Hi all. I have just acquired a 6” 1905 with a serial number that puts it solidly in the third change series, but the ejector rod is not the mushroom shape end I was expecting . . It looks to be the more modern rod with the uniform width knurled end. Where there any third change models with such an ejector rod or is this a replacement? Thanks for your help.

Is the barrel notched for the Mushroom? If so, I would guess it has been replaced with a more modern rod for some reason.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

It would not originally have a knurled extractor rod tip, but a mushroom-shaped knob. As above, original barrels of that time will have a notch for the knob.

I have a Heavy Frame Target that went back to the factory in 1950 for repairs and came back with the then-current knob.

Look for a date stamp on the grip of yours which would note the repair date. It would be in this format: 5.50 for May 1950.

Supposedly it was common practice for the factory to"upgrade" with current parts and Mr. Jenks put a stop to the practice when he became a manager at S&W.

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SWCA #3356, SWHF#611

Gents, your collective wisdom on this matter has been most appreciated. I will check it out when I return home. Thank you!

Just the other day I looked at pictures of a 1912 M&P which had the barrel-shaped knob and, based on finish differences, had just the ejector rod replaced (sometime between 1927 and 1947). That does not require a trip to the factory; any gunsmith could have done such basic surgery

I have now had an opportunity to check out my new purchase which according to this website:

SMITH & WESSON .38 Hand Ejector Model of 1905 :: Gun Values by Gun Digest

... puts production solidly in the 1905’s third change period, yet there is no relief in the underside of the barrel for the mushroom shaped end of the ejector rod, the cylinder is serialized to match the frame and there is no indication on the grips or anywhere else that the revolver has had a rework.

It has good blueing .. 90+%, .004 cylinder gap, excellent bore condition and grips serialized to the frame. I’m at a loss to understand this but quite pleased with the revolver. Thank for your thoughts.

BTW, the serial number on the grip has a “C” stamped an inch to the left if it. Any significance to that?

It might not be a third change.


Big difference between s/n 123456 and s/n C123456.

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

For example:


3rd change .38 M&P s/n 216xxx





.38 M&P s/n C602xxx

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

So you actually have a post-1948 M&P, and if the number is in the third change range, from the early 1950s.

All is correct about the ejector rod.

The serial number is 196xxx. And the fact that the cylinder is serialized to the frame suggests it’s not that recent. ??

The flush knurled ejector rod started in 1947. The C-prefix serials started one year later, in 1948. The serial-numbering of major parts started getting phased out around the time of the introduction of model numbers in 1957/58, so your C 196xxx from mid-1952 would still have a numbered cylinder.

Does it have a half-ramped front sight? It falls just into the transition time to that from the half-moon.

C196xxx would probably have shipped in 1951. And yes, the cylinder would still have the serial number on the rear face at that time. C is part of the serial number and it makes the gun a post-1948 revolver. The extractor end would be knurled and the same size as the rod. That's not a "barrel shaped" knob. Those went away in early 1947, at about serial number S873xxx. A few showed up after that for a short time as parts were used up.

Edit: My friend Absalom snuck a correct answer in while I was typing . . .

I still think 1951 is a more likely ship date, but it could have been 1952. In either case, you have a postwar gun, not a Model 1905 "Third Change."

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

Another tell-tale sign will be the hammer. Yours will have a "high speed" hammer, which was introduced in 1948. It looks completely different than the hammer used in 1909-1915.

These matters would be more quickly resolved if pictures were posted with questions.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

Jack:
What range do you have in your notes for 1952?

I only have one C169, obviously a late shipper, and the database has a C194 in 3/52 and a C195 in 8/52, so my extrapolation was admittedly based on thin ice

Thanks Guys! Truly appreciate the info. 👍

Hammers do look a little different . .

The closest I can get to your s/n is C155xxx. It shipped 5/50.

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

In 1951, I see numbers from C1500xx (Feb) up to C2019xx (Nov).

In 1952, I see from C1872xx (May) up to C2269xx (Dec).

So, lots of overlap. My 1951 speculation was based on gut feel more than hard evidence. As always, we are only making educated guesses. The only way to know is to have the records checked (ie., get a letter). That's why I conceded earlier that 1952 was entirely possible. For that matter, 1954 would be too (although certainly a stretch). Don't forget the .32-20 that hung around the vault until 1965.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

How do I post a picture?

Under your window you post in you see two boxes; Post quick reply and Go Advanced.


Click on Go Advanced.


Once in that window and at the top of the non-texting area (light grey) you see a paper clip icon; click on that.



A window will open and under the title "Manage Attachments" you will see a browse button (this if you want to use a photo on your computer). Click on the browse button. You now have access to your computer; go to the photo you want to post, click on the photo, then down to the "Open" button in the lower right hand corner. You will see the file you selected. Then hit the button to the right of the file name that says Upload.
Once you submit your post the thumbnail will appear

Attached Images

43. M&P Model of 1905 3rd Change (2017).jpg (127.4 KB, 123 views)

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

If you want you can hold your cursor over the thumbnail and the photo will enlarge. Right click on the mouse and copy that and then post in a new message box. By right clicking in the new text box and pasting your image.

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

My “1905 - 3rd change” which turned out yo be a 1951 M&P

Attached Images

CE57E9A4-2FD3-4139-B93A-753B45563295.jpg (26.4 KB, 103 views)

Good job.

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

You might also note that the shape of the hammer spur is different for that time period. It's often called the "Fish Hook" hammer.