Antique Smith And Wesson Serial Number Lookup

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The Chiefs Special, which later came to be known as the Smith & Wesson Model 36 was not the first production .38 Special snubby; that honor goes to the Colt Detective Special in 1927. The Chiefs Special was the first 5-shot J-frame .38 Special revolver produced by Smith & Wesson. I would be willing to suggest that it is the most influential compact revolver design of the 20th Century. The Colt Detective Special is gone but not forgotten, as is the S&W Model 10 Military & Police snubnose, but the diminutive J-frame snubnose remains one of the most popular personal defense handguns in the world. In its essential notes, it is copied by Ruger, Taurus and Charter Arms. Whether or not we would declare it the archetypal snubby would come down a matter of personal taste, but the Chiefs Special is certainly the leading contender for that designation.
The Chiefs Special J-frame was developed from the very popular .38/32 (.38 S&W) Terrier I-frame revolver. The I-frame was a 5-shot hand ejector double action revolver. It was very popular because it was so small and light, but it was not strong enough to handle the more powerful .38 Special round. The demand was great for a snubby that was small like the Terrier but able to handle the .38 Special. Smith & Wesson lengthened the cylinder and frame of the I-frame, and beefed it up a bit. They dubbed it the J-frame. It was introduced at the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) conference held in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in October 1950. In a stroke of marketing genius, S&W named the gun the Chiefs Special and thus it has remained ever since. In 1957, S&W went to a number system for designating guns. The Military & Police became the Model 10. The Chiefs Special became the Model 36. The Terrier became the Model 32, and so on. This is why you get the curious pre-Model # designations. Most of the guns that got a model number had a pre-model number name. A pre-Model 36 is a Chiefs Special made before 1957.
Smith & Wesson is definitely not Ford Motor Company. S&W constantly made small design tweaks on their guns, and thereby produced a multitude of variations in the Model 36. Production changes:

Smith and Wesson Serial Number Date of Manufacture J Frame Revolver Lookup. For models 36, 37, 38, 49, 50 and pre model number versions. 1950 = start at 1. Antique Smith and Wesson revolvers represent some of the most highly collectable pieces from one of America's most historic gun. Antique serial number.

Antique smith and wesson serial number lookup
    • 1951 – Slightly larger frame and triggerguard
  • Six-round target revolver with a 6' barrel. This model was also known as the 22/32 Bekeart after Phil Bekeart, who was the California arms dealer who convinced Smith & Wesson to manufacture the 22/32 H.E. The revolver has very fine target sights. The revolver has approximately 95% of its original blue and 100% of its hammer case.
  • This model represented a number of firsts for Smith & Wesson Company. It was first of the top-break automatic ejection revolvers. Also first Smith & Wesson in a large caliber (chambered for.44 S&W American cartridge as well as.44 Henry rimfire on rare occasions). Also known as 1st Model American. This large revolver offered with an 8' round.
Antique smith and wesson serial number lookup free
    • 1952 – Introduction of square butt at serial 21,342
    • 1953 – Elimination of screw in triggerguard, larger grips (four-screw)

Antique Smith And Wesson Serial Number Lookup 2327976

    • 1955 – Removed upper sideplate screw at serial 75,000 (three-screw)
    • 1957 – Chief’s Special continued as the Model 36
    • 1955-1975 – Produced as Model 50 with target sights in 2″ and 3″ barreled models

Antique Smith And Wesson Serial Number Lookup Online

    • Also produced in heavy barrel 3″ version without target sights

The Model 36 Chiefs Special was produced from 1950 to 1999. It still survives in modern metals in the form of the Model 637, the Model 60, the Model 36LS, the Model 340, the Model 360, and their variants. Contemporary J-frame S&W revolvers are actually built on the J-Magnum frame rather than the true J-frame. If you compare a current J-frame with an original Model 36 or 60, you will notice that the frame and cylinder are slightly longer on the new guns. They are all built to the length that will accommodate .357 Magnum, even the models that are chambered for .38 Special. All of the new stainless J-frames today are chambered for .357 Magnum rather than .38 Special. (There have been variants produced in the Model 60, 66, and 640 that are “re-issued” in .38 Special, so check the gun you’re looking at.) If you go to the store today to buy an all-stainless J-frame, if it is new, it will be chambered in .357 Magnum as will be the Model 360 and the Model 340. You can, of course, shoot .38 Special in the .357 Magnums, but Smith & Wesson finds it necessary to enable their new snubs to chamber .357 regardless of how painful they may be to shoot. The stainless and alloy Airweights are still chambered in .38 Special and rated for +p, and IMHO, they’re the best value and most utilitarian members of the class.

