Have you checked the 110 Data Sheets posted here?
http://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/kni ... 53&t=11569
When you say “3 pin Buck 110”, what are you counting as a pin?
In the 119 Data Sheets they have the pins & rivets broken down into what they are/do.
For example, on the first version, first variation it lists the following:
Blade/Butt rivets, (they are separated on later versions),
Inlay rivets, (these are handle rivets)
Rocker rivet, (the rivet that holds the lock bar in place).
Inlay & Rocker rivets are in the wooden inlayed handle.
Are you counting the rocker rivet as a pin? If so, then the date would be from 1968-1974 when the 5th version, 5th variation went to 4 inlay rivets and the rocker pin.
Also in 1974 came the 5th version 6th variation with 3 inlay rivets and the rocker rivet.
I am not aware of any changes to date after that.
I guess it boils down to this; if you were counting the rocker rivet as a pin (some people do is why I mention it), the knife would date from 1968 to early 1974.
If you are not counting the rocker rivet, the knife is made after late 1974.
1974 was a pivotal year for the 110, with 3 variations made that year, the last of the 2 inlay pins, the 4 inlay rivet variation, and the introduction of the 3 inlay rivet variations.
2 pins = 1968 - early 1974.
4 pins = mid 1974
3 pins = late 1974 - present
I think I have read all the versions right, I don’t really collect 110s but do have several.
If one of the Buck experts would please weight in here and let us know if my interpretation is correct. I would be grateful!
IMHO, it is better to date a 110 by the tang markings listed in knifetime’s post than by handle pins. It seems from the Data Sheet that the number handle pins only tells you when the knife was made in relation to 1974 and the changes made then.
Hope this helps.
I thought he meant to say DOTS to identify the year 
where a three dot is 1980-81 
