Ser# on a SW 57-2

4000fps

December 05, 2002 09:21

I picked up a SW 57-2, It has a blue finish and an 8 3/8 barrel. The condition is excellent, but just can't make out the beginning of the ser #. It starts out either BB or 88. Can't tell. Any help?
Thanks as always.

Ron

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  Diamondgrade

  December 10, 2002 14:43

  Here is some data for you. The S/N prefix is most likely "BB". Several I have are BB.
  Model 57: Introduced 1964 at S/N S 227750
  1969 Changed to "N" S/N prefix at S333454
  57-1 nominal year of Mfg. is 1982
  57-2 nominal year of Mfg. is 1988
  57-3 nominal year of Mfg. is 1990
  First model # 57 was S/N S236941
  I do not know exactly when the "N" prefix was dropped from the various "N" frame revolvers. Different dates for different Models.
  I have seen "N" frame S/N's begin with the letter A thru letters AZZ to BZZ. I have even seen round butt Model 27's shipped from S&W several years after they dropped the Model 27, and, after the square butt was dropped for all "K" and "N" frame guns.
  Glenn

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  4000fps

  December 11, 2002 04:05

  Thanks for the info. It is BBZ prefix and I did find it on the butt after a good cleaning. It just did not seem right. I have another one, and it has the N prefix.

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  Diamondgrade

  December 13, 2002 10:18

  Okay Mr. SaxonPig, I screwed up by using the word "prefix". I should have stated, "started with". The fellow that owns the gun certainly understood what was meant, and I stand by the rest of my posted information. Now, which of the Washington, DC agencies do you think it was, that "suggested" S & W adopt a new serial number system.
  
  Right on!. The BATF division of the US Treasury Department.

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