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Open K-Frame Lookup Tool in New WindowIntroduction
The Smith & Wesson K-Frame is one of the most historically significant and widely produced revolver platforms in American firearms history. Introduced in the 1890s, the K-Frame became the backbone of law enforcement sidearms throughout the 20th century and remains a favorite among collectors, shooters, and historians today.
This master guide provides a comprehensive serial number reference for all major K-Frame models, enabling collectors to date their revolvers, identify production variations, and authenticate historical examples. Serial ranges are organized chronologically and by model, with notes on key production changes, inspector markings, and collector-significant variations.
Related Smith & Wesson Collector Guides
This K-Frame serial number page is intended to sit beside the broader Smith & Wesson collector hub, the practical Model 10 serial number dates, the Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum and Model 19 guide, and the K-22 Masterpiece series guide. For target revolver work, also compare the K-22 collector guide; for period collector context, see the GCC profiles on Gil Hebard and Bill Jordan.
Smith & Wesson Hub
Main entry point for S&W revolver history, model families, and collector links.
Open Smith & Wesson hubModel 10 Serial Dates
A focused companion for the Military & Police / Model 10 production trail.
Open Model 10 serial datesModel 19 / .357 Guide
Collector notes for the Combat Magnum, Model 19, and related .357 K-Frame context.
Open S&W .357 guideK-22 Masterpiece
Pre-war Outdoorsman, post-war Masterpiece, Model 17, Model 18, and rimfire K-Frame context.
Open K-22 series guideK-22 Collector Guide
A practical K-22 guide to pair with the serial-number tables on this page.
Open K-22 collector guideModel 58 Collector Notes
N-Frame, not K-Frame, but useful for S&W model-number era comparison.
Open Model 58 guide
Section 1: K-Frame History & Overview
Origins and Development
Smith & Wesson developed the K-Frame platform in the 1890s as a medium-frame revolver sized between the small I-Frame and the large N-Frame. The first K-Frame model was the .32 Hand Ejector Model of 1896, followed by the landmark .38 Hand Ejector Military & Police Model of 1899 — later known simply as the Military & Police or M&P.
The K-Frame became the standard-issue sidearm for American law enforcement for most of the 20th century. The platform's balance of size, weight, and chambering in .38 Special made it ideal for duty carry, and millions were produced for civilian, law enforcement, and military markets.
Key Design Characteristics
Frame Size: Medium — between the small J-Frame and large N-Frame
Cylinder Capacity: Typically 6 rounds
Primary Chamberings: .38 Special, .357 Magnum, .22 LR, .22 WMR, .32 S&W Long
Action Types: Double-action/single-action (DA/SA)
Barrel Lengths: Commonly 2", 3", 4", 5", 6", and 8⅜"
Serial Number System Overview
S&W used several distinct serial numbering systems across the K-Frame's production history:
Pre-Model Number Era (Pre-1957): Models identified by name only (e.g., "Military & Police," "K-22 Masterpiece"). Serials ran in shared or model-specific sequences.
Model Number Era (1957–present): S&W assigned numerical model designations (Model 10, Model 14, etc.). Serial numbers were initially shared across some model families.
Alpha-Prefix Era (1969–present): S&W introduced letter-prefix serials (e.g., D123456, K654321) to better track production.
Section 2: Pre-War K-Frame Serial Ranges (Pre-1942)
.38 Military & Police (Hand Ejector) — First through Fifth Changes
The .38 Hand Ejector Military & Police is the foundational K-Frame model, introduced in 1899 as the "Model of 1899." It underwent five design changes before WWII, each with distinct serial ranges and features.
