Serial Numbers on Smith and Wesson Firearms
If the serial number is J75635 then your Smith and Wesson model 36,J frame revolver was made between 1979-1980.
If you own a Smith and Wesson handgun, you might be interested in finding out some more information on your particular gun. Once you locate the serial number, then you are able to do some research and find out a little history on your gun. Below you will find some visual examples of where to look for the serial number on your S&W handgun. You can then use the serial number to find out the Smith & Wesson date manufactured for your particular gun. Keep in mind that many Smith and Wesson guns produced before 1957 did not have a serial number stamped on them. These older guns will take a little more effort to find out their history. For those Smith Wesson with serial numbers, see the pictures below to find where to look.
Smith Wesson Serial Numbers - Revolvers
Smith Wesson Serial Numbers - Pistols
There are some exceptions to the locations shown above for certain S&W pistols. On the Sigma series and the SW99 models, you will find the serial number in the locations shown in the pictures below.
Smith Wesson Serial Numbers - Sigma Series
Smith Wesson Serial Numbers - SW99
Once you've located the serial number, then you can try to contact Smith and Wesson and see if they can give you an information about your particular gun like date of manufacture or other specific details. You can try to contact their customer support by phone and see if they would be willing to help you that way. If they are unable (or unwilling) to help over the phone, then you can contact them via writing with information on your S&W pistol, and they will research your particular firearm and send you a written report. You can send them a picture and they can find out more of the background on your gun along with the date manufactured. They will charge you for this service ($50 at the time this was written) and it is probably only worthwhile for older collectible guns which have no serial numbers. If you can find the serial number, then you are better off just trying to call S&W customer service first. If that doesn't work, then you could try to contact a gun shop and see if they can help you. Furthermore, some internet forums are filled with helpful and knowledgeable people that would be happy to help try to interpret the serial number on your handgun. In addition, a book such as: Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson written by Jim Supica, Richard Nahas, published 2007, can be used to try to get more information about your gun. This book can be very helpful in finding Smith & Wesson date manufactured information and also general historical information about different S&W firearms. In fact, if you post a message on an internet group asking for help in identifying your particular Smith & Wesson gun, then it is very likely that a member of the group will use this book or something similar when they help. Thankfully, most people will probably have a newer gun with the serial numbers, and it should be relatively easy to get more background information using that number. The old guns without the serial numbers are the ones that can be a little trickier. Regarding old Smith & Wesson guns, below is an interesting video narrated by Jim Supica about an early S&W revolver given to the legendary Teddy Roosevelt.
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bigedd,
That serial number needs some explanation. Is this a stainless steel Model 60? IF so, the model number should be stamped on the frame underneath the yoke in front of the cylinder and below the barrel. It may just be Model 60, or Model 60-something (-1, -2, etc). That number would be helpful. The serial number is displayed on the bottom of the grip frame. If this is a Model 60 SS J Frame revolver, the serial number should begin with an 'R'. These guns began production in 1969 with the 'R' serial numbers. IF the '839XX' is part of the serial number (following the 'R' and stamped on the grip frame butt), the revolver would have been made in 1970 to 1973. Is the barrel pinned? Round butt? If it has the original grips, they should be wood, checkered, and with a diamond around the grip screw escutcheons.
Please confirm that serial number and report the Model number (and the dash number) that should be stamped on the frame behind the yoke. With that information confirmed, we can find out a bit more. If there is a model number stamped on the frame, the serial number should also be stamped there, probably above the model number. If there is no model number there, get the correct serial number off the grip frame (on the bottom of the frame!). There were a few stainless Model 60's built beginning in 1965 before the 'R' was added to the serial numbering system for these revolvers.
Give us a bit more info, please, and maybe even a picture?
That serial number needs some explanation. Is this a stainless steel Model 60? IF so, the model number should be stamped on the frame underneath the yoke in front of the cylinder and below the barrel. It may just be Model 60, or Model 60-something (-1, -2, etc). That number would be helpful. The serial number is displayed on the bottom of the grip frame. If this is a Model 60 SS J Frame revolver, the serial number should begin with an 'R'. These guns began production in 1969 with the 'R' serial numbers. IF the '839XX' is part of the serial number (following the 'R' and stamped on the grip frame butt), the revolver would have been made in 1970 to 1973. Is the barrel pinned? Round butt? If it has the original grips, they should be wood, checkered, and with a diamond around the grip screw escutcheons.
Please confirm that serial number and report the Model number (and the dash number) that should be stamped on the frame behind the yoke. With that information confirmed, we can find out a bit more. If there is a model number stamped on the frame, the serial number should also be stamped there, probably above the model number. If there is no model number there, get the correct serial number off the grip frame (on the bottom of the frame!). There were a few stainless Model 60's built beginning in 1965 before the 'R' was added to the serial numbering system for these revolvers.
Give us a bit more info, please, and maybe even a picture?
