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11-14-2010, 04:02 PM
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Need Help Dating 5 screw S & W - information needed
Hi - I'm new to the forum and S & Ws. I like "older" revolvers - have a 1909 Colt Army Special - 6" barrel - 38 spl. and have been looking for a S & W about same era or a little later - am looking at this one - 38spl - 6" barrel - 5 screw frame. I'm attaching some photos - can anyone out there give me an educated guess on the age of this revolver based on the photos I'm attaching? I've emailed the dealer for the serial # but haven't heard back from them yet - probably will the beginning of the week. It's my undeerstanding that serial numbeers and dating of S & W are sometimes difficult to do because of lack of records? I know that this one has wear to the finish - I don't mind that as I am looking for a "shooter" for plinking and target practice. This one looks to have honest holster wear to it and as I said I can live with that. Based on the photos - I'd hazzard a 50% maybe a little more on the finish? Also - based on the photos - approzimate fair value? I'm hoping that based on the grip style, ejector rod, sights, etc. someone may be able to give a rough ball-park estimate of mfg. date and age. Many thanks.
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11-14-2010, 04:32 PM
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Due to the grips (assuming they are original) and shape of the knob on the ejector I would guess 1920 to 1925 or so. You really need the serial number to get an accurate age.
Hope this helps.
Steve
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11-14-2010, 04:38 PM
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I heard back from the dealer. Serial number is 5334xx. They said that they didn't have a cross reference on the serial number/date but they put it as a post-war M & P - 5 screw - mfg. sometime between 1946 - 1957?
There is a drag-line on the cylinder through the bluing to the metal but the cylinder is not "scored". It locks up tight and timing is very good on all chambers. They say it is a good solid revolver.
As can be seen in the one photo I posted, there is holster wear back a ways at the muzzle in the normal place. I'm guessing that this was carried quite a bit - possilby LE?
The only thing that concerns me is the drag line on the cylinder - is this a major thing to worry about? (if it locks up tight and timing ins good?).
As I said, I'm looking for a "shooter" and the wear really doesn't bother me that much. It's not as "vintage" as my 1909 Colt but it is "newer" and I'm assuming parts more easily available if needed? S & Ws are new to me and I'm still trying to get models, dash numbers, etc. clear in my mind. Is $350 a fair price/fair value for this model?
Thanks for any input/suggestions/advice! Sincerely, bedbugbilly
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11-14-2010, 04:53 PM
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This is a .38 Military & Police Target model from the 1920s. It is a very good price given the target sights and should be an excellent shooter.
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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220
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11-14-2010, 05:05 PM
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That serial number would date to the mid-1920's. I think I'd rate the finish a little higher than 50%, but it's a shooter grade gun. Also, this is a target model (adjustable rear sight, patridge front) so I'd seriously that it was ever an LE sidearm. Target models of that era are actually considered 'scarce', and $350 is probably not too bad if there are no mechanical issues, but I'd try to get it for $300....
Mark
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11-14-2010, 07:47 PM
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most definitely, the sights make it way more interesting. i would dangle out the 300, but it would have to go home with me, even if he wouldn't budge off the 350! nice gun. you just don't find adj sights on the oldies very often.
ed
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11-14-2010, 07:55 PM
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I don't think those are the right grips. For a 1925- 1926 gun, which
it is by serial number, they should be convex non-medallion grips,
not the gold medallions. Those would be from 1910 to 1920 .
The gun is worth every bit of $350, being a target. And those grips
look to be nice.
Mike Priwer
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11-14-2010, 08:15 PM
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Around 1925 or so like Mike suggested. Very cool gun and quite valuable if an original target model.
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11-14-2010, 08:46 PM
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My sincere thanks to all of you for your help and information! It's greatly appreciated! I'm not familiar with the S & W grips - any possibility that someone can post a photo showing what the grips should look like for this pistol - I believe the "convex" grips? Or possibly a link to where I could see an example? Thanks very much in advance.
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11-15-2010, 01:25 AM
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Billy, the stocks you want look like these. This is also a 1926 M&P (S/N 544932), but with the standard service sights rather than target. You are looking for the round-top stocks like the ones you have now, but without medallions. (See Mike Priwer's comment above.)
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David Wilson
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11-15-2010, 12:41 PM
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DCWilson - Thank you very much for the photo of the grips. That is one fine looking revolver by the way . . . and those grips are mighty handsome! Thank you all again so much for you information/advice/comments - they are all greatly appreciated!
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