This gun is for sale locally. I don't know a lot about the pre-war guns. It is a 1905 4th change with 2 " barrel, square butt with ramp front sight. The grips are not original. Are the 2" barrels hard to find? None have sold on GB in last 30 days. It appears to be in very good condition and owner says it cycles fine. I have not personally seen it yet.

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

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Psalms 37:4

If it has a ramp front sight, it is likely to NOT be original. It is likely to have had its barrel replaced or shortened. It is most probably one of the WW2 British guns and probably converted from .38 S&w to .38 Special, which is not a good thing. You need to see it in person or see really good photos before making any commitment.

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S&WCA 1729

Thank you so much!

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Psalms 37:4

I'm curious how the seller has identified it. Since you haven't seen it yet, anything is possible. A ramped front sight pretty much excludes a genuine pre-war example.

It could be a perfectly good later 2" Model 10.

It could indeed also be a converted BSR, although those rarely are in "very good condition". First thing, look for the front underbarrel lug; if it's not there, RUN!

Get the serial number from the butt. That will tell you a lot. Make sure any letter (eg., V, S, C) gets included.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

here is a picture of it, 1st 3 of serial is 783

Attached Images

8219778_01_smith_and_wesson_1905_rare_2_1_640.jpg (54.5 KB, 93 views)

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Psalms 37:4

It is a chopped British Service Revolver. The barrel was clipped from 5" back to about 2" (removing the front locking lug) and a new sight was attached.

Personally, I wouldn't buy this at any price, but $250 would be the absolute top market price.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

Thank you so much! I certainly appreciate all the assistance everyone has offered.

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Psalms 37:4

...missing front locking lug is definitely the clue...

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A Country Boy Can Survive

With the triangular front sight and the type of replacement grips, which is the style (actually likely the make) used by British converters like Cogswell & Harrison, this is likely a conversion done in Britain and may even have been proofed for .38 Spl. This would explain the good condition. Better quality than US conversions done after re-import, but still no reason to buy it

This is one to stay clear of unless you are looking for a low priced utility gun. It presently has no collector value and likely never will.

Thanks again guys!

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Psalms 37:4