We owe the Russians a vote of thanks having been the 1st to require multi-serial # locations on their S&W #3 contract revolvers. Non-numbered front and rear sight blades have typically been replaced, in most observations. All three parts must be removed to observe the #s. The rear sight blade (although the rear blade can be #'d with the assembly # instead of serial #.) If the s/n is more than 4 digits, the front and rear sight blades can have a partial s/n.
**Target models will have the serial number on: *Post War continued the 6 fixed sight locations thru ~1956, and 9 s/n locations on early Post War Transitional target models with pre war target sights only, thru 1957, but dropped the 3 target sight locations post war on the new Micro-click sighted models, which were no longer specifically fitted to the top strap. Triple Locks have 7 including the mid lock cam plate, therefore 10 locations on Target models. Pre war fixed sighted guns have serial #s in 6* locations, target** models as many as 9.
FRAME STAMPINGS - SERIAL #s/REFINISH/REWORK/OTHER: (Note: Almost any statements about S&Ws are presumed to be trends, and should not be taken as rules.)Īlways use optical magnification including a flashlight when looking at or for serial numbers to observe the information accurately.
