Author Topic: Anyone know how to tell age from SN on revolvers?  (Read 2360 times)

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Offline Graybeard

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Anyone know how to tell age from SN on revolvers?
« on: March 02, 2021, 04:47:33 PM »
I'd like to know just when my new to me S&W Model 14 was made. I've Googled it and checked a couple dozen links with no help.

SN is: 16K34XX

It's a 14-3. Since it has the pinned barrel I think that means earlier than 1980. Barrel contour is of the latter type so I think maybe in the latter years before they went to crush threads. I'm just ball parking it at around late '70s but would like a better idea of when it was made.


Bill aka the Graybeard
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Offline Dee

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Re: Anyone know how to tell age from SN on revolvers?
« Reply #1 on: March 02, 2021, 05:14:28 PM »
The 14-3 was from 1967 to 1977.
You may all go to hell, I will go to Texas. Davy Crockett

Offline Graybeard

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Re: Anyone know how to tell age from SN on revolvers?
« Reply #2 on: March 02, 2021, 05:33:48 PM »
Thanks Dan, that helps to narrow it down. I suspect it's closer to the end of that time frame but just don't know.

I remember earlier guns had a lighter contour barrel than this one has. I had one of those a long time ago and sold it to another guy that sometimes shot with us. This one has the heavier contour of later guns after they stopped pinning the barrels, that's why I figure it was toward the end of that era.


Bill aka the Graybeard
President, Graybeard Outdoor Enterprises
256-435-1125

I am not a lawyer and do not give legal advice.

Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life anyone who believes in Him will have everlasting life!

Offline Ranger99

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Re: Anyone know how to tell age from SN on revolvers?
« Reply #3 on: March 02, 2021, 06:51:43 PM »
Used to be a Smith and Wesson specific
forum online, like the marlin and ruger
and case knives and all that, and they
had stickies with date codes and build
dates and serial numbers and all that

I must say I haven't looked for any of
that in a while so it may not be there
anymore.  There's a  few things I visit
that have gone away during the last year
Let's go Brandon  !

Offline DDZ

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Re: Anyone know how to tell age from SN on revolvers?
« Reply #4 on: March 03, 2021, 01:09:41 AM »
I think if you contact S&W via email or phone they will get you the exact manufacture date.   

https://www.smith-wesson.com/customer-service/contact-us
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Offline StrawHat

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Re: Anyone know how to tell age from SN on revolvers?
« Reply #5 on: September 09, 2023, 04:16:50 PM »
I think if you contact S&W via email or phone they will get you the exact manufacture date.   

https://www.smith-wesson.com/customer-service/contact-us

The current factory is hard pressed to tell you anything older than 10 years, if that.  The Blue Forum is still the place for the most correct information. 

Bill, when I get a chance, I will look in the SCS&W for a range of dates, but I think the ones supplied are correct.

Kevin
"Nothing in life is so exhilarating as to be shot at without result"  Winston Churchill

"A law without a punishment is merely advice."  anonymous

Offline Lloyd Smale

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Re: Anyone know how to tell age from SN on revolvers?
« Reply #6 on: September 10, 2023, 02:31:43 AM »
i have  K87xx  and it was made in if i remember right 1969 so that would probably make yours an early one. if i had to guess late 67 to early 68.
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Offline ironglow

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Re: Anyone know how to tell age from SN on revolvers?
« Reply #7 on: September 10, 2023, 02:37:59 AM »
  Here is something I found that may help searches for some guns..

    https://antiquefirearms.jouwweb.nl/colt-serial-numbers
If you don't want the truth, don't ask me.  If you want something sugar coated...go eat a donut !  (anon)