Why did Smith & Wesson have to put an "A" on the frame?

[FISHNFRANK]

Did other manufacturers have to do the same or did this only applied to S&W? Was it mandated from the state or voluntary?

Just curious

Frank

[dyson]

Wrong section

[tipoc]

An "A" on the frame of what? A picture might help.

tipoc

[Crysknife1013]

From the roster:

Smith & Wesson revolvers currently on the roster with the letter 'A' after the product code, will be engraved with the letter 'A' on the underside of the top strap of the revolver.


Smith & Wesson revolvers currently on the roster with the letter 'B' after the product code, will be engraved with the letter 'B' on the underside of the top strap of the revolver.

[onelonehorseman]

I'm not sure why they did it, but the CA compliant "A" versions seem very scarce . . . . virtually vaporware so far.

[kblack583]

I'm not sure why they did it, but the CA compliant "A" versions seem very scarce . . . . virtually vaporware so far.

You ain't kidding. Saw a 6" 686 last week in lgs for first time in I can't remember how long.

[perpetual otter]

Did other manufacturers have to do the same or did this only applied to S&W? Was it mandated from the state or voluntary?



Just curious



Frank

Didn't it have to do with the fact that they changed something in the manufacturing of the revolvers? It's the same models submitted but they have to differentiate the newer ones to get them on the roster. I could be wrong...