Following WWII, S&W introduced letter prefixes to help distinguish frames. Common examples include the "K" prefix for medium-frame revolvers and "V" for the wartime "Victory" models.
Because S&W does not maintain a simple, public-facing automated search engine, you must use a combination of official and community resources. Smith And Wesson Serial Numbers Year Of Manufacture smith and wesson revolver serial numbers database
: On almost all revolvers, the true serial number is stamped on the bottom of the grip frame (the butt). If you have target grips installed, you may need to remove them to see it. Following WWII, S&W introduced letter prefixes to help
: Numbers stamped inside the yoke (visible when the cylinder is open) are often assembly numbers used during manufacturing. These do not correspond to the legal serial number. Understanding the Three Eras of Serialization Smith And Wesson Serial Numbers Year Of Manufacture
Firearm laws and serial number regulations vary by jurisdiction. This article is for educational and historical research purposes. Always verify the legal status of any firearm with local and federal authorities. The author and publisher do not provide legal advice.
To help distinguish models, S&W began using letter prefixes. For example, the "V" prefix was used for Victory Models during WWII, and "S" or "C" prefixes were common for post-war revolvers.