5 screw S&W

cruzans · #1 05-20-2020, 08:17 PM

Picking this up tomorrow. Guy got rid of it at my gunshop and the owner knows I like my PD marked guns.
Any thoughts on year or make? Thinking M&P 1905. I like the older revolvers and like I said, PD marked ones

Got it pretty cheap so why not.

murphydog · #2 05-20-2020, 08:38 PM

What make? Hmmm, let me think...

We need more information for a positive model ID. The chambering and SN would be a start.

. The barrel and cylinder style are from no later than the late 1920s if they are original to the gun. Matching numbers on all the metal parts?

I would guess St Louis PD did not issue many (if any) Target sighted revolvers; also, it has a postwar style rear sight and Magna stocks, so best guess is a gunsmith special.

cruzans · #3 05-20-2020, 08:44 PM

Thanks. I thought the rear sight was odd? I'll get all the info. tomorrow. Was a busy day at the shop today and it's a one man show so didn't want to bother him with a ton of questions.

Absalom · #4 05-20-2020, 09:00 PM

The St. Louis police M&P’s from the 1920s are well-documented and can be found in quite a few older threads here on the forum.

Roy has confirmed the backstrap inscription as factory-applied.

PS: Here’s an example, all original with good photos:

Another St. Louis Police Dept .38 M&P 4th Change

quinn · #5 05-20-2020, 11:26 PM

That is cool. I like the backstrap marked PDs too. It leaves no doubt.

cruzans · #6 05-21-2020, 12:37 PM

Picked her up today. My shops thoughts are the grips were original? But obviously just his thought. Sights front and back definitely not original obviously. Gun has also had trigger work and it is amazing in single action. Best guess is someone picked it up after it's service was over, or perhaps PD turned it into a trainer/competition gun? Who knows - I just like the markings and it was cheap

Muley Gil · #7 05-21-2020, 01:10 PM

The grips are post WW II. Originals would be round top service style, probably without medallions. We need a serial number to narrow down the date. Also, is there a "MADE IN U.S.A." stamp on the right side of the frame?

cruzans · #8 05-21-2020, 01:14 PM

Made in USA on right side = yes.
Serial number 5398xx

I thought the same on grips based on some of my research. He thought the diamond ones were correct - but I'm thinking round top would have been correct as well.
Thanks!

murphydog · #9 05-21-2020, 03:24 PM

The serial number puts it close to the end of the "mushroom" end extractor rod, 1927 or so. The stocks probably have a number on the inside right panel so we can tell you how far away from 1927 they are.

Art Doc · #10 05-21-2020, 03:39 PM

St Louis PD liked 5" revolvers. I have a 1924 Colt Army Special stamped on the butt St. Louis PD. I think somebody spent a lot of money on a 5" M&P to turn it into a Target Grade revolver. If the rear sight was correct pre war design I might suggest pistol team use. But I think an owner built this.

cruzans · #11 05-21-2020, 04:44 PM

Thanks! Nothing on inside of grips

Quote:

Originally Posted by murphydog

The serial number puts it close to the end of the "mushroom" end extractor rod, 1927 or so. The stocks probably have a number on the inside right panel so we can tell you how far away from 1927 they are.

DWalt · #12 05-21-2020, 05:02 PM

Closest I have listed to 5398xx is 540529 which shipped on 6/16/26. Several others having reasonably nearby SNs also shipped in 1926, would guess yours probably did also. Grips appear to be post-WWII Magnas (1946-52). Original grips would have been round tops without S&W medallions. Rear sight style is from much later than 1926. Seems you have what should be a nice shooter-grade gun.