The question of using modern +p ammunition in these old revolvers often comes up. While the all steel early models will probably stand up to a limited amount of +p, they were not designed to handle it. Loads like Speer 135g +p and Cor-Bon DPX did not exist when these guns were built. The safest course with the Model 36 is to stick with standard pressure loads if you choose to shoot it. +P absolutely should not be used in the early Airweights, the Model 37, 38 and 42. And, of course, the all aluminum “Aircrewman” revolvers should not be fired at all, even with standard pressure loads. The new Airweights, the Model 637-1, 638-2 and 642 are rated for +p and will handle it without damage to the gun.

S&w Serial Numbers

The Model 36 and its children have endured for half a century and the odds are good that they will be around for quite some time.

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Antique Smith And Wesson Serial Number Lookup
  • Smith and Wesson .357 Magnum revolver, satinSmith and Wesson .357 Magnum revolver, satin stainless, model 66, 4' bbl, serial CFM 8504, with hard case
  • Smith and Wesson .357 Magnum revolver, satinSmith and Wesson .357 Magnum revolver, satin stainless, model 66, 4' bbl, serial CFY506, with hard case
  • Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum Revolver,Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum Revolver, stainless, contour rubber grip, 8-3/8' barrel, Model 686, serial #CDK3637, with case, has white outline rear sight,
  • *Smith & Wesson Model 686 357 Magnum RevolverLike*Smith & Wesson Model 686 357 Magnum RevolverLike New In Box with factory accessories. Smith and Wesson Model 686-6 357 magnum 6 shot revolver purchased
  • **MIB S&W Texas Rangers Commemorative Revolver.Serial**MIB S&W Texas Rangers Commemorative Revolver.Serial # TR492 Issued by Smith & Wesson in 1973 to commemorate 150 years of the state of Texas. The basic
  • *Smith & Wesson Mod. 28-2 357 Magnum RevolverSerial*Smith & Wesson Mod. 28-2 357 Magnum RevolverSerial #N533XXX is a Model 28-2 Smith & Wesson 357 Mag. Revolver also known as the Highway Patrolman and traces
  • **MIB S&W Texas Rangers Commemorative Revolver.Serial**MIB S&W Texas Rangers Commemorative Revolver.Serial # TR411 Issued by Smith & Wesson in 1973 to commemorate 150 years of the state of Texas. The basic
  • **MIB S&W Texas Rangers Commemorative Revolver.Serial**MIB S&W Texas Rangers Commemorative Revolver.Serial # TR1064 Issued by Smith & Wesson in 1973 to commemorate 150 years of the state of Texas. The basic
  • Smith & Wesson .357 magnum revolver circaSmith & Wesson .357 magnum revolver circa 1970 serial number 7D67761; S&W .357 magnum caliber double action 6-shot swing-out cylinder marked 'SMITH &
  • Smith and Wesson revolver, 357 magnum, 4Smith and Wesson revolver, 357 magnum, 4 1/2' barrel seven shot with two holsters, sn - cwm 8440 (537). : Smith and Wesson revolver, 357 magnum, 4 1/2'
  • SMITH & WESSON .357 MAGNUM MODEL DOUBLE ACTIONSMITH & WESSON .357 MAGNUM MODEL DOUBLE ACTION REVOLVER, .357 magnum caliber, 6 1/2' solid rib barrel, six shot fluted cylinder, blued finish, checkered
  • A .357 Magnum Smith & Wesson revolverA .357 Magnum Smith & Wesson revolver etched and engraved by Ken Hunt for George Washington Vanderbilt III Serial no. S124723 for 1954, .357 Magnum.
  • PISTOL - SMITH & WESSON, .357 MAGNUM,PISTOL - SMITH & WESSON, .357 MAGNUM,