| Change | Years | Serial Range | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model of 1899 (1st Change) | 1899–1902 | 1 – 20,975 | No front locking lug; small thumbpiece |
| Model of 1902 (2nd Change) | 1902–1903 | 20,976 – 33,803 | Added front locking lug |
| Model of 1902 (3rd Change) | 1903–1905 | 33,804 – 62,449 | Modified cylinder stop; larger thumbpiece |
| Model of 1905 (4th Change) | 1905–1906 | 62,450 – 73,000 | Heat-treated cylinder; round-butt option added |
| Model of 1905 (4th Change, cont.) | 1906–1909 | 73,001 – 120,000 | Continued production; minor internal refinements |
| Model of 1905 (5th Change) | 1909–1915 | 120,001 – 241,703 | Improved hand; coil-spring extractor |
| Collector Notes: • Model of 1899 examples (serials below 20,975) are among the most desirable K-Frames; many were purchased by the U.S. Navy. • Look for "U.S.N." inspector cartouches on military contract pieces. • "Square butt" vs. "round butt" configurations are documented beginning with the 4th Change. |
|---|
.38 Military & Police — Continued Pre-War Production (1915–1942)
| Years | Serial Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1915–1917 | 241,704 – 335,000 | Commercial sales; minor lockwork improvements |
| 1917–1920 | 335,001 – 400,000 | Post-WWI production; some British contract guns |
| 1920–1927 | 400,001 – 550,000 | Large commercial run; .38 Special became dominant chambering |
| 1927–1932 | 550,001 – 630,000 | Added checkered walnut grips standard |
| 1932–1939 | 630,001 – 750,000 | Streamlined production; "Improved" trigger and action |
| 1939–1941 | 750,001 – 800,000 | Pre-WWII military build-up orders begin |
| 1941–1942 | 800,001 – 811,119 | Last pre-war commercial serials; war production begins |
K-22 Outdoorsman & K-22 Masterpiece (Pre-War)
The K-22 Outdoorsman was introduced in 1931 as the first .22 LR K-Frame. It was succeeded by the K-22 Masterpiece in 1940.
| Model | Years | Serial Range | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| K-22 Outdoorsman (1st Model) | 1931–1939 | 632,000 – 682,419 (shared M&P range) | 6" barrel only; adjustable rear sight; pre-war finish |
| K-22 Outdoorsman (2nd Model) | 1940 | Approx. 682,420 – 696,952 | Short production run; very scarce |
| K-22 Masterpiece (Pre-War) | 1940–1941 | 696,953 – approx. 700,000 | Short barrel underlug; "Masterpiece" rollmark |
| Collector Notes: • Pre-war K-22s share the M&P serial sequence but are identified by their chambering rollmark and adjustable sights. • The 2nd Model Outdoorsman had an extremely short production run and is highly sought by collectors. |
|---|
.32 Hand Ejector (K-32) — Pre-War
| Years | Serial Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1896–1903 | 1 – 19,712 | First model; .32 S&W Long; 6-shot cylinder |
| 1903–1910 | 19,713 – 61,000 | Second model; locking improvements |
| 1910–1917 | 61,001 – 96,000 | Third model; standard production |
| 1917–1942 | 96,001 – 163,000 | Late pre-war production |
Section 3: World War II Production (1942–1945)
.38 Military & Police — WWII Production
During WWII, S&W produced K-Frame revolvers under military contract for the U.S. Army, British, and other Allied forces. Commercial production was suspended. These guns are commonly called "Victory Models."
| Contract | Years | Serial Range | Prefix/Suffix | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Military (Army/Navy) | 1942–1945 | V1 – V811,119 | "V" prefix | .38 S&W or .38 Special; parkerized or blue finish; "U.S." and ordnance stamp |
| British Lend-Lease (.38/200) | 1940–1945 | V prefix, overlapping | "V" prefix | Chambered in .38 S&W (200 grain); British proofs |
| U.S. Navy | 1942–1945 | V prefix | "V" prefix | "U.S.N." inspector stamp; anchor cartouche |
| Key Identification Points: • "V" prefix serial numbers positively identify WWII Victory Models. • U.S. Army pieces carry ordnance wheel cartouche, typically on left grip panel or frame. • British contract guns are proof-marked and chambered in .38 S&W, not .38 Special. • Parkerized (matte gray) finish is common on military pieces; blue finish also seen. • Many Victory Models have had their stocks replaced; original "S&W" medallion Magna grips add value. |
|---|
| Serial Range | Approx. Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| V1 – V50,000 | 1942 | Very early war production |
| V50,001 – V250,000 | 1942–1943 | Primary Army issue period |
| V250,001 – V500,000 | 1943–1944 | Peak production |
| V500,001 – V811,119 | 1944–1945 | Late war; some post-VE Day contract completions |
Section 4: Post-War Pre-Model Number Era (1946–1956)
.38 Military & Police — Post-War (Pre-1957)
Production resumed with commercial serial numbering after the war. The "V" prefix was dropped, and numbering resumed from the pre-war sequence.
