Proof of C&R age

[AragornElessar86]

I'm looking at buying a S&W .38 M&P which serial number places as a pre [s]1969[/s] 1967 "birthdate". Is that enough to prove it meets the "over 50 years old for Roster exemption" or is there more that would be needed?

EDIT: typo on the year. It's a C prefix serial, which multiple sources confirm ended in 1967. I will confirm against the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson once my copy arrives.

[Capybara]

I'm looking at buying a S&W .38 M&P which serial number places as a pre 1969 "birthdate". Is that enough to prove it meets the "over 50 years old for Roster exemption" or is there more that would be needed?

How did you verify that this serial number proves this? What was your source? I'd be comfortable with either a letter from S&W supporting this OR a published, legitimate source (as in a book) that supports this, not just a random website, unless it is Smith & Wesson's website. Really with C&Rs, it's usually more on the seller to decide if the evidence supports that a gun is C&R qualified. I have had to bring the ATF list with me to prove that a pawn shop or dealer's gun IS C&R but in the end, it's up to the seller if they want to sell it to you. I've also had dealers and pawn shops see that I am a California FFL03 holder and simply refuse to sell me a gun just because I'm in Commifornia. Can't say as I blame them, the CADOJ is famous for hassling out of state FFLs.

[DanGunner]

I have found that using the authoritative S&W Catalog and copying the relevant page has worked well

[Capybara]

I have found that using the authoritative S&W Catalog and copying the relevant page has worked well

I'd feel comfortable with that. Unfortunately we all have to make gun decisions of any kind with DAs, cops, prosecutors and juries in mind since California literally hates us and regards us a third class citizens.
They get off on nailing law abiding gun owners on bull**** meaningless laws and regulations so they can turn us into prohibited persons. Gotta CYA with every decision we make.

[AragornElessar86]

I have found that using the authoritative S&W Catalog and copying the relevant page has worked well

This was what I was planning to do.

This is the correct one, yes?

Awesome, I'll contact the seller and my FFL and make sure they both agree with this. Thanks!

[Capybara]

This was what I was planning to do.

This is the correct one, yes?

Awesome, I'll contact the seller and my FFL and make sure they both agree with this. Thanks!

Post pics when you get it!

[GM4spd]

S&W and Colt have records that can be easily verified,without the need for an actual factory letter. In most cases anything over 50 years old should not be an issue.

[lodicollector]

In my experience, I have found the burden of proof is on the Calif buyer. You must also verify the receiving FFL is good with your proof.

[CalifEd]

Find a knowledgeable LGS and show them the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson APPENDIX B: SERIAL NUMBER RANGE BY YEARS.

Not a guarantee, S&W is notorious for shipping outside of serial number ranges, but it should be good enough.