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Decoding Smith & Wesson .38 Special Revolver Markings: What Does “20 16 3” Mean?

If you’ve ever held a Smith & Wesson .38 Special revolver, you’ve likely noticed a series of seemingly cryptic numbers stamped on its frame. These markings, such as “20 16 3”, aren’t random; they hold specific information about the firearm’s manufacturing, inspection, and sometimes even its intended purpose. Understanding these markings can unlock a deeper appreciation for the history and craftsmanship behind your revolver, and help you determine its specific characteristics. This comprehensive guide will dissect the meaning behind these numbers, focusing specifically on the sequence “20 16 3”, and provide a deeper understanding of the world of Smith & Wesson revolvers. We’ll explore the various locations where these numbers might appear, the potential meanings they could represent, and how to use this information to learn more about your firearm’s history. This article aims to be the definitive resource for decoding these markings.

Understanding Smith & Wesson Revolver Markings: A Deep Dive

Smith & Wesson revolvers, renowned for their reliability and historical significance, often bear a variety of markings beyond the serial number. These markings can include proof marks, inspection stamps, assembly numbers, and other codes that provide insights into the manufacturing process and the revolver’s specific characteristics. While the serial number is unique to each firearm, other numbers are often batch or lot numbers, or relate to specific stages of production. It’s important to understand that there isn’t a single, universally applicable key to decoding every marking. The meaning can vary depending on the model, year of manufacture, and even the specific factory where the revolver was produced. However, by understanding the general principles and common types of markings, you can significantly increase your chances of deciphering the information they hold.

Common Types of Markings Found on Smith & Wesson Revolvers

Several types of markings are commonly found on Smith & Wesson revolvers. These include:

Serial Numbers: Unique identifiers assigned to each firearm. They are typically found on the frame, cylinder, and sometimes the barrel.
Model Numbers: Indicate the specific model of the revolver.
Proof Marks: Stamps applied after the revolver has passed testing to ensure it can withstand the pressures of firing.
Inspection Stamps: Marks applied by quality control inspectors at various stages of the manufacturing process.
Assembly Numbers: Numbers used to keep parts together during assembly. These are often found in multiple locations on the firearm.
Date Codes: Some revolvers have date codes, either stamped or laser-etched, indicating the year of manufacture.

Decoding “20 16 3”: Potential Interpretations

The specific sequence “20 16 3” could represent several possibilities, each requiring careful consideration of the revolver’s model, age, and the location of the markings. Let’s explore the most plausible interpretations:

Date Code: One possibility is that “20 16 3” represents a partial date code. Smith & Wesson has used various dating systems over the years, and without knowing the specific dating convention in use at the time of manufacture, it is hard to confirm the true date.
Lot or Batch Number: The numbers might be part of a lot or batch number used for internal tracking during manufacturing. This would indicate that the revolver, or a component of it, was produced as part of a specific production run.
Assembly Number: It could be an assembly number, used to keep specific parts matched together during the assembly process. These numbers often appear in multiple locations, such as on the frame, cylinder crane, and inside the sideplate.
Inspection Stamp: Another possibility is that “20 16 3” is an inspection stamp, indicating that the revolver passed a particular quality control check at a specific stage of production.

The Importance of Context: Where is the Number Located?

The location of the number “20 16 3” on the revolver is crucial for determining its meaning. Here’s how the location can affect the interpretation:

Frame: Numbers on the frame are more likely to be related to the model, serial number prefix, or manufacturing date.
Cylinder Crane: Numbers on the cylinder crane or yoke are often assembly numbers, used to match the cylinder to the frame.
Inside the Sideplate: Markings inside the sideplate are usually assembly numbers or inspection stamps, related to the internal mechanisms of the revolver.
Barrel: Numbers on the barrel might indicate the barrel’s date of manufacture, the steel batch used, or proof marks.

The Smith & Wesson .38 Special: A Brief History

To fully appreciate the markings on a Smith & Wesson .38 Special, it’s helpful to understand the history of this iconic revolver. The .38 Special cartridge was introduced in 1898 as an improvement over the .38 Long Colt. Smith & Wesson quickly adopted the cartridge for their revolvers, and the .38 Special became one of the most popular and widely used handgun cartridges in the world. The .38 Special has seen service in law enforcement, military, and civilian roles for over a century. Its manageable recoil, good accuracy, and effective stopping power have made it a favorite among shooters of all skill levels. The cartridge is still manufactured today by a large number of companies.

Popular Smith & Wesson .38 Special Revolver Models

Several Smith & Wesson revolver models have been chambered in .38 Special, including:

Model 10 (Military & Police): A classic K-frame revolver, known for its reliability and durability.
Model 36 (Chiefs Special): A J-frame snub-nosed revolver, popular for concealed carry.
Model 64: A stainless steel version of the Model 10.
Model 686: A larger L-frame revolver, chambered in .357 Magnum but also capable of firing .38 Special.

Leveraging Serial Numbers to Uncover Production Details

While the “20 16 3” marking may be difficult to pinpoint without further context, the serial number is your key to unlocking more information about your specific Smith & Wesson .38 Special. Smith & Wesson maintains records of serial number ranges and the corresponding years of manufacture for many of their revolvers. By researching the serial number of your revolver, you can often determine the approximate year it was produced.