| Years | Serial Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1946–1948 | S811,120 – S850,000 | "S" prefix introduced post-war |
| 1948–1950 | S850,001 – S940,000 | Commercial and law enforcement |
| 1950–1952 | S940,001 – S999,999 | End of "S" prefix sequence |
| 1952–1957 | C1 – C220,000 (approx.) | "C" prefix era; pre-model number |
| Key Post-War Changes: • Post-war guns received a superior polish and blue finish compared to wartime production. • The "Magna" grip style (checkered walnut with S&W medallions) became standard. • The 4" barrel became the dominant law enforcement configuration. |
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K-22 Masterpiece — Post-War (Pre-Model 17)
| Years | Serial Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1946–1949 | K1 – K10,000 | Post-war resumption; "K" prefix introduced |
| 1949–1957 | K10,001 – K75,000 (approx.) | Continued pre-model production |
.357 Magnum Pre-War and Early Post-War (Pre-Model 27)
The .357 Magnum was introduced in 1935 as a special-order, hand-fitted revolver on the N-Frame — but note: the registered .357 Magnum is an N-Frame, not K-Frame. The K-Frame .357 Magnum (Combat Magnum / Model 19) did not appear until 1955.
Combat Masterpiece (.38 Special) — Pre-Model 15
Introduced in 1950, the Combat Masterpiece used a 4" barrel with the Masterpiece adjustable rear sight — a configuration requested by the FBI.
| Years | Serial Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1950–1957 | K prefix, mixed with K-22 | Shared "K" prefix sequence; 4" barrel; adjustable sights |
Section 5: Model Number Era — K-Frame Models (1957–1982)
In 1957, Smith & Wesson introduced numerical model designations. The major K-Frame models and their serial progressions are listed below.
Model 10 — .38 Military & Police
The Model 10 is the most-produced S&W revolver in history, with millions manufactured. It continued the M&P lineage with a numerical designation.
| Years | Serial Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1957–1959 | C220,001 – C349,999 | Early model number era; 4-screw sideplate |
| 1959–1961 | C350,000 – C499,999 | Transition to 3-screw (removed top sideplate screw) |
| 1961–1967 | D1 – D999,999 | "D" prefix; 3-screw standard |
| 1967–1969 | E1 – E350,000 (approx.) | "E" prefix introduced |
| 1969–1972 | D (gap-fill) / start of new system | Overlap with new alpha prefix system |
| 1972–1982 | Various alpha prefixes | See Alpha-Prefix table, Section 6 |
| 4-Screw vs. 3-Screw Identification: • 4-screw sideplate (pre-1961): stocks screw, two sideplate screws, and a top sideplate screw in front of hammer • 3-screw sideplate (post-1961): top sideplate screw removed — cleaner appearance; no functional difference |
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Model 12 — .38 M&P Airweight
The Model 12 is the aluminum-frame, lightweight version of the Model 10.
| Years | Serial Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1952–1957 | (pre-model) Mixed | Pre-model number Airweight production |
| 1957–1968 | C prefix, mixed | Shared C-prefix sequence with Model 10 |
| 1968–1975 | D prefix | Shared D-prefix sequence |
| 1975–1986 | Alpha prefix | See Section 6; production tapered off |
Model 13 — .357 Magnum Military & Police
A fixed-sight .357 Magnum K-Frame introduced for the New York State Police and later widely adopted.
| Years | Serial Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1974–1977 | D series / early alpha | First production for NY State Police |
| 1977–1986 | Alpha prefix | See Section 6 |
Model 14 — K-38 Masterpiece (Target)
The adjustable-sight .38 Special target revolver, descended from the pre-war K-38 Outdoorsman.
