For collectors, historians, law enforcement officers, and firearm enthusiasts, few names carry as much weight as Smith & Wesson. Since 1852, the company has been a titan of American firearm manufacturing, producing legendary revolvers like the Model 10 (the "Military & Police"), the .357 Magnum, the Model 29 (made famous by Clint Eastwood's Dirty Harry ), and the Model 60 Chief’s Special.
In the 1960s and 1970s, S&W was owned by Bangor Punta. Quality dipped. Serial number databases can tell you if your revolver is from the "good" early 1960s or the "spotty" late 1970s. smith and wesson revolver serial numbers database
Often called the "S&W Bible" by collectors, this book by Jim Supica and Richard Nahas is the most reputable source for identifying a revolver by its serial range. Quality dipped
After 1957, S&W added dash numbers (e.g., Model 29-2, Model 19-3). These indicate engineering changes. Your serial number database will sometimes include the dash number in the range (e.g., "29-2 serials start at N100000"). Always check both. After 1957, S&W added dash numbers (e
Alex's eyes lit up as he took the paper. "Let me see what I can find." He disappeared into a sea of papers and emerged with a dusty old book. "My database is based on the Smith & Wesson factory records, which I've meticulously compiled over the years."
On pre-1957 models, the number on the yoke is often an assembly number, not the serial number. Rely on the butt.