Hi Everyone,

I am not a collector but my dad gave me a gun a few years ago for personal protection. I got a permit to carry but can't figure out the model or anything about it. I've been reading some of the threads and figured out how to locate some vital information: it's a Smith and Wesson .38 spc ctg revolver, holds 6 bullets and the serial number is C99342. I think it's a "snub nose" based on some things I read on the internet. I attached a picture, I hope someone can help me figure out what model gun I have so I can purchase a pretty holster for it.

Thanks in advance...

Attached Images

IMG_0073.jpg (46.3 KB, 245 views)

Serial number is pointing toward 1949 or 50'ish.

I do not know those models from back then, others will be along.

I can do some research.

OOOppps, welcome aboard! Manners.

If you open the cylinder is there any numbers on the frame at the crane area?

Could be a really early .38 Chief's Special - "Pre-Model 36"???

Early round front sight, early smaller round trigger guard.

Does it have a screw in the front of the trigger guard?

But, you said 6 shot - are you absolutely certain?

Forgive me, I am unfamiliar with the technical jargon and had to look up a few terms (crane and trigger guard). The revolver holds 6 bullets. When I open the chamber, the number C99342 are displayed on the cylinder but 6372 is on the crane. The letter "L" was also stamped. There is a screw in front of the trigger guard.

2" M&P (Military & Police) Post War, Pre-Model 10, square butt, K framed 6 shot, 5 screw. Snubbies get a premium. Looks like you certainly have something special.

I'll read some more, but you're dealing with the night crew on the weekend. But I think I got it now.

Ok, that's my final answer on it. (I could easily be wrong - but that's my bet)

Nice to have something from Dad, good taste in guns.

Check back tomorrow other chaps will be along or you might post in the earlier forums to the 1950 time frame for better results.

Nice looking S&W.

Not an expert here either, but I think Flint got it right. .38 special M&P, pre model 10. It's a little too old to be a model 12, so I dont know what else it could be. Definitely looks to be a K frame to me.

I have an M&P with s/n C143XXX with ship date of Dec 29, 1950. C1 began Mar 22, 1948. So again, I'd think Flint is on target with the 1949 - 50 time period.

Josh P

I agree with the Pre-model 10. What you have is a .38 special
snub nose. Looks like it was made as others said 1949-1950.
This is S&W's K-frame which was their mid-size frame handgun.
The J-frame is smaller and the N-frame is larger/heavier. If you
go to a gunshow or shop ask for a holster for a k-frame with 2"
barrel and see what you like best. I'd recommend not shooting
any .38 +P loads. Just standard .38 specials and you'll have lots
of fun. That is a nice revolver you have son. Take care of it.


Chuck

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Nice gun, its a late 40's, early 50's M&P (pre-model 10) with a 2" barrel and square butt. Yours is a 5 screw with the proper grips and older sight. which looks kind of odd on a 2".

Interesting old gun, you dont run across those every day.

Thanks everyone. I really appreciate your assistance. Now, I know exactly what I own and can speak semi-intelligently about it. Thanks again. Have a great day.

Runster,

Welcome to the forum and thank you for posting that great little M&P. Your father has good taste indeed.

One word on self defense though...I would suggest that you DO NOT use that particular revolver. While I'm sure it will not explode in your hand, it would not be wise to feed it a diet of "hot" modern defensive loads.

Second and most important, if you do ever have the misfortune to have to use that gun in a justified shooting, it's going bye bye for quite a while and will be afforded much less sentimental care than you will give it.

It could certainly do the job but as it has unique value, I wouldn't chance it.

You can go out and get a similar revolver, new or used, for around $300 and if you should require its service and it ends up in an evidence locker, you can easily replace it.

A.

El Paso Saddlery - Holsters

If my father had left me that gun to use for home defense or concealed carry I would use it exactly for those purposes. Also, I would carry and shoot whatever (hot) +p ammo I wished in it, and not worry a minute about a modern, full-sized .38 special gun made of modern steel suffering any ill effects.

Welcome to the forum, and congratulations on owning a fine example of /S&Ws products.

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chud333 means well but he's incorrect about avoiding +P in a K frame from around 1950. Given +P is loaded well below allowable maximum pressure it would cause zero problems.

Did anyone mention that the gun is a square butt model? The round butt is a tad more compact for concealment.

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