Value of .38 M&P Target ?

[Retired W4]

I am considering putting my old M&P Target in the display case this weekend and I need honest opinions on the sale price. I posted pictures of this gun a couple years ago and learned a lot back then. Roy Jinks says the gun shipped on May 27, 1926 for sale to a Philadelphia police officer. I have documentation from SWHF that the gun was owned by a Philly LEO and that it was returned to S&W twice, once in 1934 and again in 1935. On the second trip the gun had the barrel replaced, along with other parts, and was refinished at the factory. S&W numbered the new barrel to the gun and all numbers match except for the stocks which were replaced with the newer style grips. The stocks, especially the left panel have holster wear. There is bluing loss and holster wear from use with freckling on the frame, barrel and cylinder but no pitting. The gun is in VG+ mechanical condition with very little play.

I am obviously looking for a collector of police guns and the letter and Historical Society documents will go with the gun. The gun definitely is not in original condition but the work was done by Smith & Wesson. Any thoughts on the value of the gun would be appreciated as I just don't know what a gun like this is worth to the right collector. I have thought about using one of the internet auction sites but I am basically a face to face kind of guy. This is a time when the experts who track sale prices of different guns could really be helpful. Thanks.

[tlay]

I don't know about the value added as an ex-police gun but I recently bought one similar to yours. It had its original barrel but the grips did not number to the gun. I paid $750.

[DWalt]

To me, the police connection adds no value. I'd say the previous estimate of $750 is not too far off, but a little more than I personally would pay for it.

[JP@AK]

Very sweet 6" target revolver! I think, from my experience, that $750 would not be out of line at all.

[rct269]

It is my understanding the rear sight fit to your '20's gun was in use from 1931/32 to 1942 (excepting the K-22/40). Accordingly----------!

That said, this sight is considerably superior to that which it replaced.

Ralph Tremaine

[Mike McLellan]

I think that it's safe to say that most Smith & Wesson revolvers of that period were carried by cops or soldiers. The fact that it letters to a cop adds no value as far as I'm concerned. The fact the the refinish was done by the factory mitigates the normal re-blue devaluation. The rear sight is a nice touch. My guess on value? $600.00 - $750.00. Bye the way, I am not an expert.

[Retired W4]

Thank you to every one for the input. I now have a pretty good starting point. Hopefully the cop gun collector will be at the show. Take care.

[tlay]

Check out policerevolvercollector on this forum. He may help you with this gun.

[John R]

Sweet gun, I have one just about like it, it was my dads, and I got it after he passed away.

One thing I like to know is, what is the screw in the front of the trigger guard for?

[jsfricks]

That screw holds the cylinder stop plunger and cylinder stop spring.

PM sent to you Retired W4.

[JP@AK]

John R wrote:

One thing I like to know is, what is the screw in the front of the trigger guard for?

Originally Posted by jsfricks

That screw holds the cylinder stop plunger and cylinder stop spring.

Yes. This system was introduced on the K frame revolvers in 1905 and lasted (on the K frames) until c. 1962, when it was simplified and the screw eliminated.