  • Smith and Wesson Model 27-2 .357 Mag. SNSmith and Wesson Model 27-2 .357 Mag. SN S241204 3 1/2 inch barrel, near mint condition with Bianchi basket weave holster. Estimate: 250.00 - 350.00
  • Smith and Wesson Model 19-5 .357 Mag. SNSmith and Wesson Model 19-5 .357 Mag. SN ATK8696 6 inch bbl, adjustable sights, factory walnut grips, near mint overall. Estimate: 350.00 - 450.00
  • Smith and Wesson Model 586 .357 mag. sn ADD6087Smith and Wesson Model 586 .357 mag. sn ADD6087 6 inch bbl, adjustable sights, Pachmyr grips, near mint overall. Estimate: 350.00 - 450.00
  • Smith and Wesson Model 65-3 .357 mag sn BAR1719Smith and Wesson Model 65-3 .357 mag sn BAR1719 excellent tonear mint overall. Estimate: 250.00 - 350.00
  • Smith and Wesson Model 19-4 .357 mag. SNSmith and Wesson Model 19-4 .357 mag. SN 46K6665 retains most original blue and case colors shows some holster and high edge wear, excellent overall. Estimate:
  • Smith and Wesson model 13-2 revolver, .357Smith and Wesson model 13-2 revolver, .357 Magnum, blued finish, with CTC laser sight grips, serial #78X26, with leather holster
  • Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum revolver, NorthSmith & Wesson .357 Magnum revolver, North Carolina Officers Association, 25th anniversary model, 1962-1987, 4 in. barrel; FFL or permit required. As new
  • A Smith & Wesson Model 27-2 double actionA Smith & Wesson Model 27-2 double action revolver Serial no. 94467, .357 Magnum. 8 3/8 inch barrel. Blued finish. Checkered walnut target grips. Condition:
  • A boxed Smith & Wesson Model 66 doubleA boxed Smith & Wesson Model 66 double action revolver Serial no. 86820, .357 Magnum. 4 inch barrel. Stainless. S&W checkered walnut grips. In
  • LADY SMITH & WESSON - 357 MAG. RequiresLADY SMITH & WESSON - 357 MAG. Requires form 4473.
  • SMITH & WESSON 357. Model 664. RequiresSMITH & WESSON 357. Model 664. Requires form 4473.
  • SMITH AND WESSON MODEL 19-3 DOUBLE ACTIONSMITH AND WESSON MODEL 19-3 DOUBLE ACTION REVOLVER, 357 magnum caliber, 5 7/8' barrel, blued finish, Pachmayr soft rubber grips, six shot fluted cylinder,
  • *Smith & Wesson Mod 586 357 Mag Modified*Smith & Wesson Mod 586 357 Mag Modified RevolverIs a first model introduced 1981and sold prior to 1983. Modified slightly after purchase in 1983 with
  • **Lot Of 2: S&W Revolvers.Serial # BSN3389**Lot Of 2: S&W Revolvers.Serial # BSN3389 & 6589 First revolver is a Smith & Wesson Model .44 Second Model hand ejector. Features include a 5' barrel,
  • Smith & Wesson Model 27-2 357 Magnum sn:Smith & Wesson Model 27-2 357 Magnum sn: N325332 6' BBL, adjustable rear sights, unfired, in original factory case with cleaning equipment. Make Smith
  • Smith & Wesson Model 19-3 357 Magnum sn:Smith & Wesson Model 19-3 357 Magnum sn: K942937 4' BBL, retains most original blue, visible holster wear at end of muzzle, sound action, good bore, Pachmayr
  • Smith & Wesson Model 19-3 357 Magnum sn:Smith & Wesson Model 19-3 357 Magnum sn: 9K48444 Revolver most original blue finish, 6' BBL sound action, good bore, trigger hand hammer retain bright
  • Smith & Wesson Model 13-2 357 Magnum sn:Smith & Wesson Model 13-2 357 Magnum sn: 8D45350 3' BBL, mint condition overall, in original factory box with paperwork, possibly unfired. Make Smith &
  • *SMITH & WESSON PRE-MODEL 27 2-BBL SET. Cal.*SMITH & WESSON PRE-MODEL 27 2-BBL SET. Cal. 357 Mag. SN S105963. Very unusual piece, 5-screw frame with 3-1/2' bbl, ramp front sight, adjustable rear
  • *Smith & Wesson Mod. 19 357 Magnum RevolverSer.*Smith & Wesson Mod. 19 357 Magnum RevolverSer. # ADS2XXX is a very nice clean Smith & Wesson model 19-5 357 magnum 6 shot revolver with a 4' barrel.
