: Used extensively for post-WWII K-frame (medium) revolvers like the Model 10. "D" Prefix : Introduced later for K-frame variations.
Owning a Smith & Wesson (S&W) revolver is owning a piece of American history. With over 170 years of production, understanding exactly when, where, and how your revolver was made can be a challenging, yet rewarding, endeavor.
You may also see the serial number stamped here, but always cross-reference it with the butt of the gun. If the two numbers disagree, the number on the bottom of the grip frame is the official serial number. Understanding the Three Era Eras of S&W Serial Numbers smith and wesson revolver serial numbers database
To understand how to read an S&W serialization log, you must identify which historical era your revolver belongs to. Smith & Wesson's tracking system evolved across three distinct eras: 1. The Pre-World War II Era (Purely Numeric)
After 1968, S&W introduced prefix letters to identify specific models or manufacturing eras, such as: : Used extensively for post-WWII K-frame (medium) revolvers
Excellent secondary communities for historical firearm identification. Official S&W Historical Letters
Written by Jim Supica and Richard Nahas, this is affectionately known as "The Bible." It contains the most comprehensive serial number tables ever published. While it is a physical book (now in its 4th edition), it is the source from which most online databases pull their data. With over 170 years of production, understanding exactly
Some revolvers also have the serial number stamped inside the yoke area, but the butt remains the most authoritative location. Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation 2. Identifying Your Serial Number Format
This system eliminated model-specific prefix confusion. Every single revolver type—whether an airweight J-frame or a massive X-frame—runs through this same continuous alphanumeric sequence. Quick Reference Chronology Blueprints
On older models with a ejector rod shroud, look at the flat underside of the barrel.