| Years | Serial Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1957–1967 | K prefix | Continued K-38 Masterpiece production |
| 1967–1982 | K prefix / alpha | See Section 6 |
Model 15 — Combat Masterpiece
4" adjustable-sight .38 Special — the FBI's choice for decades.
| Years | Serial Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1957–1967 | K prefix | Shared with Model 14 |
| 1967–1982 | K prefix / alpha | See Section 6 |
Model 16 — K-32 Masterpiece
Adjustable-sight .32 S&W Long target revolver. Scarce model with limited production.
| Years | Serial Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1947–1974 | K prefix | Very low production numbers; highly collectible |
Model 17 — K-22 Masterpiece
The definitive .22 LR K-Frame target revolver.
| Years | Serial Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1957–1967 | K prefix | Continued post-war K-22 production |
| 1967–1982 | K prefix | High-polish blue; 6" standard; 4" and 8⅜" offered |
| 1982–1993 | Alpha prefix | See Section 6 |
Model 18 — Combat Masterpiece (.22)
4" barrel .22 LR K-Frame, designed as a practice/training revolver.
| Years | Serial Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1949–1986 | K prefix | Limited production compared to Model 17 |
Model 19 — .357 Combat Magnum
The Model 19 is arguably the most important K-Frame ever made — a full-power .357 Magnum revolver on the medium K-Frame, designed at the suggestion of Bill Jordan.
| Years | Serial Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1955–1957 | (pre-model) | Pre-model "Combat Magnum" |
| 1957–1967 | K prefix | Early 4-screw; transition to 3-screw circa 1961 |
| 1967–1977 | K prefix (K200,000+) | 3-screw; pinned barrel standard |
| 1977–1982 | K prefix / alpha | Unpinned barrel, recessed cylinder begins phasing |
| 1982–1999 | Alpha prefix | See Section 6; discontinued 1999 |
| Key Variations: • Pinned barrel: Pre-1982 production. A pin through the barrel/frame joint — collectors prefer pinned examples. • Recessed cylinder: Pre-1982 production. Cartridge rims sit recessed in the cylinder face — collectors prefer recessed examples. • 4" and 6" barrels are most common; 2½" is the rarest standard configuration. |
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Model 48 — K-22 Masterpiece MRF (.22 WMR)
.22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire version of the K-22.
| Years | Serial Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1959–1986 | K prefix | Limited production; scarce in original boxes |
Model 53 — .22 Remington Jet
Unique K-Frame chambered in .22 Remington Jet, a centerfire .22 cartridge. Came with .22 LR chamber inserts.
| Years | Serial Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1961–1974 | K prefix | Low production; Jet cartridge was problematic; highly collectible |
Model 64 — Stainless .38 M&P
Stainless steel version of the Model 10.
| Years | Serial Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1970–present | Shared alpha prefix | See Section 6 |
Model 65 — Stainless .357 M&P
Stainless steel version of the Model 13.
| Years | Serial Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1974–2000 | Alpha prefix | See Section 6 |
Model 66 — Stainless Combat Magnum
Stainless steel version of the Model 19. Extremely popular with law enforcement.
| Years | Serial Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1970–2005 | Alpha prefix | See Section 6; reintroduced 2014 |
Model 67 — Stainless Combat Masterpiece
Stainless steel version of the Model 15.
| Years | Serial Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1972–present | Alpha prefix | See Section 6 |
Section 6: Alpha-Prefix Serial System (1969–Present)
Starting in 1969, S&W began transitioning to a letter-prefix serial number system. Each prefix letter was used until exhausted, then a new letter was assigned — with the approximate year of transition documented below.
