Best all around reference is the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson, 3rd ed., by Supica and Nahas.
You must call S&W to find out.
You will have to find a copy of The Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson and check each model number.
Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson, 3rd ed.
Smith & Wesson started as a company in 1854. Considering their production numbers back then were significantly lower then they have been in the last century (especially considering the demand of two World Wars), your handgun was likely produced within the last century. Look up your model and its serial number online and you can find an exact date of manufacture.
That depends on who you ask. People find different types of handgun better made than others. HK Sig Sawer Smith and Wesson Glock and Berreta are among the most prefered by most Americans.
Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson.
Standard catalog of Smith and Wesson by supica and nahas
Smith and Wesson, Mid Way, Brownell's, e-gunparts.com
Call Smith and Wesson with the serial number and the will tell you.
email the serial# to smith & Wesson and they will respond with the date
Go to Smith and Wesson's website and they will send you one for free.
Find a copy of The Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson by Supica and Nahas.