.38 S&W Special

SSgtMason · #1 02-29-2012, 03:14 AM

I was given this gun about 5 years ago after finding it, a couple grand in cash, and a playboy with my birth date on it in my grandfathers garage. (He's been dead for 11 years...sweet find!) I just wanted to know more about the gun. My grandfather was kind of a shiesty character and I am trying to register it and get all the paperwork for it. If there is anything you can tell me about this weapon or where to find more information please share! Thanks in advance

chud333 · #2 02-29-2012, 03:24 AM

Open the cylinder release and see if there is a model number on the
inside of the crane.

chuck

Oyeboteb · #3 02-29-2012, 06:05 AM

It is a 'Military & Police' Model, made probably around 1914 or so.

The Stocks on it are much too new for the Revolver...and, the correct original Stocks would have had shorter, rounded Tops, with a Brass inset recessed S&W Medallion, and, fine checkering below that ( and been much better looking, also ).

You should make sure and Oil the mechanism and all other moving parts generously, since likely no one has in a long long time.

Nice old Smith!

s&wchad · #4 02-29-2012, 06:13 AM

Welcome to the forum.

Nice find! I was wondering where I left that cash.

roaddog28 · #5 02-29-2012, 10:45 AM

Nice revolver. According to my S&W book if I am reading it correctly, you have M&P 1905 3rd change. Revolver was produce sometime between 1909 to 1915. Grips don't look original. Either DC Wilson or Handejector will be along to give you a better history of your revolver. Looks to me to be a nice shooter.
Good luck,
Howard

glowe · #6 02-29-2012, 11:05 AM

Welcome to the Forum. You do have a Model of 1905, 38 M&P, 3rd Change that was probably shipped from the factory in 1913. The Model 1905 turned out to be the most popular revolver style ever made by S&W. These K Frame gun, with total production of almost two million, when you include the British Service Model and the Victory Model. The Model 1905, 38 Special, exceeded 240,000 made, with the production not ending until 1942. The Third Change revolver was made from 1909 to 1915, with about 100,000 made.

Posters are correct that your grips are not original. I will post a picture below that shows correct grip style. This particular grip is on an N Frame, but same design as the K Frame. Also, the numbers indside the crane are not serial numbers. They were used only as assembly numbers and should match on both the frame and crane.

roaddog28 · #7 02-29-2012, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glowe

Welcome to the Forum. You do have a Model of 1905, 38 M&P, 3rd Change that was probably shipped from the factory in 1913. The Model 1905 turned out to be the most popular revolver style ever made by S&W. These K Frame gun, with total production of almost two million, when you include the British Service Model and the Victory Model. The Model 1905, 38 Special, exceeded 240,000 made, with the production not ending until 1942. The Third Change revolver was made from 1909 to 1915, with about 100,000 made.

Posters are correct that your grips are not original. I will post a picture below that shows correct grip style. This particular grip is on an N Frame, but same design as the K Frame. Also, the numbers indside the crane are not serial numbers. They were used only as assembly numbers and should match on both the frame and crane.

Thanks glowe. I thought I was close.
Howard

gruntdeputy · #8 02-29-2012, 11:28 AM

You people are missing the point…

SSgtMason, what issue of Playboy was it and who was the centerfold?

We need to know more about your grandfather. He sounds like a character.

Good find! That is a great old revolver!
Frank

Dpris · #9 02-29-2012, 01:03 PM

Are you legally required to register in your state?
If not, why would you want to?
Denis

Waidmann · #10 03-01-2012, 10:44 AM

A caution your gun predates heat treated cylinders and the improved hammer block. mild ammo, no metal jackets and having the firing pin resting on an empty are some thoughts to consider.