I was looking at an early 50s M&P 2-inch square butt snubnose (SN C157XXX) for sale today and had a couple of questions about the condition and value. The finish was a nice low-polish matte blue, which I assume is correct for the postwar era, with matching numbered high-shoulder Magnas. I would say it was about 95 percent except for a small spot of pitting developing at the edge of the righthand grip at the side plate that may be salvageable.

Timing and lockup was good, but I noticed the cylinder to forcing cone gap was really tight, probably no more than 1-2 thou and most of the bluing was worn off the front of the cylinder. What would cause that and how is it fixed?

The price was $550 firm and if it was a RB I probably would have jumped on it even with the issues but the cylinder issue is of enough concern to exercise some patience. Think it's still worth it?

BigW, I had a similar one of these square butt really fine bluing , mint shape, sold to another forum member a couple of years ago. As far as bluing wear most likely holster wear if it is on the front side of the cylinder. The price isn't bad but I do regret selling mine as it was a great looking revolver. $550 isn't to bad up in these parts. Trust me I have been looking to replace that one.

Good Luck

Thanks for the reply. To add a little more detail, there was no blueing wear at all on the sides of the cylinder or even much on the barrel, so it's likely not holster wear. It was on the front flat part of the cylinder and extended pretty much evenly almost down to the ejector rod, so it really does look like it was caused by rubbing against the forcing cone. It's just odd because the rest of the gun's finish is in so much better condition.

Could be lead splatter on the cylinder, and if so should clean off ok. Check the timing to make sure the chambers are lining up with the bore at full cock.

Charlie

Is there much back and force movement? The cylinder can be shimmed out from the forcing cone. I believe Brownells sells some shims. Normally the gap is too much.

__________________
Tom
NRA Pistol Inst

No movement. The whole action was tight. The more I think about it, I'm leaning towards the idea that someone just used some kind of caustic cleaning agent that removed the bluing.

If it is truly a .001 or .002" BC gap it could be rubbing on the rear of the barrel if shot enough the metal warms up and expands that .001" or so. Normally this isn't a problem, but would be better off shooting jacketed ammo so there isn't any lead build up. Snub nose M&P's are just so much fun to carry and shoot.
These are a 10-5, 38 M&P (4 screw), and 38 M&P (5screw), from 67,57, & 52.

__________________
H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Update: I was able to get this for $520, so I picked it up. Really happy with it. It makes a nice companion to my Model 12. I especially love the shape and feel of the grips and the matte blue finish, which reminds me of my M28 Hwy Patrolman--all business. I think I was being paranoid about the cylinder gap issue. Can't wait to shoot it!

Mine's in the C 127000 range and has a bit more bluing wear than yours, and it has the best action of any post-WWII S&W I've ever had my mitts on. Was definitely carried a lot more than it was ever fired - and I doubt I'll ever sell it.

Yup, I like mine too....

Mark

__________________
S&W Forum Member #721