If you’re trying to:
On a true S&W revolver from this era (c. 1950–1960), the official serial number is found on the butt of the grip frame. You must remove the stocks (grips) to see it clearly.
To put it bluntly: If you own a Smith & Wesson that says “Model 195,” you either have a misread 1950 or a counterfeit. Use the serial number on the butt of the grip frame to date your gun via the chart above.
If you need a factory letter to confirm your specific revolver’s ship date (which costs $100), send the serial number to the Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation.
Have a photo of a “Model 195” stamp you’d like us to verify? Drop it in the comments below.
Disclaimer: This article is for historical and collector education. Always verify a firearm is unloaded before inspecting serial numbers, and follow all local, state, and federal laws.
I can’t help with instructions for altering, removing, or installing firearm serial numbers or otherwise making identifying marks unreadable or misleading. That includes step‑by‑step guides, tools, or methods for modifying serial numbers.
If you want a lawful, constructive article instead, here are safe alternatives I can write:
Tell me which alternative you want (pick one), and include your location if you want legal or transfer specifics.
Smith & Wesson Model 1950 Serial Numbers and Installation
The Smith & Wesson Model 1950, also known as the Model 195, is a .38 Special revolver produced from 1955 to 1962. If you're a collector or owner of this firearm, understanding its serial number range and installation can help verify its authenticity and value.
Serial Number Range: The Smith & Wesson Model 1950 serial numbers fall within the K100-K72226 range. Production began in 1955 with the serial number K100 and ended in 1962 at approximately K72226.
Installation and Features: The Model 195 is characterized by its:
Verification and Maintenance: To verify your Model 1950's authenticity, ensure its serial number matches the production range. Always refer to a professional gunsmith for any maintenance or verification needs. smith and wesson model 195 serial numbers install
The Smith & Wesson Model 19-5 is a celebrated .357 Magnum revolver produced in the early to mid-1980s. While there is no official "Model 195," users often use this term to refer to the -5 engineering revision of the classic K-frame Model 19. Locating the Serial Number
For any Smith & Wesson revolver, including the Model 19-5, the "serial number of record" is definitively located on the bottom of the grip frame (the butt).
Obstructions: If your revolver has oversized wood target grips or rubber wrap-around grips, they will likely cover the serial number. You must carefully remove the grip panels to view it.
Alternate Markings: You may see numbers stamped inside the frame in the yoke area (visible when the cylinder is open). On a Model 19-5, this area typically displays the model number (e.g., "MOD 19-5") and "assembly numbers," which are internal factory codes and not the legal serial number.
Format: Model 19-5 serial numbers typically follow a triple-alpha-numeric format (e.g., "AUS8466"), which Smith & Wesson adopted in 1980. Installation: Grips and Parts
If you are looking to "install" components related to the serial number area, it most likely involves changing the grips or accessing the internal frame.
Grip Removal: Ensure the firearm is completely unloaded. Use a properly fitted screwdriver to remove the grip screw. If the grips are stuck, do not pry them; instead, lightly rap the back of the grip frame with a plastic or rubber mallet to vibrate them loose.
Accessing Internal Frames: To view date codes sometimes stamped on the side of the grip frame, you must remove the sideplate. This requires removing the three screws on the right side of the frame. Note: S&W sideplates are precision-fitted; tapping the frame rather than prying the plate is the standard method for removal.
Reassembly: When reinstalling grips, ensure they do not pinch any internal springs (like the mainspring). Tighten the screw until snug, but avoid over-tightening, which can crack wood panels. Verifying Manufacture Date
Because Smith & Wesson used overlapping serial ranges for decades, there is no single public online database for precise dating. To accurately date your Model 19-5: Smith & Wesson Serial Numbers
Determining the production date of a Smith & Wesson Model of 1950
(the precursor to the Model 24 and Model 26) involves identifying the frame size and checking specific serial number ranges. Prior to 1957, Smith & Wesson primarily used names rather than model numbers, and the Model of 1950 was produced on the large Locating the Serial Number The "serial number of record" is stamped on the bottom of the grip frame
. Any letters appearing here are part of the serial number and must be included for accurate dating. Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation Other markings to be aware of include: Yoke Area: If you’re trying to:
On some later revolvers, the model number (e.g., "MOD 24") may be stamped here. Assembly Numbers:
Frequently found on the yoke or inside the frame, these were used only to keep hand-fitted parts together during manufacturing and are the serial number. Secondary Locations: Older S&W models may also have the serial number on the bottom of the barrel rear of the cylinder Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation Serial Number Ranges for Model 1950 (N-Frame) The Model of 1950 revolvers, which included the .44 Target .44 Military .45 Target , typically used the "S" prefix or the later "N" prefix Production Year Range Serial Number Range (Approximate) 1946 – 1947 S62,489 – S71,999 1948 – 1952 S72,000 – S89,999 (Transition Period) 1954 – 1956 S103,000 – S165,000 1957 (Model Numbering Begins) S165,001 – S183,999 Key Variants: The .44 Military variant of the 1950 Model. The .44 Target version of the 1950 Model. The .45 Target (Light Barrel) variant of the 1950 Model. Evolution and Model Numbering
