For new members looking for date of manufacture information, we need your serial number. Sometimes the serial number location can be confusing. Revolvers are often stamped or etched with many numbers, but only one set is your serial number. For modern Smith and Wesson revolvers, the serial number is located on the butt of the revolver. Often the grip will cover the number. The serial number can also be found on the frame behind the yoke for some models. For most post-1980 revolvers the serial number will be in an ABC1234 format.
EDIT: As murphydog points out, the date that can be looked up is the ship date, not the date the gun was manufactured.
Take this 686 for example:
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p...y/IMG_2613.jpg
It has Ahrends Retro Combat Finger Groove grips that cover the serial number:
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p...y/IMG_2618.jpg
If we remove the grips, we can see the serial number (AFE8794):
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p...y/IMG_2620.jpg
On this gun, if we look behind the yoke on the frame, we can also see the serial number (AFE8794) and the model number (MOD 686):
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p...y/IMG_2616.jpg
Here is a Model 66-2:
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p...y/IMG_2648.jpg
The Ahrends Boot Grips make seeing the serial number (BAF7171) easy:
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p...y/IMG_2652.jpg
However, if we look behind the yoke, this gun only lists the model number (MOD 66-2):
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p...y/IMG_2650.jpg
Some grip makers (like Pachmayr) design their grips so the serial number may be seen. Pachmayr Grippers on a 617:
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p...y/IMG_2626.jpg
Pachmayr Compacs on a 627-5 UDR:
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p...y/IMG_2634.jpg
Older guns (including some made in the early 1980s) will have a different style of serial number. Here is a 18-4 with the older-style serial number:
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p...y/IMG_2653.jpg
The grips block access to the serial number:
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p...y/IMG_2658.jpg
Taking the grips off we can see the older-style serial number (21K6944):
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p...y/IMG_2660.jpg
The serial number (21K6944) and model number (MOD. 18-4) are also on the frame behind the yoke:
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p...y/IMG_2656.jpg
Things that are NOT your serial number:
(The side of the butt behind the grips)
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p...y/IMG_2662.jpg
(Numbers on the yoke)
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p...y/IMG_2668.jpg
If you provide us with your serial number, those of us with a copy of the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson can look up the approximate date your revolver was shipped from Smith and Wesson. For those who have the 3rd edition, serial numbers for most post-1980 revolvers are located on page 400.

Smith And Wesson Revolver Serial Number Search

The serial number should be stamped inside one of the grips. I suspect your revolver is actually a.32/20 Hand Ejector, Model of 1905, 4th change. If so, the right side of the barrel would read 32 WCF CTG between two Maltese crosses. Your serial number falls within the group for these revolvers. They were produced from 1915-1940. Crane and crane recess are also serial numbered to each other, but this is a different number then the revolvers serial number as is correct for Victory model revolvers. The Victory Revolver was produced during World War II, it is a variation of the Military & Police Model of 1905, fourth change and had the following characteristics between. The # S172691 is the serial #. The # 82628 is the assembly #. The 7 below is just an inspector stamp. Locate the serial number on the left side of. Smith and Wesson Model 15-3.38SPL Description: This is the Smith and Wesson 15-3. This revolver is in 38 Special and has a 4' barrel. The finish is in good shape and shows only a few very small bits of wear on the barrel or frame.

Smith And Wesson Revolver Serial Number Search

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