Would a M&P Target .38 Special with serial number 150xxx be a 1st Change or later?

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The difference between the 1st change models and the 3rd change models were mostly small changes in markings or internal. There was serial number overlap through all three changes. Without pics, it would be hard to pin it down.
Mike

That SN puts it in the 3rd Change range from probably 1909. Does the ejector knob unscrew? If it is integral to the rod, it's a 3rd Change.

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

One other feature to check for is the extractor alignment pins, I believe they were not used until the 2nd change.

Definitely not a first change

Walt

The stocks indicate 1910 or later. The 2nd Change ended manufacture in 1909 according to Roy & Neal. Of course overlaps are possible with fluctuations in inventory leftover parts, etc. Using magnifying glass check for small shims just ahead of each cylinder stop notch? Shims are reported to have been used through most of the 2nd Change production.

These guns are a real problem to ID and things like solid rod & knob are difficult to determine, since a stuck knob that will not loosen easily can be mistaken for a solid unit. I have three, what I call, 1st Change revolvers that have mixed changes listed in the book, like slot in the extractor rod instead of the pins and square cut on the extractor arms like the book says. I only assume they are 1st Change guns because all of the internal changes made in the 2nd Model are absent on these three. I believe that almost all the changes made in the 2nd and 3rd Models have an overlap with not only serial number ranges, but with manufacturing dates and for sure within ship dates.

If it matters which change you have, the gun needs to be mostly taken apart to find all the changes applied to these models. Personally, I use the majority rule - if most over half the changes are present, that is how I name them.

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Gary
SWCA 2515