The official Smith & Wesson serial number for N-Frame revolvers is located exclusively on the . Numbers visible inside the crane or on the cylinder are frequently assembly numbers rather than the actual serial number. 🔍 How to Read S&W N-Frame Serial Numbers
If your N-frame has no letter prefix (only digits) and is not a 1917 Army, it’s likely very early (pre-1920s) or very rare.
The most authoritative location for an S&W revolver's serial number is the bottom of the grip frame (the butt). www.smith-wesson.com Target Grips: smith and wesson serial numbers n frame
Always verify the serial number on the butt (bottom of the grip) for pre-1968 guns, as this is the legal "firearm" for ATF purposes.
These are a class apart. The frame has a "Reg. XXXX" number (1 to about 5000) on the shroud, but the legal serial number is on the butt (1 to 5000). They also have a "star" and date code for factory service. The official Smith & Wesson serial number for
Understanding Smith & Wesson N-Frame Serial Numbers Deciphering Smith & Wesson (S&W) N-frame serial numbers is essential for collectors to identify the production era, model history, and specific value of these large-frame revolvers. The N-frame has hosted legendary models like the .44 Magnum Model 29 and the .357 Magnum Model 27. en.wikipedia.org Finding the Serial Number
By the early 1980s, S&W standardized its entire product line to a three-letter, four-number format (e.g., The most authoritative location for an S&W revolver's
| Model | Serial Prefix/Range | Approx. Year | Key Feature | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | .44 Hand Ejector 1st | 1 – 500 | 1908 | Triple Lock | | M1917 | 1 – 50,000 | 1917 | WWI, lanyard ring | | Registered Magnum | Reg. 1 – 5000 | 1935–39 | Sight record card | | .44 Magnum Pre-29 | S 130,000 – S 166,999 | 1956 | "S" prefix, 4-screw | | Model 29-2 | N 200,000 – N 500,000 | 1970–75 | Pinned barrel | | Model 29-2 | N 700,000 – N 970,000 | 1979–82 | Last of the pinned | | Model 629 | N 900,000 – N 999,999 | 1979–82 | First stainless .44 | | Model 29-5 | BDP 0001 – BFA 9999 | 1991 | Full-lug barrel option |
