Smith And Wesson Revolver Serial Numbers Database [new] Jun 2026

Proofhouse.com is an ugly, bare-bones, text-only website, but it is a goldmine. It hosts transcribed tables directly from old S&W factory records and factory ammunition catalogs.

The official, legally binding serial number on almost every Smith & Wesson revolver is stamped on the .

To organize production better, S&W began using letter prefixes.

S&W serial number formats have evolved significantly over time: : Typically used up to 6 digits with no letters. smith and wesson revolver serial numbers database

After 1957, S&W added dash numbers (e.g., Model 29-2, Model 19-3). These indicate engineering changes. Your serial number database will sometimes include the dash number in the range (e.g., "29-2 serials start at N100000"). Always check both.

A: Prior to the Gun Control Act of 1968, manufacturers were not legally required to put serial numbers on firearms. While S&W numbered almost all of their guns, very early 19th-century pocket models or certain budget models may only feature batch codes or assembly numbers.

Any letters preceding or following the numbers (e.g., "K," "J," "N," "L," "C") are part of the serial number and crucial for dating. Proofhouse

Smith & Wesson (S&W) has been manufacturing world-class revolvers since 1852. Over the last century and a half, the company has produced millions of handguns, utilizing several different serial number systems. Whether you have inherited a vintage wheel gun, purchased a surplus duty revolver, or are collecting rare antiques, decoding the serial number is the key to unlocking your firearm's history, production date, and market value.

The serial number on a Smith and Wesson revolver can be found in several locations, depending on the model and age of the firearm. Here are the most common locations:

Standardised prefixes were introduced to denote specific frame sizes (e.g., for early N-frames, for K-frames, for J-frames). 1980 to Present: A universal three-letter prefix followed by four numbers (e.g., To organize production better, S&W began using letter

These are derivative databases that have taken published tables and made them searchable. They are useful for a quick lookup.

: Usually on the bottom of the butt. It may also be stamped inside the frame in the yoke area (visible when the cylinder is open).

To use any database effectively, you must first understand the anatomy and history of S&W serial numbers.

For definitive proof of your revolver’s history, you can request a Factory Letter from the S&W Historian. This letter provides the original shipping date, shipping address, and original features, which can differ from what is currently on the gun. Key "Dating" Features