Need help identifying an old Smith!

Big trucker · #1 07-10-2018, 05:32 PM

All i know is it was great grandads pistol and the family would like to find out what it is and when it was made.
Thank you

Wiregrassguy · #2 07-10-2018, 05:41 PM

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! That is a 38 M&P revolver from around 1927. The nickel finish on it is either replacing a blue or replacing the original nickel finish.

Guy

jmace57 · #3 07-10-2018, 05:53 PM

Welcome to the forum! Even though it is refinished, it is a pretty revolver. I like the mother of pearl stocks on it. It's a nice one!

Big trucker · #4 07-10-2018, 05:59 PM

Ok great! I have 1 more that has been handed down. Its been said to be a collector special.
Airweight 38 SPL. CTG.
D657687
thanks again!

murphydog · #5 07-10-2018, 06:32 PM

Welcome! The second gun is a .38 Military & Police Airweight (aluminum alloy frame) or model 12, from late 1973 to early 1974.

If you look on the frame under the barrel with the action open you will probably see MOD 12-2 stamped there, for the second engineering change (variation) of the model 12. It appears to be in very nice shape, and even though it was made in fairly large numbers it would be a collectible gun due to its condition; more so if you have its original box and contents. Enjoy!

DWalt · #6 07-10-2018, 06:48 PM

Close as I have to your M&P's SN on my list is 564xxx which shipped in 2/27. Yours may well have shipped in late 1926. M&P (Military and Police) is the model name. The plated hammer and trigger indicate that it has been refinished outside the factory. S&W did not plate hammers and triggers.

For your M&P Airweight Model 12, the book says:
D510,001 – D659,901………Late 1973 – Early 1974 (manufacture)

I don't know what "Its been said to be a collector special" means, but most Model 12s seen have 2" barrels so those like yours with 4" barrels are unusual and would have more collector interest if in high condition. They were cataloged with both barrel lengths at the same price. Sometimes these alloy-framed guns are subject to cracking of the frame where the barrel screws into the frame. Open the cylinder and see if there is a fine longitudinal crack in that area. There probably will not be one, but if there is, it should not be fired.

KEN L · #7 07-11-2018, 12:10 AM

Actually, the 4" is not all that uncommon, however a 4" round butt is.

Hondo44 · #8 07-11-2018, 01:52 AM

The Airweight seems to have a replacement grip on the right. One is thinner because it came from an all steel gun. Has it sanded on the on the back at the top?

You can check the # on the back to see if it matches the gun's serial #.

Big trucker · #9 07-11-2018, 08:52 AM

It does say mod 12-2. The grips dont appear to fit tight up top. The numbers dont appear to match

Wiregrassguy · #10 07-11-2018, 10:10 AM

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! The grips are newer and were not made for the Model 12 which has a narrower grip frame than the Model 10. They'll likely fit any other square butt K frame just fine. You'll probably have to do some serious searching to find correct grips. You can start in the classifieds here where most folks are familiar with the differences and can offer you the proper ones.

DWalt · #11 07-11-2018, 12:31 PM

"The Airweight seems to have a replacement grip on the right. One is thinner because it came from an all steel gun."

Good eyes. I wasn't looking for that and didn't see the difference in thickness between the two grips. Finding correct Airweight grips may take some looking, but they are out there.

Muley Gil · #12 07-11-2018, 03:56 PM

The grip can be modified to fit by it sanding down. Put some sandpaper on a flat surface, like a heavy piece of glass. You want to sand the lower part of the grip, not the horn.