  • **MIB S&W 27-9 Double Action Revolver.Serial**MIB S&W 27-9 Double Action Revolver.Serial # SFY0223 This gun was manufactured in 2010 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Smith & Wesson's introduction
  • Rare Smith & Wesson factory registered, handRare Smith & Wesson factory registered, hand made six-shot revolver, .357 magnum, this is one of o Rare Smith & Wesson factory registered, hand made six-shot
  • Smith & Wesson Model 28-2 357 Magnum sn:Smith & Wesson Model 28-2 357 Magnum sn: N259750 Excellent overall condition, 4' Highway Patrolman, appears unfired, slight drag line, visible case color
  • *SMITH & WESSON MODEL 686-4 DA REVOLVER.*SMITH & WESSON MODEL 686-4 DA REVOLVER. Cal. 357 Mag. SN CAN5486. Stainless revolver with 4' full lug bbl, red ramp & white outline sights, smooth trigger
  • *SMITH & WESSON MODEL 586 DA REVOLVER. Cal.*SMITH & WESSON MODEL 586 DA REVOLVER. Cal. 357 Mag. SN AAJ5321. Blued finish, 6' full lug bbl, red ramp front sight & adjustable rear sight, standard
  • *SMITH & WESSON MODEL 27-2 DA REVOLVER. Cal.*SMITH & WESSON MODEL 27-2 DA REVOLVER. Cal. 357 Mag. SN N832508. Blued finish, 3-screw frame, 4' bbl, red ramp & white outline sights, standard trigger
  • *SMITH & WESSON MODEL 27-1 DA REVOLVER. Cal.*SMITH & WESSON MODEL 27-1 DA REVOLVER. Cal. 357 Mag. SN S218714. Blue finish, 6' bbl, red ramp & white outline sights, target trimmer & hammer, with diamond
  • *SMITH & WESSON MODEL 27-2 DA REVOLVER. Cal.*SMITH & WESSON MODEL 27-2 DA REVOLVER. Cal. 357 mag. SN N433360. Scarce early model, nickel finish with 8-3/8' bbl, Partridge front sight, adjustable
  • *EXTREMELY RARE, POSSIBLY ONE OF A KIND,*EXTREMELY RARE, POSSIBLY ONE OF A KIND, SMITH & WESSON MODEL 19-3 DA REVOLVER. Cal. 357 Mag. SN 7K22611. Standard Model 19 with 4' bbl, ramp front sight,
  • *CASED ENGRAVED SMITH & WESSON PRE-MODEL*CASED ENGRAVED SMITH & WESSON PRE-MODEL 27 DA REVOLVER. Cal. 357 Mag. SN S124632. Blued finish, 4-screw frame with 8-3/8' ribbed bbl, red ramp front sight,
  • *Smith & Wesson Mod 640 357mag Snub Nose*Smith & Wesson Mod 640 357mag Snub Nose RevolverProduced in stainless steel on the 'J' frame with factory recoil assist rubber grips. The revolver has
  • *SMITH & WESSON MODEL 686 WEST VIRGINIA STATE*SMITH & WESSON MODEL 686 WEST VIRGINIA STATE POLICE REVOLVER. Cal 357 mag. SN ACM4033. All stainless with 4' full lug bbl with red ramp and white outline
  • *LOT OF 2 SMITH & WESSON DA REVOLVERS. 1)*LOT OF 2 SMITH & WESSON DA REVOLVERS. 1) Model 19-4. Cal. 357 Mag. SN 32K7878. Nickel, 2-1/2' bbl, adjustable sights, standard trigger & hammer, rnd butt
  • *Smith & Wesson Model 27-3 Registered Magnum*Smith & Wesson Model 27-3 Registered Magnum 50th Anniversary Commemorative Revolver .357 magnum cal. 5' barrel S/N REG0935. Blue finish smooth walnut
  • *SMITH & WESSON HIGHWAY PATROLMAN DA REVOLVER.*SMITH & WESSON HIGHWAY PATROLMAN DA REVOLVER. Cal. 357 Mag. SN S116278. Blue finish, 4' bbl, ramp front sight, adjustable rear sight and diamond checkered
  • *SMITH & WESSON MODEL 27-2 DA REVOLVER. Cal.*SMITH & WESSON MODEL 27-2 DA REVOLVER. Cal. 357 mag. SN N432631. Nickel finish with 6' bbl with partridge front sight and adjustable rear sight, target
  • SMITH & WESSON MODEL 19 DOUBLE ACTION REVOLVER,SMITH & WESSON MODEL 19 DOUBLE ACTION REVOLVER, .357 magnum caliber, 6' solid rib barrel, six shot fluted cylinder, adjustable rear sight, checkered walnut