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12-26-2015, 11:24 AM
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Can I get some history on this pistol? Thanks!
SmithandWesson S853975, 38 special, 4 in bbl, fixed sights, w/ strain screw, 5screw
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12-26-2015, 11:50 AM
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Welcome to the Forum. The 38 Special goes back to 1899, with the introduction of the 38 Hand Ejector, First Model (Model 1899). There were many Pre-World War II K frame named models in this caliber until 1957, when it became the Model 10. Millions of this gun were made and the Model 10 still remains in production today.
Your revolver was shipped from the factory around 1946, so is a "named" model. The name is simply 38 Military & Police (some add Post-War to the name) and yours is an early post-war revolver. S&W restarted civilian production in 1945.
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Gary
SWCA 2515
Last edited by glowe; 12-26-2015 at 11:52 AM.
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12-26-2015, 11:57 AM
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Thanks for the welcome! Can I safely fire all modern ammunition in this pistol ?
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12-26-2015, 12:32 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by williamlee
Thanks for the welcome! Can I safely fire all modern ammunition in this pistol ?
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I have no way of knowing the condition of your revolver, but any properly functioning, well maintained 38 M&P is capable of firing factory 38 Special ammunition. I have nothing that new and shoot them often, back to my Model 1899s, plus it is great fun and safe as long as you stay away from the +P and other hot ammo.
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Gary
SWCA 2515
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12-26-2015, 12:56 PM
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Your M&P revolver would have shipped during the latter part of 1946. The S-series was the first commercial M&P revolver of the postwar era, and was mechanically identical to the military Victory model revolvers (the "SV" series) made during 1945, incorporating an improved hammer drop safety (that is what the "S" means). It also has the old-style "long" action typical of all earlier M&Ps. At the very end of the S-series, the action design was changed to the "short" style, and the appearance of the hammer was changed. The easiest way to distinguish between the long and short actions is by the appearance of the hammer. In good condition, it will handle all .38 Special ammunition safely, up to and including +P. However, standard velocity lead bullet cartridges are the best choice for general recreational use, and are much less expensive.
Last edited by DWalt; 12-26-2015 at 01:20 PM.
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12-26-2015, 03:40 PM
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Your .38 Military & Police revolver, serial number S853975, probably left the factory in November or December, 1946.
The rest of the information you have already been given is correct.
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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318
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