HI, I have a blued 6" bbl smith 38special serial number 96454 but there is no model number on the gun. Also the number on the bottom of the frame on the butt is different than the yoke and frame numbers.
Also there is a screw in the frame under the yoke area.
What do I have?

You know, maybe a hint as to the caliber might help?

The number on the butt is the serial.

Well it says 38 S&W Special on the bbl. So I'm guessing 38special.
Serial number on butt is 392982.

Is it a fixed sight or adjustable sight model? Also how many screws are on the side plate. It sounds to me like you have a 4 screw or 5 screw that would have been made before they were given model number designations.
In this case you might have better luck going into S&W Hand Ejectors sub forum. Although I am sure there will plenty of good information here too.

removed PC

It has no rear sight just the groove. It almost looks exactly like the photo that was posted except the front blade is ramped and the hammer has the spur about half way between the top and bottom of the hammer. The pic shows the spur near the top. I use the term spur to refer to the part of the hammer you use to cock it.
I think I have the ability to post a photo. I'll try.

Oh and it has three screws on the right side and the one screw under the lug on the trigger guard.

That's about the best I can do on the photos. Hope they help...

I believe that is a pre- model 10. It's a 4 screw K frame Military & Police .38 special.
The S/N actually start with a C 392982 Mfg probably in the early 1950's. Other experts may give you a more accurate assessment.
Mike

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John 1:17
NRA Life Benefactor

Hi, I posted pics and asking help ID'ing this S&W revolver in the 1961 and newer forum. It appears that this gun maybe late 1910 or 1920 mfg. Anyone wishing to take a look I would appreciate it. If one of the mods can move the post to the appropriate forum, that would be nice as well.
The post is titled "What do I have"...

Thanks a bunch. I know it was a police gun. It was carried a lot but not fired much.

Some one just said that it may be a pre model 10 M&P 4 screw made around 1950.
Is that about right? Thanks to any who can help.
What are these guns worth? I know condition makes a lot of difference. This one shows wear and is not in the best shape. I've seen worse but I don't know how to rate it.

It's a nice gun. If the action is good it should shoot great! Enjoy and welcome to the forum.

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John 1:17
NRA Life Benefactor

yes, It's a 4 screw M&P , made about 1954. It's not a high dollar gun as many 1,000s were made. Market value is around $400-$600 range in most states. Ed.

Thank you for the help. My friend has no interest in selling it cause of the sentimental value. If he ever has kids he wants to pass it on to them.
I figured he should get it insured for what it's worth just in case.
The action is very good and it locks up better than all my 686's. I'm donating a couple hundred rounds of wadcutters to him.

That would be a great gesture, Mike... but be careful, he'll probably enjoy shooting those couple hundred, and it will take several hundred times that to wear it out! Those old warriors just go on and on! Better teach him to reload.

Froggie

For some reason you neglected to mention the C prefix in the serial. They didn't just put it there for fun and it makes a difference.

That's a Military & Police Model from mid 1950s. In 1957 this gun becomes the Model 10.

This one looks like it has seen lots of use. Condition is pretty rough with deep scratches (rust showing through) corrosion and "freckling" in the finish. Hard to be certain from photos but it may have a 5" barrel which is a little more interesting than the more commonly seen 4" and 6" versions.

A 5" M&P is a cool gun but the condition hurts value. To me this is a $200 pistol.

$200 seems a bit low - I'd say not more than $300. Its hardly
worth insuring.

Mike Priwer