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S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 All 5-Screw & Vintage 4-Screw SWING-OUT Cylinder REVOLVERS, and the 35 Autos and 32 Autos


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  #1  
Old 11-13-2010, 09:27 AM
rickm rickm is offline
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needing some info on 38 spl needing some info on 38 spl needing some info on 38 spl needing some info on 38 spl needing some info on 38 spl  
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Default needing some info on 38 spl

hello folks
im new, so bare with me. looking for some info on this 38 spl with s/n 32XXX. I have some pic but the image is to big to post (i havent a clue how to downsize them) ur emails or pm's are welcome im just not available to answer them right away so give me some time and will get back with u.
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Old 11-13-2010, 09:59 AM
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murphydog murphydog is offline
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needing some info on 38 spl needing some info on 38 spl needing some info on 38 spl needing some info on 38 spl needing some info on 38 spl  
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Welcome to the Forum. A few questions:

5- or 6-round cylinder?
Exposed or concealed hammer ("hammerless")?
Any letter and partial number off the bottom of the grip frame (like the format of the number you mentioned)?
With the cylinder out, is there a MOD stamping on the frame under the barrel?
Other stampings on barrel, frame (please describe)?
Barrel length from muzzle to cylinder face?
Blue or nickel finish, size and material of stocks, finish condition in % original (less important)?

We should be able to narrow your gun's ID with this information.
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Old 11-13-2010, 10:29 AM
rickm rickm is offline
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needing some info on 38 spl needing some info on 38 spl needing some info on 38 spl needing some info on 38 spl needing some info on 38 spl  
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ok will try to answer ur questions
6 shot
exposed hammer
the only # on the bottom of but is the one mentioned
there is a # under the swing out arm the first # i cant make out to good but looks like it is 645 17 ( no dashes just a space)
there is a # under the barrel and it is the same as the one on bottom of butt
there is a list of pat # on top of barrel the last one is Dec 17 01 also on side of barrel is 38 S&W special U.S. service CTG'S
barrel length is nearly 4"
nickle finish
also on the right side there is 4 screws on side plate
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Old 11-13-2010, 10:37 AM
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murphydog murphydog is offline
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needing some info on 38 spl needing some info on 38 spl needing some info on 38 spl needing some info on 38 spl needing some info on 38 spl  
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Thanks for the information. It appears to be an early .38 Military & Police K frame revolver, which was later called the model 10. The serial number puts its ship date in 1903(!) - think the Wright brothers flying their airplane for the first time.

It is stamped "U.S. Service CTGs" because the issue revolver at that time was the Colt New Army and Navy in .38 Long Colt, which is similar to but shorter than the .38 Special. The 645 17 is a factory internal code used during assembly. Value would be dependent on condition, but it would be a scarce gun if well-preserved. Hope this is helpful.
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Old 11-13-2010, 10:41 AM
rickm rickm is offline
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needing some info on 38 spl needing some info on 38 spl needing some info on 38 spl needing some info on 38 spl needing some info on 38 spl  
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thanks for the help and the info is very helpful will post some pics when the wife downsizes them so they will fit the format
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Old 11-13-2010, 12:47 PM
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Rick, welcome to the forum. Alan has pretty solidly identified your gun for you, and I am looking forward to seeing the pictures.

Between 1899 and 1915 the S&W Military & Police model went through numerous design changes. Three different models were produced, and within a particular model designation collectors recognize intermediate stages called changes. Based on the serial number, your gun is an early second model, or Model of 1902. About one thousand numbers after yours, the Model of 1902/first change was introduced. It is very similar to yours but has some frame dimension changes to permit use of a slightly larger barrel thread.

Before WWII, S&W produced nearly 750,000 M&P revolvers, but only 13,000 of them were 1902/no change guns. So your gun is uncommon without being rare, and it would be of interest to a serious collector of M&P varieties. I don't think I have ever seen one up close, though I have seen pictures of a couple.

If the action is sound and the barrel undamaged, it is safe to shoot modern ammunition in this gun -- but not overpressure +P loads. I have a 1902/first change from about a year later than your gun, and I shoot low-speed wadcutter ammo in it with great success.
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Old 11-13-2010, 02:16 PM
mikepriwer mikepriwer is offline
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With the patent date roll markings on the top of the barrel, and
a serial number of 32xxx, that makes it a straight 1902 ( no change ).
Roys book estimates the 1st change to occur about 33,800, so again
the gun is a straight 1902.

This is a scarce gun, as straight 1902's are not seen often.

Mike Priwer
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Old 11-13-2010, 03:13 PM
ar15ed ar15ed is offline
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i would really like to see the pics!
thanks,
ed
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  #9  
Old 11-13-2010, 04:45 PM
rickm rickm is offline
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needing some info on 38 spl needing some info on 38 spl needing some info on 38 spl needing some info on 38 spl needing some info on 38 spl  
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Default hopefully here some pics

not good pics but im learning i hope
HPIM3795.jpg

HPIM3794.jpg

HPIM3807.jpg

Last edited by rickm; 11-13-2010 at 06:29 PM. Reason: pics to small
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645, colt, concealed, hammerless, k frame, military, model 10, wadcutter, wwii

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