I have a Smith and Wesson double action revolver. 2 inch barrel. Serial number on the butt is C99547. I can't find a model number. The numbers on the frame under the cylinder yoke are L 7312, and possibly a 9 or upside down g. Any help would be appriciated.

Welcome to the forum!

Sounds like a M&P Pre-model 10 from post-war production.

Does it look like the one on the bottom?

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I does look like that one. I know I will have to do some more research, but is it possible it is 1933 or older vintage? The reason I ask is it belonged to a local deputy who was in a shootout with the Bonnie and Clyde gang. I have documented him being there, and the gun did belonging to him, but I can't saw for certain it was the one he was using that day.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but with that serial number there is no way it dated to anytime before 1948 when the C prefix on serial numbers began. So it isn't possible that the gun was involved in that shootout. The two inch pre-10's are collectible guns though and many members here have one in their collection. It's a great gun to have regardless of it's history.

Your .38 M&P dates to late 1949 or early 1950 if shipped in any serial number order. I have a 2" SB with serial number C 84786 and it shipped in August of 1949. You won't find any model numbers as the Federal Government did not require guns to bear model numbers until around 1957. Hope that helps.

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James Redfield
LM #497

Thanks for the help. Like you said still a neat gun in it own right. At least I can say it belonged to an interesting man. I know he worked as a bank gaurd after he left the sheriff's office. He probably carried it later in his career.