Revolver Identification

Joey6855 · #1 05-12-2017, 09:51 PM

I have a, best I can tell, a 4-screw K Frame 38 Spl. with a 3" barrel. Gun has had some parts replaced and seems pretty worn. Also has a strain screw and fixed sights. Any help IDing it would be appreciated.

Muley Gil · #2 05-12-2017, 09:56 PM

Welcome to the Forum.

You have a pre WW II .38 Military & Police that has be fitted with a post war 2" barrel. It appears to have been reblued. The grips are replacements.

pawncop · #3 05-12-2017, 09:58 PM

Not an expert here, but think you have a 2" barrel there. Most likely a M&P (pre model 10).

JP@AK · #4 05-13-2017, 12:20 AM

I agree with Muley Gil: prewar frame, postwar 2" barrel. Someone wanted a snub, so he had one made up. Should be perfectly functional.

There are guys here with a better handle on prewar serial numbers than I have. But I'm left wondering if this frame was originally made for the .38 S&W, rather than the .38 Special. As I recall, M&Ps in the 730,000 to somewhere in the 850,000 (maybe 880,000) range could have been .38 Specials. It seems likely this is one of them. I'll defer to those who know more about this particular period.

Hondo44 · #5 05-13-2017, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joey6855

I have a, best I can tell, a 4-screw K Frame 38 Spl. with a 3" barrel. Gun has had some parts replaced and seems pretty worn. Also has a strain screw and fixed sights. Any help IDing it would be appreciated.

Welcome to the forum.

I agree with members above. Althought it's a 5 screw; 4 in the side plate and one in front of the trigger guard.

Absalom · #6 05-13-2017, 02:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JP@AK

......
There are guys here with a better handle on prewar serial numbers than I have. But I'm left wondering if this frame was originally made for the .38 S&W, rather than the .38 Special. As I recall, M&Ps in the 730,000 to somewhere in the 850,000 (maybe 880,000) range could have been .38 Specials. It seems likely this is one of them. I'll defer to those who know more about this particular period.

It is from later 1941. The frame does not have any of the typical ex-BSR markings except for one mark on the left frame ahead of the cylinder which I can't clearly identify. It does have the plugged lanyard hole. Since the frames were identical, no way to tell other than by British stampings, if present.

It also seems odd that there is no logo; refinishes that would completely remove that are unusual, so maybe an old pre-1937 sideplate? Sideplate fit seems quite poor. Would fit with this being a parts project.

DWalt · #7 05-13-2017, 07:28 AM

I'd agree with everyone else, little question it is a parts gun. Is there a SN stamped on the bottom of the barrel? The SN suggests a mid-1941 shipping date, at least for the frame. It has Franzite imitation staghorn plastic grips, fairly popular replacement grips back in the 1950s-60s.

JP@AK · #8 05-13-2017, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Absalom

The frame does not have any of the typical ex-BSR markings except for one mark on the left frame ahead of the cylinder which I can't clearly identify.

Yes. It was that mark that got me to wondering. But I could not identify it either.

I also agree that the sideplate looks flaky.

DWalt - my thought on the stocks was also Franzite. But I wasn't sure enough to mention it. Thanks for the confirmation. I have never thought much of the Franzite fake grips, but believe it or not some people collect them. I sold a pair at a gun show a couple years ago for $25. I was happy to get the money out of them.