If this link works, take a look at what Clapp is claiming for Model 11 production!

Peter

American Rifleman | Wiley Clapp: The .38 S&W—Isn't That Special?

He may be inadvertently included war time Victory production.

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Clapp is lumping together the WW2 .38/200 BSRs ( British Service revolvers) and the later Model 11s that came out post 1957. His photo appears to be a BSR with post WW2 stocks, not a Model 11. Model 11s were often ordered by Police Dep'ts in the 50s & 60s for use by female officers, as the lesser recoil of the .38S&W round vs. the .38S&W Special was thought to be easier for them to fire. Ed.

That's what he did, but it is not inadvertent. The Model 11 and the S&W BSR are not the same revolver, except in general appearance and caliber, and it is incorrect to lump them together.

I think some Model 11s were made for sale in places like India and other former British-affiliated countries, as the .38 S&W was essentially the service cartridge and in wide use, whereas the .38 Special was not. I've never heard the story about Model 11s being used by US policewomen. But I am sure that some revolvers in .38 S&W (such as the Terrier and the Colt Detective Special) were used by female cops. Yes, there was a .38 S&W DS, but not many of them. I still regret walking away from one offered at a reasonable price a few years back.

My understanding is that that the Model 11 was made only for British Commonwealth countries who were still using the WW II so-called BSR and needed further quantities. Certainly the South African Police (SAP) purchased some (these were 4" barreled, I have three), and I believe the Australians. Was it ever catalogued for general sale?

Peter

" Was it ever catalogued for general sale? "

No.

I'd love to have one that was marked as a Model 11.

I like using the .38 S&W cartridge in a few revolvers around here.

Have you tried the hot Buffalo Bore load in that caliber?

Here's my 1956 no Model number, although you might have seen it before.

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	S&W M&P .38S&W, sn C3500XX, 1956.jpg (59.5 KB, 42 views)
	S&W M&P .38S&W (2).jpg (76.5 KB, 29 views)

__________________
Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob

Ed:
With all due respect, I would very much like to see sources for that happening, especially "often". Model 11's are harder to find than 2" Victory models these days. And the issue with female officers was always primarily (grip) size, not caliber; to wit, the adoption of the 3" Model 36 for female officers by NYPD.

11s all looked like 4 inch 10-5s correct? no snubs and no bull barrels?

I think that comes a bit down to interpretation. In the SCSW (4th ed) one finds the notation with the Model 11, "before 1957, produced as the .38-200 British Service Revolver". So at least he is not too far from the mainstream with his lumping.

Maybe I should not have said "often" as probably sales of Model 11s to LEOs was less than often. I do recall here in San Diego, in the 1950s, both the PD and the Sheriff's Office required female officers and Jail Matrons to carry revolvers only in calibers .32S&W Long or .38S&W, on the assumption that they might not be able to efficiently handle the recoil of larger calibers. I don't think that lasted too long and I recall a couple sweet young things ( translation: Ex WW2 San Diego Navy Shore Patrol ladies used to corralling inebriated Marines ) who carried Model 1911s off duty. Ed.

Then by the same reasoning a Model 10 and a WWII Navy Victory are the same. Certainly both are K-frames, but from different eras, and with significant lockwork differences, not to mention their standard finishes and grips.

In 1947, the Dutch East Indies purchased 10,000 K frames, identical to the BSR in 338 S&W, to put down an uprising. The revolutionaries won and the counry is now Indonesia. I have one of the few that came back to the US. Talk about 'rode hard and put away wet', one screw is broken off, and the hammer pivot is loose. The barrel isn't quite rusted shot. I shot it a cylinder full, but haven't shot it since. The butt is stamped K.N.I.L. They might increase the count of 38 S&W caliber guns a bit.

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	DSC00288.JPG (126.1 KB, 31 views)
	DSC00289.JPG (125.5 KB, 25 views)
	DSC00294.jpg (68.3 KB, 29 views)

How were those serial numbered? S or C prefix?

If you haven't, that is one I would letter no matter its condition .

It came with a letter. Roy commented that they were very scarce. Serial number: S894433.

I'll believe that. I have never heard of one.