| | Best For | Accuracy | Cost | Speed | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Standard Catalog of S&W | General dating & identification | High (approximate) | $ (book purchase) | Moderate | | S&W Forums | Quick answers from collectors | High (consensus) | Free | Fast | | S&W Historical Foundation | Definitive, detailed history | Definitive | $$ (paid letter) | Slow (weeks) | | SWCA Membership | In-depth collector research | Very High | $ (membership fee) | Moderate | | S&W Customer Service | Modern (<5 years old) firearms | Low | Free | Fast |
If you have a particularly valuable, rare, or inherited piece and need definitive, documented proof of its origin, the Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation offers a premium factory letter service. smith and wesson revolver serial numbers database
| | Approximate Year | | :--- | :--- | | J1 – J99999 | 1969-1970 | | 1J1 – 999J99 | 1971-1972 | | J100000 – J250000 | 1973-1974 | | J250001 – J370000 | 1975-1976 | | J370001 – J610000 | 1976-1977 | | J610001 – J670000 | 1977-1978 | | | Best For | Accuracy | Cost