Knowing the serial number of your firearm can help you to:

Full charts run hundreds of pages. Below are common examples.

As a collector of Smith and Wesson firearms, one of the most important things you need to know is how to decipher the serial number on your gun. The serial number is a unique identifier that can tell you the age, model, and authenticity of your firearm. In this article, we'll provide a comprehensive guide to the Smith and Wesson serial number chart, helping you to unlock the secrets of your firearm's history.

The serial number on a Smith and Wesson firearm is more than just a random series of numbers. It's a code that contains vital information about the gun, including:

The production sequence is indicated by the numerical suffix, which starts from 000001 and increases incrementally.

For example, a serial number like "AB123456Z" would indicate that the firearm was produced in the 123456th sequence (AB prefix) in the year 2002 (Z suffix).

Small frame snub-noses.

You need the (open the cylinder—look on the frame under the crane/yoke) AND the full serial number (found on the butt of the grip frame).