help to identify

[RobP]

i recently picked up a smith & wesson 38 special ctg serial number 194165, can some one give me some info on it ? thanks, Rob

[murphydog]

Welcome! Based on some of the features of this one I bet there is a C in front of the serial number, making it a .38 Military & Police revolver from about 1951 (others here can get you a more precise production date). It has later factory stocks on it. Hope this is helpful.

[RobP]

yes a C prefix

[murphydog]

Since no one else has chimed in ...

It is one of the most popular revolvers ever made; this one was near the beginning of the third million (?!) and well over six million have been produced. A similar model (the 10-14) is still available new. It was the standard police sidearm until into the 1970s and very popular with the general public also.

Yours has a 5" barrel, one of the less common lengths (4" was by far the most made).

[JP@AK]

The closest C number on my list left the factory in November, 1951. But some on either side of it shipped in either 1951 or 1952. That is about the closest guess we can make without seeking the wisdom and knowledge of Mr. Jinks.

In the immediate postwar period, before the C prefix started in March, 1948, the 5" barrel units were second in number only to the 4". They were far more common than either the 2" or the 6". That slowly changed in the 1950s as the 4" became more dominant, but in '51-'52, 5" barrels were still quite common. Many of us still prefer the 5" barrel for balance.

This example is in very nice condition, except that the stocks are a lot newer than the revolver. Still, I certainly wouldn't kick it out of my stable.

[KalamazooKid]

This too is an M&P 38 Special from 1951 in pristine condition, one of my favorite M&P’s. Everyone should have a few!

[RobP]

I can't see the differences in the stocks please elaborate. Thanks, Rob

[murphydog]

In post #6 the stocks have a small uncheckered diamond around the screw. This changed in about 1967 so the stocks on your gun are from later than this. Yes, S & W collectors have OCD.

[RobP]

ahh i see thanks, Rob

[RobP]

what would you estimate the gun being worth? thanks, Rob

[RobP]

Also is it possible to get the right stocks for it? Is this a J frame and considered a model 10? I'm learning a lot here. Rob

[DWalt]

Originally Posted by RobP

Also is it possible to get the right stocks for it? Is this a J frame and considered a model 10? I'm learning a lot here. Rob

It is a K-frame, and any K-frame square butt grips should fit. The other M&P pictured in #6 above has period-correct grips. You can generally find used grips listed on eBay, but those on it are fine, and I don't see any real reason to buy period-correct grips. It is about 7 years too early to be called a Model 10. It is correctly called an M&P.

[murphydog]

I see it as a $400-450 gun, even with the later stocks. The original ones would have been fitted to the gun and stamped with the digits of the serial number, so correct replacements would not be 100% "original", if that matters.

[JP@AK]

Originally Posted by murphydog

The original ones would have been fitted to the gun and stamped with the digits of the serial number, so correct replacements would not be 100% "original", if that matters.

This is true. But if you want "period correct" Magna stocks, it will require more than just the smooth diamond. From 1946 until late 1952 or early 1953, K frame Magna stocks also had a sharp shoulder at the top, above the medallion. In 1953, that shoulder was softened, that is, it tapered down from the top toward the medallion.

In the picture below, you can see a pair of the proper stocks on the lower of the two M&Ps:

The upper revolver in the picture is wearing stocks of the prewar style, seen in the larger area of checking. Both have the diamond.

[Wiregrassguy]

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass, RobP! Before you start looking for some sharp shouldered magnas, please be advised that they ain't cheap no more. Putting period correct stocks on the M&P won't make it shoot better or be prettier and likely won't affect its value one iota. The Model 1905, 4th Change, AKA the .38 M&P revolver, AKA the WWII Victory Model and now the Model 10 is the highest production handgun in history. They are not scarce and usually don't appreciate in value a lot. Have I done it...umm...yes, I have.

[RobP]

Thanks guys its been a great history lesson. RobP