Smith And Wesson - Revolver Serial Numbers Database [verified]

: After WWII, S&W began using letter prefixes (like S, K, D, or J) to denote specific frame types.

To help narrow down your search or estimate the value of your firearm, please provide a few details about your revolver:

When you swing open the cylinder of a Smith & Wesson revolver, you will likely see a string of numbers stamped on the frame in the "yoke cut" (the recess where the cylinder crane, or yoke, sits). Instead, they are most likely to be "assembly numbers" used internally during the manufacturing process to keep fitted parts together. These numbers were never recorded in factory records and are of no use for identification or dating purposes.

A factory letter typically includes the original shipping date (the "born on" date), the exact configuration as it left the factory (barrel length, finish, sight type, grip type), and the original shipping destination. This is invaluable for proving a gun's originality and authenticating a collectible. As of 2025, a factory letter costs $100, with discounts available for members of the S&W Collectors Association (SWCA) or the SWHF itself. smith and wesson revolver serial numbers database

For the most precise information, the "Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson" by Supica & Nahas is indispensable.

Before diving into the various lookup methods, it is crucial to know where to find the correct serial number on your revolver. Smith & Wesson revolvers have a primary, official location for the serial number, and it is always best to consult this location to ensure you have the correct number.

While there isn't a single, comprehensive database that covers all S&W revolver serial numbers, there are several resources available: : After WWII, S&W began using letter prefixes

Below is a generalized database reference chart for some of S&W’s most popular frame configurations. K-Frame Revolvers (Models 10, 14, 15, 17, 19, etc.) C 1 – C 223,998 1948 – 1953: C 223,999 – C 277,554 1953 – 1961: C 277,555 – C 560,344 1961 – 1967: C 560,345 – C 999,999 1968 (Prefix change): D 1 – D 90,000 1970 – 1972: D 300,001 – D 420,000 1977 – 1978: 2D00001 – 4D99999 1980 (Transition): K000001 or 6D00001 onwards J-Frame Revolvers (Models 36, 37, 38, 49, 60, etc.) 1950 – 1952: 1 – 28,916 1955 – 1957: 55,000 – 117,770 1962 – 1969: 295,000 – 786,544 1969 – 1970: J1 – J99,999 1973 – 1974: 1J1 – 99J99 1982: 1J10000 onwards N-Frame Revolvers (Models 25, 27, 28, 29, 57, 629, etc.) 1946 – 1962 (S Prefix): S 62,489 – S 220,000 1962 – 1969 (S Prefix): S 220,001 – S 333,454 1969 – 1972 (N Prefix): N 1 – N 100,000 1975 – 1976: N 300,000 – N 399,999 1978 – 1980: N 500,000 – N 699,999 Modern Three-Letter Alphabetical System Era (All Frames) 1980: AAA, AAB, AAC, AAD 1983: ADE, ADF, ADG, ADM 1986: AHA, AHB, AHC, AHL 1990: BBA, BBB, BBF, BBN 1995: CAA, CAB, CAM, CBT 2000 onwards: DBA to SBA+ sequences 4. How to Verify Your S&W Production Date

: Reviewers consider this the "absolute best" and most comprehensive reference book for S&W enthusiasts. Why it's useful

What is the on the bottom of the grip?

: This is the industry-standard reference book (now in its 5th edition) by Supica and Nahas. It provides the most comprehensive data on model specifications and serial number ranges.

: An active online community where collectors and experts help identify firearms based on photos and partial serial numbers. Locating the Serial Number

Early S&W models—like the Model 1, Model 2, and early top-breaks—started at serial number 1 and ran consecutively. Purely numeric, low digits. These numbers were never recorded in factory records

Smith & Wesson's serial number database is divided into three distinct chronological eras. Knowing which era your revolver belongs to narrows down your search. 1. The Numerical Era (1857 – 1942)

In 1980, S&W transitioned to a system using three letters followed by four numbers (e.g., ). This change was phased in over several years, with some models adopting it immediately while others continued using older patterns until 1983. By the mid-to-late 1980s, it had become the standard for nearly all production, providing a unique number for every firearm.