In order to determine when it was shipped from the factory, the serial number must be provided. You could call Smith and Wesson and provide the serial number and they will tell you for free. You can request a letter from them for @ $50 USD that would also answer your question. The Blue Book of Gun Values has sn data in it and most book stores or libraries will have one.
1982
The model 38 air weight had a steel barrel,but a light weight alloy frame.Smith and Wesson does state what the alloy is comprised of.
Made in 1953. Model Numbers did not come into use unitl @ 1957. Sounds like you have a Chief Special Airweight. Later numbered as a Model 37.
The smith and wesson model 18-3 was made from 1967-1976.
The Smith and Wesson model 10-7 was made in the year 1977.
The Smith & Wesson Model 37, known as the Airweight revolver, was produced starting in 1952. The serial number 21JXXX indicates it was manufactured in the late 1970s to early 1980s, as the "J" prefix was used during that time period. For an exact year, you would typically refer to Smith & Wesson's serial number lookup or production records.
The Smith and Wesson model 4053 was made from 1991-1998.
The Smith and wesson model 36 was made from 1957-1966.The model 36-1 was started in 1967.
The Smith and Wesson model 19-5 was made from 1982-1985.
Not a model that they made.
The Smith and Wesson model 915 was made from 1992-1994.
Your smith and Wesson model 64-3 was made from 1977-1987.