I'm trying to find out what "model" this revolver is for the past month. I believe it's an early M&P/33, shot snub-nose revolver, chambered in .38 S&W. J-frame grips fit, perfectly. There is no model #, the barrel reads .38 S&W CTG. Serial # on the butt is 81205. Other numbers are: Yoke > #2 over 73409 under that is #3 in a circle. On the swing out 73409 over D9. It's in very good shape, and is very accurate. I just want to nail down exactly what it is. Again: HELP!

Just a guess, but I think it maybe a pre-mod 32 Terrier made post WW2.
Would be helpful to know the number of screws on the side plate and in front of the trigger guard, and whether or not there is a strain screw on the front grip strap. The numbers you listed other than 81205 are just assembly numbers, and are of no use once it left the factory.

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Mike H

Pictures would help also.

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Pine_Worker
Ex-LEO, NRA Life

Pictures would be of immense help. If possible remove the grips and take a picture of each side of the entire revolver, a pic of the front of the trigger guard, the front of the grip frame and the bottom of the grip frame.

If you are using a phone camera hold the camera about 2-2 1/2 feet above the revolver and use the pinch and spread method to zoom in on the revolver till it nearly fills the screen. BTW, doing this will reduce the severe perspective effects of using a very wide angle camera too close to the subject.

With a J-frame grip and a short barrel, it is likely to be a Terrier, which is actually an (improved) I-frame at that time. i.e., it has a coil mainspring, not flat. 81205 would make it from around the time the Terrier became the Model 32 in 1958. If as you say it has no model number stamping, it is a pre-Model 32 Terrier. In fact you probably have one which is very near the end of the Terrier line. If there is no spring tensioning screw at the front bottom of the grip frame, it has a coil mainspring.

Thanks all. I've got a couple appointments this morning, when I get home I'll get some pics posted and the information you all requested. Looks like I'm finally going to get this nailed down.

Welcome to the Forum.

This is the BEST place to find out about S&W products, especially the older ones.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

O.K. to answer your questions. First there are 2 screws in the side plate, and no screws in front of trigger guard. Now, I've got a couple pics, but not sure how to attach them.20200706_122646.jpg

20200706_122655.jpg

No, there are 3 screws in the sideplate. No question it has the improved I frame - see the coil mainspring - and is a pre-Model 32 Terrier.

Sorry, my mistake. I counted the screws with the grips still on. The one is under the grip. Also, I knew it was a coil spring from when I replaced the grips from Hogue rubber to S&W wood. So, would you date it around 1957/58? It's great to finally know what it is. It's an accurate shooter, with my reloads 3" group at 25 yards. And with my back and hip problems, it's a joy to carry. I've shelved my Kimber Micro 9. Thanks to all of you. Hopefully, I can be a help to someone in the future.

Mine is about 600 earlier at 80633 and shipped 2/58 (I was guessing at 1955).

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No life story has happy end.

Art Doc, yours is in great shape. I'm seriously considering getting mine re-blued. If I had the box and papers, I wouldn't even think of such a thing. But, since it will probably be my regular carry piece, might as well. The grips are in excellent shape with medallions. Make it look "new". Again, thank you all for your help.

Welcome!

Officially it's a ".38 S&W Terrier - Model of 1953", also nicknamed a Pre-Model 32. It's built on the NEW I frame, later version with a 3 screw frame instead of the 4 screw frame.

This is not and shouldn't be confused with the Pre 1953 Improved I Frame which introduced the coil mainspring on the I Frame, has a 5 screw frame, with 1/8" shorter grips and grip frame, and smaller/rounder trigger guard! The period of the 1950s saw a great deal of evolutionary (and confusing) changes; none more so than the I frame. The above confusion is understandable, but even now, some stubbornly cling to the old incorrect book descriptions even though correction and clarity has been rampantly documented.


Its features indicate and the serial #81205 likely dates the gun as being shipped from mid-1958 as members stated above. The #812XX is the earliest New I frame Terrier stamped Mod 32 that I have in my database. So as is evident, it's right on the cusp of when the Terrier was first stamped Model 32.
Although the serial # cannot pinpoint the SHIP date because they were not produced nor shipped in serial # order. Only an Historical Letter will supply the exact date of shipment. Dates of production are not known.


NOTE: I & J GRIP FRAME SIZES

Pre 1953 I and J frames both have the same size grip frames while post 1953 I and J frames also both have the same size grip frames, but 1/8” longer.

Rather than thinking in terms of I or J grip size which is confusing, it's best to think of both the I & J grip sizes as pre or post Model of 1953. They are always the same size for the same frame vintage.

All pre Models of 1953: Transitional I (leaf mainspring), Improved I frames (coil mainspring), and J frames (Baby J Chiefs) (both have coil mainsprings) have the pre war I frame grip size.

All Models of 1953 and later “New” I and “New” J frames have a 1/8" longer NEW frame forging rd butt size, or the new sq butt grip, an additional 5/32” longer than the new round butt.


That's a very nice carry gun. Just enough wear to carry and use w/o a guilty conscience. I would never consider spending money to re-finish it, or spoil its originality. No re-finish will replace the original and if it's not properly prepared (which is common) before bluing, it will be a lot worse than it is now! And worse case, sickeningly so!

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Jim
S&WCA #819

I think you're correct, Hondo44, after sleeping on it last night, I"m going to leave it alone.

My personal opinion is refinishing is about 99% of the time a bad idea.
If it is a collector non shooter gun you tank the value ( a old worn collector with 10% original finish is worth more than the same gun refinished!)
If it is a carry or working gun, you are just going to eventually wear the refinish anyway.
I often tell people, take a $500 gun, spend $200 to refinish it to end up with a $300 gun.

Good to see you changed your mind. That one looks great for a carry gun.

Been away for awhile. And no, I'm not going to refinish it. I just purchased a set of grips from Altamont Grips. They are Traditional style, Super Walnut with silver medallions. They bring out the true look of a S&W. I'v also got a great load. I'm pushing a Hornady 125 gr. XTP, it's in front of 2.8 grains of Alliant Bullseye. Easy to control, and very accurate out to 25 yards. That's more than needed for a carry piece. Verry happy with my purchase, and thanks to all for the help.

OH, forgot to mention I just picked up a Model 34-1. I own about 10 .22 cal. handguns, but none are revolvers. Nice clean J-Frame with original grips, and target sights. Problem is I'm retired, but work 2 days/week in a local gun store here in Rapid City. Like a kid in a candy shop, it's the only job you don't get a check for. Get to see first all the trades and estate sales, get pick of the litter.

First Stop by any chance? I used to visit them when I lived there.

Yes, of course. My regular days are Sat. and Wednesday. I visited so often, Mark asked me if I'd be interested in working there. Gets me out of the house. If you're ever in the neighborhood again, stop in.