I went through a couple of very nice 5" M&P examples just a few short years ago. I bought the first thinking it might be a birthyear for my father but it missed the mark just slightly.

I sold it after I did find an actual birthyear M&P for my father, which was also a 5". (The first example turned out to be a 1948, and I needed a 1949!)

I wish I had kept it now but I typically collect the 4" Victory .38spl examples.

Just a few short years ago it was not too uncommon to find the (long action) post-war M&P examples in VG-excellent all matching condition for less than $300.

Not so nowadays it seems.

Now let's see pics of your 5" M&P!