Accessing Smith & Wesson Historical Information

There are several ways to research the serial number of your Smith & Wesson .38 Special:

Smith & Wesson Customer Service: Contacting Smith & Wesson customer service directly is often the most reliable way to obtain information about your revolver. Be prepared to provide the serial number and any other relevant markings.
Smith & Wesson Collectors Association (SWCA): The SWCA is a valuable resource for collectors and enthusiasts of Smith & Wesson firearms. They may be able to provide information about your revolver based on its serial number and other characteristics.
Online Forums and Databases: Numerous online forums and databases are dedicated to Smith & Wesson firearms. These resources can be helpful for researching serial numbers and sharing information with other collectors.

The Role of Proof Marks and Inspection Stamps

Proof marks are stamps applied to a firearm after it has been tested to ensure it can safely withstand the pressures of firing. These marks are typically applied by government or industry organizations. Inspection stamps, on the other hand, are applied by quality control inspectors at various stages of the manufacturing process. These stamps indicate that the firearm has passed a particular inspection and meets the required standards.

Identifying Common Smith & Wesson Proof Marks

Smith & Wesson revolvers may bear a variety of proof marks, depending on the country of origin and the year of manufacture. Some common proof marks include:

United States Proof Marks: These marks typically consist of a small stamp with the initials of the inspector or the manufacturer.
British Proof Marks: British proof marks are more elaborate and often include a crown or other symbol, along with the initials of the proof house.
Foreign Proof Marks: Revolvers manufactured for export to other countries may bear the proof marks of those countries.

Cylinder Manufacturing Dates: A Closer Look

The cylinder of a Smith & Wesson .38 Special is a critical component, and it’s possible that the “20 16 3” marking could be related to the cylinder’s manufacturing date or batch number. Cylinders are often manufactured in batches, and each batch is assigned a unique identifier for tracking and quality control purposes. If the “20 16 3” marking is located on the cylinder, it’s worth investigating whether it corresponds to a known cylinder batch number or date code.

Examining the Cylinder for Additional Markings

When examining the cylinder, look for any other markings that might provide additional clues. These could include:

Batch Numbers: Numbers that identify the specific batch of cylinders that were manufactured together.
Inspection Stamps: Marks applied by quality control inspectors to indicate that the cylinder has passed inspection.
Reamer Marks: Marks left by the reamer tool used to finish the cylinder chambers.

Unveiling the Mystery: Understanding Assembly Numbers

As mentioned earlier, assembly numbers are used to keep specific parts matched together during the assembly process. These numbers are often found in multiple locations on the firearm, such as on the frame, cylinder crane, and inside the sideplate. The purpose of assembly numbers is to ensure that parts that were fitted together at the factory remain together throughout the assembly process.

Locating Assembly Numbers on Your Revolver

To check if “20 16 3” is an assembly number, carefully inspect the following areas of your revolver:

Frame: Look for numbers on the frame, particularly near the cylinder crane opening or under the grips.
Cylinder Crane: Check the cylinder crane for numbers that match those on the frame.
Inside the Sideplate: Remove the sideplate (carefully, to avoid damaging any internal parts) and look for numbers on the inside of the frame and on the sideplate itself.

Practical Steps for Decoding Your Smith & Wesson .38 Special

Decoding the markings on your Smith & Wesson .38 Special can be a rewarding experience, providing insights into the history and craftsmanship of your firearm. Here are some practical steps you can take to unravel the mystery:

Record All Markings: Carefully record all markings on your revolver, including the serial number, model number, proof marks, inspection stamps, and any other numbers or symbols.
Photograph the Markings: Take clear, well-lit photographs of all markings. This will be helpful for research and for sharing information with other collectors.
Research the Serial Number: Use the resources mentioned earlier (Smith & Wesson customer service, SWCA, online forums) to research the serial number of your revolver and determine its approximate year of manufacture.
Compare to Known Examples: Compare the markings on your revolver to those on other examples of the same model. Online forums and databases can be helpful for this purpose.
Consult with Experts: If you’re still unsure about the meaning of a particular marking, consult with a qualified gunsmith or a Smith & Wesson collector.

Preserving the Legacy: The Importance of Accurate Documentation

Accurately documenting the markings and history of your Smith & Wesson .38 Special is essential for preserving its legacy. By recording all relevant information, you can help ensure that future generations will be able to appreciate the history and craftsmanship of this iconic firearm. This documentation should include detailed descriptions of the markings, photographs, and any information you’ve been able to gather about the revolver’s history.

Creating a Comprehensive Record for Future Generations

Consider creating a comprehensive record that includes:

Detailed Descriptions of All Markings: Provide detailed descriptions of all markings on the revolver, including their location, size, and shape.
Photographs of the Markings: Include clear, well-lit photographs of all markings.
Serial Number and Model Number: Record the serial number and model number of the revolver.
Year of Manufacture (if known): Note the year of manufacture, if you’ve been able to determine it.
History of Ownership (if known): If you know anything about the revolver’s history of ownership, record that information as well.

A Deeper Appreciation for Smith & Wesson Craftsmanship

Ultimately, understanding the markings on your Smith & Wesson .38 Special revolver provides a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and history behind this iconic firearm. While pinpointing the exact meaning of “20 16 3” without additional context can be challenging, the process of researching and decoding these markings can be a rewarding journey into the world of firearms collecting and history. By leveraging the resources available and carefully examining your revolver, you can unlock valuable insights into its past and preserve its legacy for future generations.