If you give us the model number and the serial number, we can tell you, and they are both engraved on the gun somewhere. But we need those two things to tell when it was made.
Your serial number indicates that your Smith and Wesson 38 special was made in the Year 1960.
1962
Yes, they have made hundreds of thousands.
Made @ 1964.
Made in 1979.
By the serial number.
Without a sn, there is no way to answer.
@ 1975
You gun takes the .38 Special. Its original (and proper) name was ".38 Smith & Wesson Special" since Smith & Wesson introduced the first gun chambered for this cartridge, which differentiated it from the earlier ".38 Smith & Wesson". The .38 S&W Special will not interhange with the .38 S&W.
38 special
@ 53
Shipped from the factory @ 1970