Alpha-Prefix Production Timeline
| Prefix | Approx. Years in Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| A | 1969–1970 | First alpha prefix; all large-frame and K-Frame models |
| B | 1970–1971 | |
| C | 1971–1972 | Not to be confused with pre-1969 "C" prefix |
| D | 1972–1973 | |
| E | 1973–1974 | |
| F | 1974–1975 | |
| G | 1975–1976 | |
| H | 1976–1977 | |
| J | 1977–1978 | Letter "I" skipped to avoid confusion with numeral "1" |
| K | 1978–1979 | |
| L | 1979–1980 | |
| M | 1980–1981 | |
| N | 1981–1982 | |
| P | 1982–1983 | Letter "O" skipped to avoid confusion with numeral "0" |
| R | 1983–1984 | |
| S | 1984–1985 | |
| T | 1985–1986 | |
| U | 1986–1987 | |
| V | 1987–1988 | Not to be confused with WWII "V" Victory prefix |
| W | 1988–1989 | |
| X | 1989–1990 | |
| Y | 1990–1991 | |
| Z | 1991–1992 | |
| AA | 1992–1993 | Two-letter prefix begins |
| AB | 1993–1994 | |
| AC | 1994–1995 | |
| AD | 1995–1996 | |
| AE | 1996–1997 | |
| AF | 1997–1998 | |
| AG | 1998–1999 | |
| AH | 1999–2000 | |
| AJ | 2000–2001 | |
| AK | 2001–2002 | |
| AL | 2002–2003 | |
| AM | 2003–2004 | |
| AN | 2004–2005 | |
| AP | 2005–2006 | |
| AR | 2006–2007 | |
| AS | 2007–2008 | |
| AT | 2008–2009 | |
| AU | 2009–2010 | |
| AV | 2010–2011 | |
| AW | 2011–2012 | |
| AX | 2012–2013 | |
| AY | 2013–2014 | |
| AZ | 2014–2015 | |
| BA | 2015–2016 | |
| BB | 2016–2017 | |
| BC | 2017–2018 | |
| BD | 2018–2019 | |
| BE | 2019–2020 | |
| BF | 2020–2021 | |
| BG | 2021–2022 | |
| BH | 2022–2023 | |
| BJ | 2023–2024 | |
| BK | 2024–present |
| Important Notes on Alpha-Prefix Dating: • These date ranges are approximate. S&W did not change prefixes on a strict annual schedule; production volume and model mix affected timing. • The prefix reflects the year a serial block was assigned to production, not necessarily the year the gun left the factory or was sold. • Guns near prefix transitions may have been assembled and shipped months after the prefix year. • "I" and "O" were permanently skipped in both single and double-letter sequences. |
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Section 7: Special Production, Contracts & Commemoratives
Law Enforcement Contract Guns
Many K-Frame revolvers were produced under specific law enforcement contracts. These guns often have unique markings but fall within the same serial ranges as standard production.
| Agency/Contract | Model | Years | Identifying Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| FBI | Model 10, 13, 15 | 1957–1990s | "F.B.I." property stamp; selected trigger pulls |
| U.S. Air Force | Model 15 | 1960–1978 | "U.S." and Air Force property stamps |
| New York State Police | Model 13 | 1974 | First large-scale Model 13 contract |
| California Highway Patrol | Model 66 | 1970s–1980s | "CHP" markings on some examples |
| U.S. Postal Inspection Service | Model 15 | 1960s–1970s | Postal Service property stamps |
| Royal Canadian Mounted Police | Model 10 | 1950s–1970s | Canadian proofs and RCMP markings |
Commemorative & Special Edition K-Frames
| Model | Name | Year | Production Qty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model 19 | Texas Ranger Commemorative | 1973 | 8,000 | Nickel finish; presentation case |
| Model 10 | 125th Anniversary Edition | 1977 | 10,000 | Engraved; gold-filled lettering |
| Model 19 | 100th Anniversary M&P | 1999 | Limited | Nickel; wood presentation case |
| Model 17 | 60th Anniversary K-22 | 1991 | Limited | High-polish blue; special rollmarks |
Nickel Finish Production Notes
Nickel-plated K-Frames were offered as a standard catalog option throughout most of the production history. Nickel guns generally command a premium among collectors when finish is intact.
Pre-WWII nickel guns are rare and desirable.
Post-war through 1980s nickel production was substantial.
S&W discontinued standard catalog nickel finish approximately 1993–1994 for most models.
