I posted previously that I'd bought this one...had to get the paperwork done, go on leave etc, so it's been a couple of weeks. But it's home with me now, and I couldn't be happier. I like the 5" K-frame, especially the M&Ps. I wanted an older one, from the 40's or 50's, but couldn't find exactly the one I wanted, or the condition, or price. I'm glad I waited. I found this one (serial #S 860602) in an awesome gunshop in NC in the middle of nowhere. Price was OK, not a steal, but digestible. It came with the box. One-line address, large-head ejector rod and flawless magnas. Condition is probably 98.5-99%, with some tiny blue wear on the right side of the muzzle. I'm thinking this one was made late '45 or early '46. I'm happy now...until I find the next one.
Bob

Bob,That is a beauty,Nice pictures.

man, that is a beauty!

A real gem, Bob ! Congratulations !

Larry

Very Nice find! Congrats.

Wow that is awesome!

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Dom

What a beauty! And definitely worth waiting for. A new or almost new M&P is one of the best-looking guns anyone will ever see.

I'd guess late '46 on the shipment, maybe early '47 in light of the company's indifference to serial number sequence when filling orders. I have your gun's two-inch near sibling, S868055, which shipped in January 1947.

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David Wilson

Wow, I've often wondered how people can be so discernible as to differentiate one percentage point, and now we are talking about half a percentage.

Looks pretty much like new to me. But then I am not that discerning.

I was thinking 98.6 or 7%, but I wanted to leave a little wiggle room in case of a difference of opinion. Can't be too careful.
Bob

Mighty Nice, but that would be a new one around here, both age and condition!

Great pickup...I snared one of these identical to yours (not in as good shape) at the Reno Gun Show last year and despite being the least expensive S&W I've bought in a decade it's damn near close to my favorite.

--Neill

Outstanding catch ! Great case colors on the hammer and trigger too. The 5" M&P is one of my favorites, it seems to have just the right proportions. Here are a couple from 1946 so DCWilson is probably right with an early 1947 shipment date. I wonder what the highest S/N was that still had the one line address and large ejector rod head ? Yours still has that smooth long action. If it didn't come with one, the box should contain a piece of brown wax/tissue paper and a post-war Helpful Hints brochure, not too hard to find or very expensive.

The only thing that would make it better for me would be a round butt.

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Brian
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Congratulations, Bob. That's a gorgeous revolver. Those are some of the strongest case colors I've ever seen.

Enjoy,

Jerry

Very nice, Walter. Thanks for the picture. I also have a 6", same condition, serial # starts with S 907XXX. Can't remember the last 3 digits. You're right about proportions and balance. The 5" is much-better proportioned than the 6"...that last inch (on the 6" K) definitely makes a big difference in handling.
Bob
PS-Thanks for the comments, Jerry. Been lusting after another 5" like yours. This one should cure me. I'll shoot it tomorrow. Stand by. I'll equip it with a Black Tyler-T. Below is my 6", same condition, one-line address, long action and later, narrow ejector rod head.