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View Full Version : Help! info wanted on DOB

red14
08-17-2009, 03:51 PM
First time poster, please be gentle. I have caught the Seller in some errors, at least I choose to believe he was just in error.

Smith and Wesson Mod 31-1, 3" pinned barrel, flat latch, serial # 571xx. Can anyone tell me approximate date of birth/issue/make. Any information will be appreciated.
Alpo
08-17-2009, 06:17 PM
No. 31-1 began in 1961, with SN 712954. 32 Regulation Police started around 1917 at about SN 260000. Model 31, no dash, started in 1957 with SN 331320.

Your SN of 57000 isn't even in the range.

Either you left a digit or two out, or you left the letters at the beginning of the number out.
red14
08-17-2009, 07:15 PM
The number is 571xx but, it does have a D F on the other side.
RJay
08-17-2009, 07:18 PM
Red14, are you getting the number from the butt or botttom of the grip? and when you open the cylinder is it stamped with 31-1 ?
red14
08-17-2009, 07:23 PM
Yes, it says Mod. 31-1, and the 5 digit number below. D and F are under the Serial number.
Hammerslagger
08-17-2009, 07:46 PM
The serial # should be found on the bottom of the frame's handle. If you can not see it because of being covered by overlapping grips; take them off to read it.

You are likely reading an internal production assembly # and not its legal serial #.

Good luck & get back to us.
red14
08-17-2009, 08:04 PM
OK, I took off the grips, the number is 745xxx.
RJay
08-17-2009, 08:36 PM
Serial numbers 712954 through 826977 was used between 1961 and 1970. Any closer information will have to come from S&W. I believe the flat latch was changed with the switch to the J-Frame in 1961. Best I can do. :)It really helps in firearm identification when all and correct information is given.:)
red14
08-17-2009, 08:53 PM
"It really helps in firearm identification when all and correct information is given."

Sorry, it was unintentional.


"Serial numbers 712954 through 826977 was used between 1961 and 1970."

It looks like 63-64. Thank you, gentlemen, for all of your help.
Hammerslagger
08-17-2009, 09:05 PM
No problem, I agree with your straight line inference to 1963-64.

Three months ago you could call S&W customer service and get an exact answer for free. I have heard they have started charging for history info now. But, that may be a Solid BULL Excrement story. The answer is almost always "No" if you do not ask. They have a 800 number.