- .Note that a number of N frames with serials in the S138000-S140000 range (and the range may be wider either way) are seen that were shipped much later than the serial would suggest should be the case. In one known example a gun with serial S136431 was not shipped until June of 1958.
- Both the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson (second edition) and Ftjestad's Blue Book list 59,400 Perfecteds being made between 1909 and 1920 with serial numbers 1-59400. It was S&W's last top break revolver model. I really like your Perfected, Mike.
- I recently acquired a 686-5 2 1/2' seven shot with original Hogue grips. The serial number is CTT-35XX. Another 6' 686 I own has the BSE prefix. I have several listings of Smith and Wesson serial numbers but none with the three letter prefix serial numbers for dates of manufacture. They state, '1980 three letter prefixes start'.
S&W is known to hold blocks of numbers for some purposes. It means if they want to build a comemmorative, all the guns have sequential numbers. Or sometimes, anyhow. It doesn't mean they were all completed the same day or week, just that someone went to the effort to assure they had similar numbers.
From what I can glean from the books on the subject, S&W logs in guns when they move from production/inspection to the 'vault', the place where they're shipped from. The letters we beg from Roy indicate another date, the date they're shipped from the vault. It may be important that those may be the same day, or a date years later.
Some guns were hot sellers. S&W is a business. They, like all other business entities have cash flow problems and concerns. If they have a completed gun, and a willing customer, they ship it. They also completed some batch blocks of guns. Its just cheaper and easier to build the same configuration guns at the same time. Even if there isn't a ready and willing customer.
We also know S&W made some ugly ducklings. Many of us don't feel that way today... But there was a time frame where you almost couldn't give away a Heavy Duty or Outdoorsman. Or K32s. So they languished. Probably in the vault.
All an adjacent serial number means is that the guns were probably in production at the same time, maybe even side by side for a few steps in the production process, maybe separated on different racks, too. We just don't know and Roy hasn't indicated if records exist of various guns in various stages. Its probably safe to say many gun frames were sequentially numbered at about the same time. Its an internal control issue.
But we also find guns from time to time where the factory has no records of them existing. Its not unusual for one of us to blow our meager allowances on letters. Only to get one back that says 'Open on Company books.' We have no idea what that phrase really means, but probably any of a number of things, including stolen (lunchbox guns), destroyed during production, pulled out for some reason and never shipped or sold, given to an employee for whatever reason, etc. I've got a beautiful early Centennial that came back that way. It just happens.
We seem to read way to much into serial numbers. A lot of are willing to pay a premium, some time a multiple of fair market, just to obtain a desireable number. I've done it before and I'll do it again. The family (my family) owns 2 637s. Younger son covets the one with a 'CCW' prefix. Two reasons, he doesn't clean his guns, and the CCW is new/pristine, and its just a cool number. Sebago Son owns a K22. He mercilessly lofts it over my head because he located it in a chicken coop, and because it has K117 on the underside. All I've managed to score are K155 and K166. And I was mad at Blake (one of our posters) because he let K141 escape to an unwashed heathen owner. The guy who owned K137 wouldn't sell it to me, nor would the owner of K188.
So maybe I should rephrase the first sentence of that last paragraph. I read way too much into serial numbers! :)
SOLD FOR: $1,361.77
LSB#: 190610SF07
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 624, The Model of 1985 .44 Target Stainless
Serial Number: AHB6556
Year of Manufacture: 1985-88
Caliber: .44 Special
Action Type: 6-Shot, Single And Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”, the right is marked “44 S.&W. SPECIAL CTG.”. The yoke cut is marked with the serial and model number. The right side of the frame is marked with the four line Marcas Registradas address, the sideplate has S&W’s monogram logo. The ejecor rod cut in the lug is marked “S”. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “F”. The yoke and sides of the grip frame have inspection marks. The butt has the serial number.
Barrel Length: 6 1/2″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramp blade, pinned to a serrated ramp base which is integral to the solid, wide rib. The rear sight is a square notched leaf in a S&W micrometer click base that is adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered Goncalo Alves target stocks with S&W medallions. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There is still an inspection sticker on the bottom of the left panel. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent 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 handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. The cylinder has a thin turn-line and there are a few scattered light marks and scuffs. The trigger and hammer have light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup has almost no play on each of the six chambers. The double action trigger is smooth and 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 in a blue cardboard one-piece Smith & Wesson box with no label, wax paper, cleaning rod, bore brush, bore mop, grooved alloy handle screwdriver and an assortment of factory paperwork including manual. The box has scattered light wear with slight fraying at some edes and corners, in about Very Good condition. The S&W factory cleaning accessories still sealed in their plastic packaging.
Our Assessment: The Model 624 was introduced in 1985 as S&W’s stainless steel .44 Special target revolver. The .44 Special cartridge is not as punishing as the .44 Magnum with respect to recoil, but is still a quite serviceable defensive cartridge and is known for its accuracy in revolvers, making this a good choice for target shooting as well. This revolver is in about Excellent condition with 98% of its finish, a bright bore, strong mechanics and comes with a box and factory accessories. For the Smith & Wesson collector, this is a great find, but for the shooters it will make a fine target revolver, plinker, or even home defense revolver. Please see our photos 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 section does not apply to out of state residents.
S&w Model 60 Serial Number Dates
15 hours ago SMITH & WESSON CANADIAN 22 TARGET REVOLVER from COLLECTING TEXAS Description: Smith & Wesson Canadian 22 Target Revolver; Serial No. 926277;.22 Long Rifle Caliber; 6” Barrel; Blue Finish; Target Sights; British and Canadian Proof Marks; Barrel not original to gun; Good Action and Bore; No Return on This Item; See All Photos for Condition; No Texts; Call (254)541-5765.