Smith And Wesson Revolver Serial Numbers Database Jun 2026

If you are restoring a vintage piece, knowing the production year ensures you source period-correct parts, finishes, and grips.

Under the barrel (for older models) or on the back of the cylinder.

For modern firearms (manufactured from the 1980s to the present), you can call Smith & Wesson customer service directly. Representatives can usually look into their electronic database and give you a manufacturing date over the phone free of charge. Request an Official Factory Letter of Authenticity

In 1980, Smith & Wesson unified its manufacturing tracking by introducing a standardized (e.g., ABC1234). This system eliminated frame-specific prefixes and created a single, continuous database for all modern production. 2. Where to Find the Serial Number on Your Revolver smith and wesson revolver serial numbers database

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The definitive database for these firearms is the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson by Jim Supica and Richard Nahas. Now in its fourth edition, this book contains hundreds of pages of serial number tables, production changes, and engineering variations. It is considered the industry bible for collectors. Official S&W Historical Letters

On older models, the serial number was often stamped on the rear face of the cylinder. If you are restoring a vintage piece, knowing

Serial numbers often range between 90,000 and 120,000 on many common models.

If you would like to pinpoint the age of your firearm, tell me:

You must first accurately identify the exact model and caliber of the firearm to place the serial number in the correct chronological context. 2. The Victory and Letter Prefix Era (1940s–1980) Understanding the Three Eras of Serialization

Historically, Smith & Wesson's approach to serialization has transitioned through several distinct phases:

For collectors, shooters, and historians, Smith & Wesson (S&W) revolvers represent a pinnacle of American firearm manufacturing. With a history stretching back to the mid-19th century, identifying the exact age, model, and rarity of a Smith & Wesson revolver requires diving into the company's extensive serial numbering history.

Three letters followed by four numbers (e.g., AAA0000 to ZZZ9999 ).

In service cases, a small date code (e.g., "12.75" for December 1975) might be stamped under the grips on the side of the frame. Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation

: Numbers stamped inside the yoke (visible when the cylinder is open) are often assembly numbers used during manufacturing. These do not correspond to the legal serial number. Understanding the Three Eras of Serialization