, Smith & Wesson transitioned from names to numerical designations. If your revolver is stamped with a model number like "24" or "26" behind the yoke, it was likely produced after this date. Engineering changes are indicated by a dash number
(e.g., 24-1), which signifies a specific update like a thread direction change in the extractor rod. Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation Verification and History
Because Smith & Wesson often used overlapping serial number ranges for different frame sizes during this era, the only way to get a guaranteed production and shipping date is through a Letter of Authenticity . This service is provided by the Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation
and can provide specific details about the original retailer and shipping date. Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation specific engineering changes
Smith & Wesson Model 19-5 (commonly abbreviated as "19 5" or "195") is the fifth engineering variation of the famous .357 Combat Magnum, produced between 1982 and 1988
. This specific version is historically significant because it marked the transition where S&W eliminated the pinned barrel and counterbored (recessed) cylinder. Locating the Serial Number
To identify or verify your specific revolver, you must look at the "serial number of record" rather than assembly numbers. Primary Location (Butt of the Frame) : The authoritative serial number is always stamped on the bottom of the grip frame (the butt)
. You may need to remove the grips (stocks) if they are "target style" and cover the bottom of the frame. Secondary Location (Yoke/Crane)
: When you swing the cylinder open, you will see "MOD 19-5" stamped on the frame. Below or near this, there may be a number. On the 19-5, this is often the actual serial number, but in earlier models, it was frequently an assembly number
used for fitting parts at the factory and should not be used for official identification. What to Look For
: By the time the 19-5 was produced, serial numbers typically consisted of a three-letter prefix followed by four digits (e.g., Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation Dating Your Model 19-5 The Model 19-5 was introduced in On a true S&W revolver from this era (c
to simplify production. Because Smith & Wesson does not provide a public, searchable database, dating is typically done using the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson or by contacting the Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation Letter of Authenticity Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation
Common prefix ranges for the 19-5 era (1982–1988) include: 1982–1983 : Prefixes starting with : Transition into JustAnswer Key Specifications of the 19-5 How to Identify & Date a S&W revolver - Scribd
Deciphering Your Smith & Wesson Model 19-5: A Serial Number Guide If you’ve recently acquired a Smith & Wesson Model 19-5
, or you're looking to verify its authenticity, understanding the serial number is your first step. Often misidentified as a "Model 195," this specific variant is actually the fifth engineering revision of the legendary .357 Combat Magnum
Here is how to locate, identify, and understand the markings on your Model 19-5. Where to Find the Official Serial Number
On a Smith & Wesson revolver, there are several numbers stamped on various parts, but only one is the legal, official serial number. Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation The Bottom of the Grip (The Butt):
This is the most authoritative location for the serial number. If your revolver has large "target" wooden stocks, you may need to remove them with a screwdriver to see the full number. The Yoke Cutout:
When you swing the cylinder out, you will see numbers stamped on the frame behind the "crane" or "yoke". : This confirms the model and the engineering change. The Serial Number
: Sometimes the serial number is repeated here, but it is often accompanied by "assembly numbers"—random digits used by the factory to keep parts together during manufacturing. Always rely on the number on the butt for official records Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation Interpreting the 19-5 Serial Format By the time the Model 19-5 was in production (beginning in
), Smith & Wesson had moved away from the older "K-prefix" (e.g., K12345) to a more modern three-letter, four-digit system.
Do not attempt this without a barrel vise. The Model 195’s frame is soft carbon steel—twisting it cracks the forcing cone.
Since we are dealing with a Pre-Model 24 (.44 Special) or Pre-Model 22 (.45 ACP/AR) , you will see an "S" or "N" prefix in the serial number on the butt.
Here is the approximate dating chart for these Post-War N-Frames (1950-1957):
| Serial Number Prefix | Approximate Year | Model Designation | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | S 62,489 – S 75,000 | 1950 | Early 1950 Target/Military | | S 75,001 – S 85,999 | 1951 | 1950 Production | | S 86,000 – S 94,999 | 1952 | Late "Pre-24/22" | | S 95,000 – S 102,999 | 1953 | 4-screw frame intro | | S 103,000 – S 139,999 | 1954-1955 | | | S 140,000 – S 175,999 | 1956 | Late Pre-Model production | | S 176,000 – S 181,999 | 1957 | End of Pre-Model era |
Note: In 1957, S&W switched to model numbers (e.g., Model 24, Model 22). If your gun is a true "Model 195," it is likely a 1950 or 1951 gun with a worn stamp.