Anyone know how to tell age from SN on revolvers?

[Graybeard]

I'd like to know just when my new to me S&W Model 14 was made. I've Googled it and checked a couple dozen links with no help.

SN is: 16K34XX

It's a 14-3. Since it has the pinned barrel I think that means earlier than 1980. Barrel contour is of the latter type so I think maybe in the latter years before they went to crush threads. I'm just ball parking it at around late '70s but would like a better idea of when it was made.

[Dee]

The 14-3 was from 1967 to 1977.

[Graybeard]

Thanks Dan, that helps to narrow it down. I suspect it's closer to the end of that time frame but just don't know.

I remember earlier guns had a lighter contour barrel than this one has. I had one of those a long time ago and sold it to another guy that sometimes shot with us. This one has the heavier contour of later guns after they stopped pinning the barrels, that's why I figure it was toward the end of that era.

[Ranger99]

Used to be a Smith and Wesson specific
forum online, like the marlin and ruger
and case knives and all that, and they
had stickies with date codes and build
dates and serial numbers and all that

I must say I haven't looked for any of
that in a while so it may not be there
anymore.  There's a  few things I visit
that have gone away during the last year

[DDZ]

I think if you contact S&W via email or phone they will get you the exact manufacture date.   

https://www.smith-wesson.com/customer-service/contact-us

[StrawHat]

I think if you contact S&W via email or phone they will get you the exact manufacture date.   

https://www.smith-wesson.com/customer-service/contact-us

The current factory is hard pressed to tell you anything older than 10 years, if that.  The Blue Forum is still the place for the most correct information. 

Bill, when I get a chance, I will look in the SCS&W for a range of dates, but I think the ones supplied are correct.

Kevin

[Lloyd Smale]

i have  K87xx  and it was made in if i remember right 1969 so that would probably make yours an early one. if i had to guess late 67 to early 68.

[ironglow]

  Here is something I found that may help searches for some guns..

    https://antiquefirearms.jouwweb.nl/colt-serial-numbers