Websites and forums have compiled vast crowdsourced data:
After 1957, S&W added dash numbers (e.g., Model 29-2, Model 19-3). These indicate engineering changes. Your serial number database will sometimes include the dash number in the range (e.g., "29-2 serials start at N100000"). Always check both.
Step 1: Locate the serial number – On post-1957 revolvers, open the cylinder and look on the frame in the yoke cut (the "yoke" is the hinged arm that swings out). On older guns, check the butt. smith and wesson revolver serial numbers database
Step 2: Identify the model number – Post-1957 guns have a model number stamped under the yoke (e.g., "MOD-36"). Pre-1957 guns require identification by frame size and features.
Step 3: Determine the serial prefix – Note all letters and digits. Example: C 123456 or N 789012. Websites and forums have compiled vast crowdsourced data:
Step 4: Consult a trusted source – For quick free estimates: Proofhouse.com or the Standard Catalog tables. For precise factory records: Order a Historical Letter.
Step 5: Cross-reference with engineering changes – Many databases list "dash numbers" (e.g., Model 29-2, 29-3). These indicate minor revisions and help narrow down the production window. When researching your serial number, be aware of
When researching your serial number, be aware of these common issues:
While no single "master database" exists online for free without limitations, the following resources represent the most accurate, accessible, and comprehensive options.
Smith & Wesson now maintains digital production records from the 1980s onward. The S&W Historical Foundation is actively digitizing older ledgers. In the future, we may see:
However, for the vast majority of vintage Smith & Wesson revolvers, the combined use of the Standard Catalog, the S&W Forum, and the Historical Foundation’s letter service remains the gold standard.
