Viper serial number sanity check...

[kmecjohnson]

Called about a Viper and was told the s/n was 390835... That doesn't cross with anything I can find... Bogus?

Thanks, KJ

[A1A]

Ask for a photo just in case it is being read wrong?

[Kanatak]

KJ, I have two lettered Vipers, one with suffix M and one with suffix R. These Vipers were shipped in March 78 and July 77. You either received an incomplete serial number from the owner or it is a project gun. Please let us know what you find out and good luck.

[kmecjohnson]

I thought they were all 5 digit numbers that ended in an "M" or an "R", but I wasn't sure. I did ask for a photo of the s/n, we'll see where it goes.

Thanks for the help guys...

[Collects]

Remember, one could put a Viper barrel on a Cobra, and claim it is a Viber. Watch out for that!

[A1A]

Or a 1930 Police Positive Special.

[ohiobuckeye]

The Vipers I have encountered had five digit serial numbers with M or R suffix if built in the first run from 1977. The few guns I have seen from the second run in 1993 had 4 digit serial numbers with AC prefix. The serial number you posted does not seem to fall inio the same range as any of the alloy frame revolvers.

[gkitch]

Remember, one could put a Viper barrel on a Cobra, and claim it is a Viber. Watch out for that!

Yep. The 1970s era Viper (and PP) had their own long grips that looked like an elongated DS wood grip. If the one you are looking at has anything but the correct grips, walk away quick.

[clcondor]

The Vipers I have encountered had five digit serial numbers with M or R suffix if built in the first run from 1977. The few guns I have seen from the second run in 1993 had 4 digit serial numbers with AC prefix. The serial number you posted does not seem to fall inio the same range as any of the alloy frame revolvers.

Were there any differences between the first and second runs of the Vipers?

[ohiobuckeye]

Were there any differences between the first and second runs of the Vipers?

The 1993 run has the smooth walnut grips, different s/n range, and came in the blue molded plastic hard case with cardboard outer sleeve.