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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
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
Smith & Wesson Model 1950 Serial Numbers Installation: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
The Smith & Wesson Model 1950, also known as the M&P (Military & Police) revolver, is a legendary firearm that has been in production since the early 20th century. With a rich history spanning over a century, the Model 1950 has undergone various design changes, improvements, and serial number installations. This paper aims to provide a detailed overview of the serial number installation process for the Smith & Wesson Model 1950.
Serial Number Range and Production Dates
The Smith & Wesson Model 1950 was produced from 1949 to 1967, with a total production run of approximately 325,000 units. The serial number range for the Model 1950 falls between K100 and K84098. However, some Model 1950s were produced with a "J" prefix serial number, which indicates a transition period between the Model 1947 (J frame) and the Model 1950.
Serial Number Location and Format
The serial number on the Smith & Wesson Model 1950 is typically located on the frame, under the crane (where the cylinder meets the frame), and on the cylinder. The serial number format consists of a combination of letters and numbers. The early models (K100-K32000) have a simple numeric serial number, while later models (K32001-K84098) feature a serial number with a single letter prefix (K).
Decoding Serial Numbers
Smith & Wesson used a coding system to decipher the manufacturing date and model information. The serial number can be broken down into several sections: smith and wesson model 195 serial numbers install
Example Serial Number Breakdown
Verifying Authenticity and Production Date
To verify the authenticity and production date of a Smith & Wesson Model 1950, you can use the following methods:
Conclusion
The Smith & Wesson Model 1950 is a classic firearm with a rich history. Understanding the serial number installation process and decoding system can help collectors and enthusiasts verify the authenticity and production date of their Model 1950. This comprehensive guide provides a reference for determining the production date and verifying the legitimacy of a Smith & Wesson Model 1950.
Recommendations
For collectors and firearm enthusiasts:
Limitations
This paper provides a general overview of the serial number installation process for the Smith & Wesson Model 1950. However, due to variations in production and exceptions, it is essential to consult additional resources and experts for specific information.
Future Research Directions
Further research is recommended to:
The Smith & Wesson Model 1955, also referred to in your query as the Model 195, is a variant of their semiautomatic pistol line. The Model 1955 specifically relates to the .45 ACP version of their Model 39 series, which was produced from 1955 to 1962.
Smith & Wesson assigned serial numbers to their firearms for identification and production tracking purposes. For the Model 1955, serial numbers range approximately from K100 to K2206.
Here are some interesting features and facts about the Smith & Wesson Model 1955:
.45 ACP Caliber: It was one of the first pistols by Smith & Wesson chambered in .45 ACP, making it appealing for those who sought the stopping power of this caliber.
Double Action / Single Action: The pistol allowed for both double-action and single-action shooting.
9mm and .45 Variants: While the .45 ACP version (Model 1955) is noted here, Smith & Wesson also produced a 9mm version (Model 39) around the same period. Smith & Wesson Model 19-5 (commonly abbreviated as
Slide and Frame Design: The Model 1955 features an alloy frame with a steel slide, which was an interesting combination for its time, aiming to balance durability with reduced weight.
Smith & Wesson’s “ Military” and Law Enforcement Inclined Designs: This pistol was among those produced by Smith & Wesson with an eye towards military and law enforcement contracts.
Successor to the M39: The Model 1955 can be viewed as a successor or closely related to the Model 39, which was Smith & Wesson's first production pistol in 9mm.
For collectors and firearms enthusiasts, the serial number can provide valuable information about the production date, model variations, and potential historical significance of the firearm.
Typical Serial Number Range: The serial numbers for these models typically started at K100 and went to around K2206. If you're looking for specific production dates or have a particular interest in whether a given serial number falls within this range, I recommend consulting a detailed collector's guide or reaching out to Smith & Wesson's customer service or a reputable firearms historian for precise information.
If you are a collector or interested in the rich history of Smith & Wesson pistols, checking the pistol's action, finish, grips, and other distinctive marks alongside the serial number can offer insights into its production and use history.
Identifying a Smith & Wesson Model 19-5 by its serial number is the primary method for determining its production date, typically falling between 1982 and 1988. The Model 19-5 represents a significant engineering transition in the "Combat Magnum" lineage, most notably the elimination of the pinned barrel and recessed cylinder. Locating and Interpreting the Serial Number
The official serial number on a Smith & Wesson revolver is almost always located on the bottom of the grip frame (butt).