Section 8: Key Production Changes & Feature Timeline
This section documents major manufacturing changes across all K-Frame production, useful for dating guns and identifying authentic period features.
| Year (Approx.) | Change | Models Affected |
|---|---|---|
| 1899 | Introduction of front locking lug | .38 Hand Ejector (2nd Change) |
| 1909 | Coil-spring extractor replaces leaf spring | All K-Frames |
| 1948 | "Magna" grips become standard | All K-Frames |
| 1957 | Model numbers assigned | All models |
| 1961 | 4-screw sideplate → 3-screw sideplate (top screw removed) | All K-Frames |
| 1967 | Short action (revised hammer fall) | All K-Frames |
| 1969 | Alpha-prefix serial system introduced | All models |
| 1977 | Trigger guard lockup screw removed | Model 10, 19, and others |
| 1982 | Pinned barrel discontinued (unpinned barrel standard) | Model 10, 19, 66, and others |
| 1982 | Recessed cylinder discontinued | Model 10, 19, 66, and others |
| 1988 | MIM (Metal Injection Molded) parts introduced for some internal components | Selected models |
| 1993 | Nickel finish discontinued from standard catalog | All K-Frames |
| 1999 | Model 19 discontinued | Model 19 |
| 2005 | Model 66 discontinued (first time) | Model 66 |
| 2014 | Model 66 reintroduced | Model 66 |
| Collector Significance of Pinned Barrels and Recessed Cylinders: These two features — pinned barrel and recessed cylinder — are among the most important considerations for K-Frame collectors. Pre-1982 guns with both features are generally valued higher than equivalent post-1982 examples. When evaluating a K-Frame: • Look for the barrel pin by examining the barrel/frame junction at the top of the frame. • Check the cylinder face: recessed chambers have a visible counterbore around each chamber mouth. |
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Section 9: How to Use This Guide
Step 1 — Identify the Serial Number
The serial number on K-Frame revolvers is located:
Pre-1957 and most production: On the butt (bottom of the grip frame)
Additional location: Inside the yoke/crane (cylinder arm) — this number should match the frame serial
Step 2 — Identify the Prefix
No prefix or "V" prefix → WWII Victory Model (1942–1945)
"S" prefix → Immediate post-WWII (1946–1948)
"C" prefix → 1948–1969 (pre-model or early model number era — context-dependent)
"K" prefix → K-series models (K-22, K-38, etc.) or 1978–1979 alpha system
Single letter A–Z → 1969–1992 (see Section 6 table)
Two letters (AA, AB, etc.) → 1992–present (see Section 6 table)
Step 3 — Cross-Reference the Model
Use the model rollmark on the barrel or side of the frame. Post-1957 guns have a model number stamped on the yoke.
Step 4 — Verify with Physical Features
Cross-reference physical features (4-screw vs. 3-screw, pinned barrel, recessed cylinder, barrel length, finish) against the feature timeline in Section 8 to confirm the date estimate.
Step 5 — Consult Additional Resources
For the most precise dating, especially on pre-war and WWII-era guns, consult:
Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson by Jim Supica and Richard Nahas
S&W factory letters (available through the S&W Historical Foundation)
Blue Book of Gun Values for current collector market values
Section 10: Quick-Reference Serial Number Tables
.38 M&P / Model 10 — Condensed Dating Table
| Serial / Prefix | Approx. Year | Era |
|---|---|---|
| 1 – 20,975 | 1899–1902 | Model of 1899 (1st Change) |
| 20,976 – 62,449 | 1902–1905 | 2nd & 3rd Change |
| 62,450 – 241,703 | 1905–1915 | 4th & 5th Change |
| 241,704 – 811,119 | 1915–1942 | Pre-War Commercial |
| V1 – V811,119 | 1942–1945 | WWII Victory Model |
| S811,120 – S999,999 | 1946–1952 | Post-War "S" Prefix |
| C1 – C349,999 | 1952–1959 | "C" Prefix Era |
| C350,000 – C499,999 | 1959–1961 | 4→3 Screw Transition |
| D1 – D999,999 | 1961–1967 | "D" Prefix Era |
| E1 – E350,000 | 1967–1969 | "E" Prefix Era |
| A prefix | 1969–1970 | Alpha System Begins |
| B–Z prefix | 1970–1992 | See Section 6 |
| AA prefix onward | 1992–present | See Section 6 |
Model 19 — Key Dating Milestones
