Except in very few cases, actual production dates by serial number are not available In 1972 and produced it as the model 916, 916t, and 916a Approximate production dates for postwar guns have been published, most notably in the standard catalog of smith & wesson
FuxxFakes: Will Smith
The 5th edition is the most recent and is available on amazon.
Looking for a 4 model 48
I can live with the lock Found one reasonably priced at a cabelas, their free shipping to a local store and no transfer fee Used but looks to be in very good. Here is the history, per internet search
Smith & wesson bought patents and tooling for a 12 ga Shotgun design from noble manufacturing co
