Smith And Wesson Model 195 Serial — Numbers Install
By the mid-1980s, virtually all S&W firearms had moved to this system. Older Systems (Pre-1980)
The serial number will typically consist of three letters followed by four numbers (e.g., AAA0000 ).
.44 Special 1950 Targets (Pre-24) are worth nearly double the .45 ACP Military models (Pre-22) due to lower production numbers.
When auditing a vintage Smith & Wesson, the serial number is your roadmap. It dictates the exact engineering revisions the factory implemented at that moment in history. Before attempting to install, alter, or replace any internal lockwork or external furniture, always remove the grips, locate the true serial number on the frame butt, and confirm the specific engineering dash-number stamped inside the yoke. Treating these classic firearms with historical accuracy ensures they maintain their financial value and mechanical integrity for generations to come. smith and wesson model 195 serial numbers install
Even with matching serial numbers, old revolvers have wear. Here are the three most common issues after installation:
, changes made starting in 1982 to streamline production. Yet, it retained the classic hammer-mounted firing pin
Smith & Wesson's serial number system is a fascinating study in itself, but for our purposes, we need to understand the "Three-Letter, Four-Digit" (3L4D) system that was standard from 1980 until the early 2000s. Your "Model 195" likely falls into this era, but we need to confirm the date. By the mid-1980s, virtually all S&W firearms had
. 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
Before you install any component, you must positively identify your revolver. Smith & Wesson did not stamp "MOD-195" on any frame. Instead, look for these serial ranges:
The absolute authority for an S&W serial number is located on the . When auditing a vintage Smith & Wesson, the
(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
This information is intended for identification, dating, and verification of existing serial numbers only.
Deciphering Your Smith & Wesson Model 19-5: A Serial Number Guide If you’ve recently acquired a Smith & Wesson Model 19-5