S W Serial Numbers Chart
Aug 10, 2016 The S&W Model 39 and the 439 that followed are among the only S&W semi-autos to come standard with a blued finish and wood grips. 2nd Gen Pistols. In the late 1970s the S&W models 439 and 459 were released, which are considered the first of the second generation pistols. These were basically the 39 and 59 with a few small changes and the number. So we whipped together this S&W semi-auto model number quick reference chart to make it a little easier for you the next time you misplace your S&W decoder ring. Our chart covers most of the regular production models for the discontinued Smiths chambered in major service calibers. Is it known that S&W shipped in numerical serial number order? Colt discontinued this in both WWI and WWII as it was too hard to keep shipments in order. Toward the end of WWI a pistol with a consecutive serial number to another pistol may have been shipped a month apart to another destination.
I couldn't find my notes where I ran across this subject being discussed, but if I remember correctly it was at Rimfirecentral.Here is what I came up with on a search: there was one where someone brought it up and everyone dog-piled on the poster for spreading a myth. Again.Edit 1: found another thread 2: more http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-56100.html. JayhawkNavy02 wrote:Jerry,The M41 you built for Joe F. That he competes with is absolutely top shelf. Not only a spectacular shooter, but it looks phenomenal with the custom work you did.Get well soon Jerry!Thank youI don't know if Joe told you the story about that gun or not. That is a fairly old set up. That was back when I was machining 41 barrels from Lilja blanks.Similar to Floyd Aiken barrels.
It shot quite well from the beginning, but some years, later while doing some machine work on the rib, I accidently got to close to the bore, and dimpled it. So, it now sports a Lothar Walther liner.and shoots better than ever. So some good came of that, and I had already determined that liners are superior, as they rest in the barrel stress free. Sa-tevp wrote:I couldn't find my notes where I ran across this subject being discussed, but if I remember correctly it was at Rimfirecentral.Here is what I came up with on a search: there was one where someone brought it up and everyone dog-piled on the poster for spreading a myth. Again.Edit 1: found another thread 2: more inter net has its share of BS.
When working on 41s the first thing to go is the barrel. The barrels are mostly.214 bore diameter which is too tight.217 is the better diameter for precision work. The land to groove ratio is not the best. If you get a chance, look at a Shilen, Lilja of even a Douglas match.22 barrel. The S&W barrel is not even close. Flytrap1 wrote:Jerry, Tell me more about the work that you do.
Will my 41 as it is now, stock from the factory take me to master class? I would rather spend the money to get it upgraded than buy a used Hammerli from Gunbroker for $2500.00! I stand by the 41,I believe it is a beautiful firearm and has unlimited potential. What can you do to take it to the next level?
What's the cost? How long does it take?I have a Hammerli here now to receive a liner. The brand name is not a gaurantee. This gun will barely shoot inch and a half with Eley Red Box.It's always the barrel first. What is the gun capable of as is. The frame and components should get the usual smoothing and polish. The 22 is blow back operated.
Smith & Wesson Serial Number Chart
FRICTION is your enemy. I smooth debur and polish everything that moves or supports movement. 41 triggers are pretty good right out of the box.Iam not taking in work. Perhaps Jon can help you out. The smiths that install liners ' correctly for bullseye' are sort of limited.
Flytrap,It's easy for you to find that out by shooting it from a bench rest and seeing if you can shoot a 9s or better slowfire group with it. Almost all.22s can do that at 50'.Shooting indoors in leagues is fun, but I gotta tell you-find some outdoor matches this spring and GO! If you think league is fun, shooting outdoors is more fun. The people you meet come from a bigger pool and you'll make new friends that you won't be able to get rid of.Do the same test with your 41 at 50 yards to see how serious you have to be before you need to get a liner for your barrel. Maybe you will be happy with the results as it is. You don't need a gunsmith for that. Your goals need to be consistent with your effort and your equipment.
Quote:The Standard Catalog of Smith & WessonHelloI see another responder has Pointed out an excellent source of S&W serial numbers and it will provide many hours of good reading on all the different models they made and make. The Only True way to know when your gun was shipped from the factory is to apply for a Factory letter. Some models are not as fast selling as others and although a reference book shows serial numbers and list's years when they shipped, it can only be considered a general idea of that model as I have seen some that shipped several years after these books show them to due to a less Popular status or demand for them. Here is a direct link to the Factory letter I spoke of and the Excellent reference book the Poster before me mentions that can be ordered from your computer and shipped to your front door. Another excellent book written by the factory Historion Roy Jinks is also shown and I have it as well and I highly suggest it as a Great choice.I hope this helps, Hammer It.
Quote:You guys need to invest a few bucks and buy the excellent reference book entitled 'The Standard Catalog Of S&W's', By Supica & Nahas. There is Now Three volumes and they are reasonable. You gun dates roughly 1966 I hope this Helps, Hammer ItThank you for the help. I only have the one S&W (it belonged to my father-in-law), otherwise I'd certainly invest in the books, especially if I was going to begin collecting S&Ws or if I were in the market for one and wanted to troll the gun shows.My father-in-law told me that he had bought this particular Model 19 as his first handgun forty years ago. He has maintained it beautifully. I'd say, in my non-expert opinion, that the finish is 90%+, and it honestly looks like a new gun, apart from some wear on the bluing near the muzzle.Thanks again for the information.
A manufacture date of 1966 makes sense. Quote:The number you listed for the 10-5 is the assembly number, which is arbitrary and basically meaningless. The serial number of a Model 10 is found on the bottom of the grip frame. It will be a 6-digit number preceded by a 'C' or a 'D'.The Model 19 is 1976 production.Thanks, that is in fact the only 'serial' number on it.
Smith Wesson Serial Numbers Manufacture Date
I haven't seen it, he sent me a pic but it didn't come out so I asked for another.Thanks,DonEdit: Here are the pics he sent me. The same number appears in both places and there is no number on the bottom of the grip.Last edited by DonR101395; February 24, 2008 at 05:53 PM. This email link is to reach site administrators for assistance, if you cannot access TFL via other means. If you are a TFL member and can access TFL, please do not use this link; instead, use the forums (like Questions, Suggestions, and Tech Support) or PM an appropriate mod or admin.If you are experiencing difficulties posting in the Buy/Sell/Trade subforums of TFL, please read the 'sticky' announcement threads at the top of the applicable subforum. If you still feel you are qualified to post in those subforums, please contact 'Shane Tuttle' (the mod for that portion of TFL) via Private Message for assistance.This email contact address is not an 'Ask the Firearms Expert' service. Such emails will be ignored. If you have a firearm related question, please register and post it on the forums.