Hi guys, new to the site and new to older revolvers. I have no idea the model or the age of this gun. It is a .38 special with a 2” barrel. Serial # is 858xx there is no mode # behind the yoke. Fixed sights, 5 screws, and it does have a strain screw. Picked this and a saftey Hammerless from the 1890’s up for 200$. Hopefully I didn’t do to bad. Appreciate any help guys

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Welcome to the forum! Looks like a pre-war K frame M&P snubbie.
Someone will be along to give you a ship date. The pictures are fuzzy, but it looks like it may have been re-plated.

Even so, at that price, you got a great deal!

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SWCA #3356, SWHF#611

There weren't any K-frame M&P snubbies made at the time of that serial number - which would date it at around 1906. Is there a letter prefix ahead of the number? Is that the number stamped on the butt? The same SN should also be stamped on the rear face of the cylinder and on a flat at the bottom of the barrel. Please check and see. It has also received a non-original plated finish. Hammers and triggers were never plated at the factory. Also it is possible that a short barrel has been grafted onto an old frame.

There is no prefix. That is the serial stamped on the butt. It matches the number on the back of the cylinder. There is no serial# on the flat of the bottom of the barrel. The barrel is stamped “smith and Wesson 38 s.&w. Spc. Ctg”

Welcome to the Forum.

That is definitely a long action revolver. I don't see a "MADE IN U.S.A." stamp on the frame, which should make it 1922 or older.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

The date, barrel length and lack of serial on the barrel suggests that the barrel was replaced... possibly in the mid to late 1930's. Steill a really neat old gun and one I'd give twice what you paid for it. Welcome to the forum from a Texas snubby loaver. And, yes, I think it has been refinished, possibly at the time of the barrel change.

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Randy
Provenance nerd

Looking closer at the gun I’d say someone put the barrel in later, between that and replating I’d assume the gun isn’t worth much. Thanks for all the info guys y’all are great. Still happy with a oddball gun.

You mean, 1922 and newer, till things went to the four line Stamp there...which I think was around.

There was no 'Made in USA' stamp prior to around 1922 sometime.

Hello Mr. darling, help me out. Is the gun nickel plated?
Any Sn. on the inside of the right grip? Just curious. Mike

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

If'n it is safe to fire that is cool old K frame, a $300 gun all day. I bought a .32 "1st Model" a couple years back with a broken firing pin for $75. My "garage sale scout" bought it for $50 not knowing the problem (scouts quit scouting if'n they lose money). Took it to the next Orlando gunshow and with full disclosure of the FP problem, guy about sprained his wrist paying out $150 for it. You are way ahead, probably sell the S/H and get a free .38. Joe

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Wisdom chases me; I'm faster

No serial number inside of the grip, and the gun has been replated at some point

Authentic and original pre-WWII M&P snubbies are scarce and highly desirable, and if in high condition can command some serious money prices. Unfortunately, yours is not one of them, it's a rebarreled and refinished Model of 1902. Yours is just a "shooter" but it is worth what you paid for it.

So I’ve got a replated, rebarreled .38 special from 1906. Man if this gun could talk. Learned everything I needed to know thanks for the help guys

Please confirm the serial number. You give five 5 digits. Is it 5 or 6?


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It is only 5 digits

Thanks. Agree with about 1906.


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