Alpha-Numeric Format: By the time of the Model 19-5's release in 1982, Smith & Wesson had transitioned to a three-letter prefix followed by four digits (e.g., ABC1234).
Other Markings: If you open the cylinder, you will see the model number (MOD 19-5) stamped on the frame in the yoke area. Do not confuse "assembly numbers" found in this area with the actual serial number; assembly numbers were internal factory codes used during manufacturing. Service Marks: A star symbol (
) next to a serial number indicates the firearm was returned to the factory for major service or refinishing. Production Timeline and Engineering Changes
The "19-5" designation specifically marks the fifth major engineering revision of the Model 19. Model Revision Year Introduced Key Engineering Change Model 19-4 Relocated gas check on yoke Model 19-5 1982
Eliminated pinned barrel and counterbore (recessed) cylinders Model 19-6 New yoke retention system How to Verify Your Serial Number
Since there is no public, searchable online database for S&W serial numbers, you can use these authoritative methods to "install" the correct date and history for your specific unit:
Reference the Standard Catalog: The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson is the definitive resource for matching serial number ranges to specific shipping years.
Request a Factory Letter: For a fee, the Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation provides official "Letters of Authenticity" that detail exactly when your firearm was shipped and its original configuration.
Customer Service: You can contact Smith & Wesson Customer Service directly; they can often provide the manufacture year over the phone if you provide the serial number. Prefix Letter : The single letter prefix (K)
To identify or verify your Model 19-5, you must find the official serial number. Note that modern revolvers often have multiple sets of numbers stamped on them, which can be confusing.
The Frame Butt (Official Serial): The primary and most authoritative serial number is stamped on the bottom of the grip frame (the butt). If your revolver has oversized "target" wood grips, you may need to remove them to see this number.
The Yoke Cut: When you swing the cylinder open, you will see numbers stamped on the frame in the "yoke" or "crane" area. Model Number: You should see "MOD 19-5" stamped here.
Serial Number: On later Model 19-5s (produced after 1980), the serial number may also be stamped here in the Triple-Alpha format (e.g., ABC1234).
Assembly Numbers: Other small 3- to 5-digit numbers found on the yoke or inside the side plate are "assembly numbers" used during factory fitting and are not the serial number. Serial Number Format & Identification
The Model 19-5 falls into two different serial number systems depending on its specific year of manufacture:
| Element | Verdict | |--------|---------| | “smith and wesson model 195” | ❌ Does not exist — likely error. | | “serial numbers” | ✅ Valid concept, but irrelevant to “install.” | | “install” | ❌ Wrong verb for serial numbers. |
Overall: The phrase is nonsensical as written. If you provide the actual numbers from your gun and describe what you’re trying to do (reassemble, identify, date, replace a part), I can give you a correct, step-by-step answer.
Please note: There is no "Model 195" in Smith & Wesson's standard production line. It is highly likely you are referring to the Model 19.
Here is a guide regarding the serial numbers and history of the Smith & Wesson Model 19.
The Smith & Wesson Model 19 is a revolver featured on the K-frame (medium frame). It was the first revolver chambered in .357 Magnum that was practical for regular police carry and civilian use, largely due to the efforts of firearms instructor Bill Jordan, who collaborated with S&W on its design.
Unlike modern revolvers, old Smiths had parts hand-filed to match a specific frame. Installing a cylinder or barrel without checking serial alignment will destroy timing and lockup.
If you’ve searched for “Smith and Wesson Model 195 serial numbers,” you’ve likely run into a wall of confusion. Here is the honest truth: Smith & Wesson never officially manufactured a “Model 195.”
So, why does the internet keep talking about it? In most cases, this reference points to two legendary S&W revolvers introduced in 1950: the Model 1950 Target (Pre-Model 24) and the Model 1950 Military (Pre-Model 22). Over time, collectors began nicknaming these post-war N-frame revolvers after their birth year.
If you have a revolver stamped “Model 195” on the crane or yoke, it is almost certainly a Model 1950 with a poorly stamped or worn "0," or it is an import mark from a foreign distributor.
Let’s clear the air and help you locate and decode your serial number.
Do not attempt this without a barrel vise. The Model 195’s frame is soft carbon steel—twisting it cracks the forcing cone.
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