Help with an ID and year please. (pic heavy)

DSTanker · Mar 3, 2010

My wife spotted this at a local store and we couldn't resist for the price of $150. I am under the impression that this is a pre-WW2 Model 1905 but I would like some expert analysis of this old jewel such as the exact model and year if possible. Thanks in advance.

mikepriwer · Mar 3, 2010

The gun is about a 1918 M&P. Those are the correct grips, and
perhaps are original to the gun. Check on the inside of the right
grip, and see if there is either a pencil serial number, or a stamped
serial number.

All the blue has changed to a brown patina, but otherwise it looks to
be in decent physical condition.

Later, Mike Priwer

diamonback68 · Mar 3, 2010

It's an M&P 1905 4th Change.
The serial number falls in the group from 1915-1942 in the book. You would have to get a letter on it to pin down the right ship date.
Oooops, looks like Mike has pinned it down closer.
Great find for $150.

DSTanker · Mar 3, 2010

Thanks guys, I did check under the grip panels and found no visible numbers or markings of any kind. Mechanically this gun seems to be 100% and has a superb trigger pull in both double and single action. One other concern is whether or not this gun is safe to fire modern .38 special ammo out of. I can guarantee that no +P would ever be used but would like to shoot it from time to time.

mikepriwer · Mar 3, 2010

.38 special should be OK. .38 wadcutter would be even better, as it's
not quite as hot.

Later, Mike Priwer

Gun 4 Fun · Mar 3, 2010

DSTanker said:
Thanks guys, I did check under the grip panels and found no visible numbers or markings of any kind. Mechanically this gun seems to be 100% and has a superb trigger pull in both double and single action. One other concern is whether or not this gun is safe to fire modern .38 special ammo out of. I can guarantee that no +P would ever be used but would like to shoot it from time to time.

Just want to be sure that you checked the correct spot. Did you check under the right grip panel for marks/numbers on the panel itself, or just on the frame under the right panel? The serial should be either penciled or stamped on the inside of the right panel itself, if they are original to the gun.

DSTanker · Mar 3, 2010

Gun 4 Fun said:
Just want to be sure that you checked the correct spot. Did you check under the right grip panel for marks/numbers on the panel itself, or just on the frame under the right panel? The serial should be either penciled or stamped on the inside of the right panel itself, if they are original to the gun.

Upon further inspection and under a better light, I did find the penciled numbers you referred to and they do match the serial #.

SmithNoob · Mar 3, 2010

I think I would have had to adopt this old wheelgun if I saw it sitting there. I like the look of used but cared for revolvers.

j38 · Mar 3, 2010

Excellent score for $150! That gun should be a lot of fun to shoot - even though those grips are less than ideal for extended range sessions (guess how I know this!). Enjoy that old M&P and thanks for the great pictures,

Jerry

Gun 4 Fun · Mar 3, 2010

Glad the numbers match, that just adds to the cool factor. Excellent score IMO!

DSTanker · Mar 4, 2010

Final question about this gun, I am considering sending it to S&W to have it reblued, in your opinions would this be worthwhile and also what finish would be more befitting this gun? I am thinking that the standard matt blue should be perfect since it appears that this was a workhorse rather than a showpiece.

Glock 'em down · Mar 4, 2010

DSTanker said:
Final question about this gun, I am considering sending it to S&W to have it reblued, in your opinions would this be worthwhile and also what finish would be more befitting this gun? I am thinking that the standard matt blue should be perfect since it appears that this was a workhorse rather than a showpiece.

I wouldn't do a thing to it other than shoot it, fondle it and love it!

You re-blue that ol' girl and you take away part of her history, character and very soul. She's gorgeous in my eyes. If only she could talk...oh, the stories she could tell.

If you want your money back, please contact me.

linde · Mar 4, 2010

Glock 'em down said:
I wouldn't do a thing to it other than shoot it, fondle it and love it!

You re-blue that ol' girl and you take away part of her history, character and very soul. She's gorgeous in my eyes. If only she could talk...oh, the stories she could tell.

I couldn't agree more with the above comment, she's beautiful the way she is. Here's a 1922 M&P that I treasure . . . just wish she could talk.

Russ

DSTanker · Mar 4, 2010

Ok, I'm convinced that I should leave it as is and just clean and oil it. I have extensive experience with collecting milsurp firearms and it appears as though this falls into the same category of being one that should be allowed to show it's age and tell it's story without being tampered with.

Help with an ID and year please. (pic heavy)

DSTanker

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diamonback68

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DSTanker

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mikepriwer

Gun 4 Fun

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SmithNoob

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j38

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Glock 'em down

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linde

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