I am needing a little advice on my next purchase. I have located a model 1905 M&P with 5 inch barrel in near perfect condition all matching including the grips. The gun is just gorgeous its the later style with silver medallion service stocks. Also have located a 1905 M&P target in 98% condition with gold call bead on 6 inch barrel but no matching stocks but the numbers on gun all match. Target gun is roughly from same period. There is a $300 difference between the 2 and I am wondering just how much more desirable is target version over the standard sights. Neither gun has box or anything else with it. The non target gun is more complete and the colors on hammer and trigger are just stunning. I can not afford both but really want both but I am going to have to narrow it down. I will probably shoot either occasionally at the range when I decide and get one.

It would help a bit if we had the serial numbers, and also what the asking prices are.

Generally, targets are more expensive than non-targets. In part that is because the production of targets is variously estimated at 10% of total production. Furthermore, although apparently not in this case, targets are in better condition. Most didn't ride around in the back, or under the seat, of a pickup truck, and were not generally carried in holsters.

Personally I prefer targets. If the M&P is 999% or better, you probably ought to take that one, being that is less money. A 99% (or better) any-gun is generally very collectible.

Mike Priwer

Not enought information. If the 38 M&P was $150 and the 38 Target was $450, run don't walk to buy both. The difference means nothing without context. Also, you made the statement "but no matching stocks but the numbers on gun all match." Are they not period correct? Do they not have a serial number, or are they stamped with a different serial number? We also do not know the era of either gun?

For me, a 98% 38 M&P Target is worth north of $650 and a 38 M&P in near perfect condition is worth $500, but everything is relative to your interpretation of condition and the fact that stocks may not be matching on either gun. 98% for me is near perfect in most situations.

More details and pictures please.

Forgot to ask about another statement you made. "The non target gun is more complete and the colors on hammer and trigger are just stunning." What do you mean by complete?

__________________
Gary
SWCA 2515

Okay just a tad bit more info but have no pictures. The m&p serial starts with 648 and has to be close to 99% they are wanting $559. The target serial starts with 640 and claiming 1932 date and it is very nice shape too but no service grips and they are asking $879. The M&P is to me priced about right but is so pristine and the target is priced I think low for such nice condition. Thanks for all the help.

More complete means matching numbered stocks and ALL numbers match as opposed to the Target with NO stocks at all but matching numbers on gun.

I am leaning towards the M&P and have now a picture of a picture but it illustrates my perception of the case colors.

Attached Images

20180813_131000.jpg (104.8 KB, 78 views)

To me, that is a bit too much case coloring. it looks like a recent re-case-coloring, and possibly also a very good refinish. Typically, the case coloring has some blue, rarely any yellow, and not that much coloring.


Mike Priwer

I prefer adjustable sights but I am primarily a shooter.
Walt

You might get those prices if the stocks were original. One must remember that a million standard 38 M&Ps were made by the beginning of WWII, so even in high condition, selling prices are not getting quite to where your estimates are in my opinion. 10% targets indicate that maybe 100,000 were made during the M&P production run prior to WWII, so also plentiful. If stocks do not match on either gun, many collectors will not want them at those prices. I think it should reduce the value by around $200, so the 38 M&PS without original stocks are both priced too high, not too low.

With only one image, I cannot comment on refinish possibilities, but I do not have any M&Ps with true straw color showing as your image indicates. If you used a flash, maybe the colors could show a little too strong.

__________________
Gary
SWCA 2515