Smith And Wesson Revolver Serial Numbers Database Jun 2026

Specialized guides, like the one for J-Frame revolvers on M*CARBO, also provide excellent breakdowns of serial number prefixes for specific model families. A sample of a J-Frame lookup is as follows:

As Alex continued to dig through his database, Jameson's excitement grew. "This could be the break we need to catch the thief," he exclaimed.

While you need a guide or expert to pinpoint exact dates, understanding how S&W used prefixes and letters can help you roughly bracket the decade your revolver was produced: smith and wesson revolver serial numbers database

The detective's quest had only just begun, but with the help of Alex's incredible database, he was one step closer to unraveling the secrets of the stolen Smith & Wesson revolver.

For all S&W revolvers, the official serial number of record is stamped on the bottom of the grip frame. If the revolver has grips (stocks) that cover the bottom of the frame, they will need to be carefully removed to access the serial number. The only rare exceptions to this rule are a few small .22 and .32 caliber revolvers from the early 20th century, which have the serial number stamped on the front strap of the grip frame (the part facing the trigger guard). Specialized guides, like the one for J-Frame revolvers

By the 1980s, S&W shifted to a three-letter prefix system (e.g., AAA000cap A cap A cap A 000 AAZcap A cap A cap Z , progressing through the alphabet). How to Find Your Revolver's Serial Number

| Model | Serial Number Range | Production Date | | --- | --- | --- | | Model 10 | K100-K5000 | 1955-1969 | | Model 14 | L100-L5000 | 1956-1970 | | Model 29 | W100-W5000 | 1955-1969 | While you need a guide or expert to

Prior to about 1980, S&W used a purely numeric system for many models. After WWII, they introduced model numbers (e.g., Model 10, Model 19) in 1957. Later, they switched to three-letter prefixes (e.g., CEF1234). A database must account for these eras.

By submitting an application along with the serial number and photos of your revolver, an S&W historian will search the original factory shipping ledgers. The letter you receive will detail exactly when your revolver was shipped, which distributor it was sent to, the barrel length, caliber, and special features it had when it left the factory. Key Serial Number Eras and Prefixes

S&W began using letter prefixes to distinguish production lines, most notably the "V" prefix for the "Victory Model" revolvers.

The company’s historical records are extensive but stored in physical ledgers, digital archives, and reference books. However, over decades of dedicated research by collectors, several high-quality "unofficial" databases and reference systems exist. The key is knowing where to look and how to interpret the data.