N') frame guns and around 1969 or 1970, the 'S' prefix serial numbers ended and the 'N' prefix started. Serial number sequences are articulated quite well the 'The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson'.
- SW99 - The serial number is located on the frame at the rear of the pistol. For long guns manufactured in the early 1980's, please contact the following dealers for parts and service. Smith & Wesson discontinued these models and no longer has a parts inventory or offer repair service for these models.
- We do not have time to answer questions about serialization. Smith & Wesson will issue a letter for a $50 fee. 1980 AAA 1981 AAD 2120 Oct 1982 AAF9000 Dec. 1982 ABL3 3999 Jan. 1983 ABL 40000 Oct. 1983 ADE 6700 Dec. 1983 ADT 2999 Jan 1984 ADT 3000 AET prefix 66-2 Grips dated 5/13/83 HG7568 from 2012 Nov. 1984 AEV-ARJ Jan. 1985 AHA 0667 Jul.
Smith And Wesson Serial Number Prefix B
Smith And Wesson Serial Number Prefix Chart
I agree with s&wchad, those numbers appear to be restamped for whatever reason.
The s/n will appear on the gun in other places, but the prefix may not be on those other places.
You can look at the inside of the right grip panel to see what is stamped there (assuming the grips are original). Also, push the extractor star all the way out, as if you are ejecting spent shells, and look at the underside surface of the star, there should be a number there.
The problem with these later guns is that they may have the prefix imbedded within the s/n (example 5D12345), is that in the places - other than the butt - you may see these number show us as 512345, especially the grips, they normally didn't stamp the alpha letter, either as a prefix or imbedded number.
The older the gun, the possiblity exists for the s/n to appear in more places, for instance on the underside of the barrel (the flat area that is covered from view if the cylinder is closed, swing out the cylinder and look there, I doubt this gun has it there, it appears too late), also check the crane, on the surface that faces the cylinder, you may need to look through the cylinder with a flashlight to see it, or dissassembly may be required.
Good luck
The s/n will appear on the gun in other places, but the prefix may not be on those other places.
You can look at the inside of the right grip panel to see what is stamped there (assuming the grips are original). Also, push the extractor star all the way out, as if you are ejecting spent shells, and look at the underside surface of the star, there should be a number there.
The problem with these later guns is that they may have the prefix imbedded within the s/n (example 5D12345), is that in the places - other than the butt - you may see these number show us as 512345, especially the grips, they normally didn't stamp the alpha letter, either as a prefix or imbedded number.
The older the gun, the possiblity exists for the s/n to appear in more places, for instance on the underside of the barrel (the flat area that is covered from view if the cylinder is closed, swing out the cylinder and look there, I doubt this gun has it there, it appears too late), also check the crane, on the surface that faces the cylinder, you may need to look through the cylinder with a flashlight to see it, or dissassembly may be required.
Good luck
I have a Smith & Wesson 38 Special with a serial number of C1826. The only other numbers I can find on it 95225 with a E above the number when I release the cylinder. Any idea of the age and appoximately what it may be worth.