: An "N" prefix followed by several digits (e.g., N100000 ). Breakdown by Year Range : 1969 – 1972 : N1 to N60000 1972 – 1974 : N100000 series 1974 – 1977 : N200000 to N400000 series 1978 – 1980 : N500000 series 1980 – 1983 : N600000 to N800000 series 4. The Three-Letter Prefix Era (1980 – Present)
The Smith & Wesson N-Frame is the legendary large-frame revolver platform, home to iconic models like the .357 Magnum (Model 27), the .44 Magnum (Model 29), the Highway Patrolman (Model 28), and various .45 ACP revolvers (Models 22, 25, 1955 Target). For collectors and owners, the serial number is the key to unlocking a gun’s birthday, engineering changes, and historical context. smith and wesson serial numbers n frame
When dating an N-frame, ignore the model number (e.g., 29-2) – that only tells engineering change. The serial prefix and range tell the real story. If your serial falls near a boundary (e.g., S209,999 vs S210,000), allow a ±1 year margin. For absolute certainty, invest in the Standard Catalog or a factory letter. : An "N" prefix followed by several digits (e
Whether you are holding a Triple Lock from 1908 or a Performance Center 629 from 2023, take a moment to swing open the cylinder, read the number in the yoke cut, and look it up. You aren't just checking a date; you are reading a century of American firearms heritage. For collectors and owners, the serial number is