| Serial / Feature | Approx. Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-K prefix | 1955–1957 | Pre-model "Combat Magnum" |
| K prefix, 4-screw | 1957–1961 | Earliest Model 19s |
| K prefix, 3-screw | 1961–1967 | Revised sideplate |
| K prefix, short action | 1967–1977 | Revised trigger return spring |
| K prefix, late | 1977–1982 | Pre-pinned barrel phase-out |
| Alpha prefix, pinned | 1979–1982 | Last pinned/recessed examples |
| Alpha prefix, unpinned | 1982–1999 | Final production era |
Appendix A: Model Number Cross-Reference
| Model Number | Common Name | Chambering | Frame Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model 10 | Military & Police | .38 Special | Blue or Nickel |
| Model 12 | M&P Airweight | .38 Special | Blue (aluminum frame) |
| Model 13 | .357 M&P | .357 Magnum | Blue |
| Model 14 | K-38 Masterpiece | .38 Special | Blue |
| Model 15 | Combat Masterpiece | .38 Special | Blue |
| Model 16 | K-32 Masterpiece | .32 S&W Long | Blue |
| Model 17 | K-22 Masterpiece | .22 LR | Blue |
| Model 18 | Combat Masterpiece (.22) | .22 LR | Blue |
| Model 19 | Combat Magnum | .357 Magnum | Blue or Nickel |
| Model 48 | K-22 MRF | .22 WMR | Blue |
| Model 53 | .22 Remington Jet | .22 Rem. Jet | Blue |
| Model 64 | Stainless M&P | .38 Special | Stainless |
| Model 65 | Stainless .357 M&P | .357 Magnum | Stainless |
| Model 66 | Stainless Combat Magnum | .357 Magnum | Stainless |
| Model 67 | Stainless Combat Masterpiece | .38 Special | Stainless |
Appendix B: Glossary of Terms
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| 4-screw | Sideplate configuration with four screws, including one above the trigger; pre-1961 |
| 3-screw | Sideplate configuration with three screws; standard post-1961 |
| Pinned barrel | Barrel secured with a cross-pin through the frame; pre-1982; preferred by collectors |
| Recessed cylinder | Cylinder with counterbored chambers so cartridge rims sit flush; pre-1982 |
| Victory Model | WWII-production K-Frame with "V" prefix serial number |
| K-Frame | S&W's medium revolver frame size |
| Magna grips | Post-1948 standard checkered walnut grips with S&W medallions |
| Alpha prefix | Letter-based serial prefix system introduced 1969 |
| Yoke | The crane arm that swings the cylinder out of the frame |
| DA/SA | Double-action/Single-action — can be fired with trigger pull only or with hammer cocked |
| Hand Ejector | S&W term for swing-out cylinder revolvers (as opposed to top-break) |
| MIM | Metal Injection Molded — manufacturing process used for small internal parts beginning 1988 |
This guide is compiled for collector reference and educational purposes. Serial number ranges are approximate and drawn from published references and collector documentation. For definitive factory authentication, request a factory letter from the Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation.
GunCollectorsClub.com | Smith & Wesson K-Frame Serial Number Master Guide | Reference Edition | June 2026
Related Smith & Wesson Collector Guides
- Smith & Wesson Model 10 Guide
- Model 19 & Combat Magnum Guide
- K-22 Masterpiece Series
- Smith & Wesson History Hub
- 1953 K-22 Masterpiece
- 1948 K-22 Masterpiece
Continue Through the Smith & Wesson Cluster
This page is part of the Gun Collectors Club Smith & Wesson research cluster. Use these companion pages to move between company history, serial-number dating, Model 10 variants, K-22 target revolvers, magnum duty guns, galleries, and modern S&W arms.
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Greg Cook publishes Gun Collectors Club as a collector reference library focused on firearm history, identification, preservation, and practical research notes for serious collectors.
Sources Consulted
- Jim Supica and Richard Nahas, Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson.
- S&W Historical Foundation factory-letter guidance and collector documentation.
- Blue Book of Gun Values, current and historical collector market references.
- Smith & Wesson factory catalogs, period advertising, and published production references.
- Author observations and Gun Collectors Club internal collector notes.