Hi all! My father was gifted a revolver by a friend and we'd kinda like to know what we got. It's a hand eject, square butt .38 Spc. with a 6 1/2" barrel and fixed sights. Only markings on the barrel say "38 S&W Special" over "& U. S. Service Ctg's" Serial # on the but is 618XX. No letter. It has the upper side plate screw but no screw in front of the trigger guard. Any info I could get would be helpful. Like to know when it was built if possible. Don't even mention value cause it ain't going nowhere. Thanks in advance.

If I read the SCSW (4th) correctly, its a 38 M&P model of 1902, 1st change.
Probably shipped in 1904.
Only a letter from Mr. Jinks can narrow it down further, but some others here maybe able to get close.
Glad that you appreciate it enough to keep it in the family!

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Mike H

Thank you! That was quick! As far as keeping it in the family, the man who gave it to my father is family in all but blood. It was bequeathed to him by his uncle who carried it as a reserve deputy sheriff. So, no, It ain't going anywhere.

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! Would you post some pictures of the M1902? We enjoy seeing these old guns very much.


Just for info, the Model 1902 is the second iteration of the original .38 Special revolver, the Model 1899. At the time it was manufactured, the US Service Cartridge was the .38 Long Colt which was considered to be an anemic round. So, S&W released the .38 Special which was a copy of the Colt cartridge but longer to allow for more black powder and, thus, a more powerful charge. So, that's why the caliber stamp lists the US Service Cartridge as well as .38 Special because the gun can chamber and shoot both rounds.


The action on the M1902 is the same as the M1899 and different from modern guns. Parts can be hard to find so keeping the gun clean and lubricated should ensure it lasts for another 100+ years. Congratulations on your inheritance!

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

I have 61893 and it shipped July 1905 according to Roy Jinks.

Stu

Thanks for the info guys! Much appreciated! I'll try to get some pics up but I am technologically challenged. I should get a group photo. between myself and my father we have 6 S&Ws. A 10, 2 15s, a 17, this one and a 422. Better get a wide angle lens.
Also, I gotta get him to set it down long enough to shoot some pics.

One other question. Will modern K frame grips fit? It's got some aftermarket Italian grips that look like ****. Can someone show me what the original grips would have looked like? I have a pair of factory grips that came off a 15 that I would like to put on her. Not totally original but at least factory.

Since it is an early round butt revolver, it came with round butt stocks made of hard rubber. They looked like this:


More modern K frame stocks will fit, but it needs the round butt variety.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

Thanks for the info. It's actually a square butt, though. So, I'm assuming modern K frame square butt grips will fit?

Okay. The square butts started at about 58000, so yours is a relatively early square butt example. (BTW this is one reason we like to have pictures!)

In any case, the square butt revolvers had walnut stocks. Here's a picture of the correct type. This is a target model with the 6 1/2" barrel and it shipped in 1908.


Yes, modern K frame stocks will fit.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

Thanks! Now I can look around and see if I can find some originals. I use Hogue Monogrips on my shooters but This ones gonna see more safe time than range time so classic we go.
Also I'm working on the pics. Bit of a Luddite here.

There are video tutorials on how to post pictures here.

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

Awesome! Thanks, Guy!

Some quick and dirty pics.

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More. The holster was made buy the man who gave it to him.

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Ok. That's better! It obviously has character. One thing I notice is the grips. While the wood seems to be a post-1968 checkered, non-diamond wood, the medallions appear to be aftermarket. It seems the cartouche is a swan? Anyway, they are much too new to be close to original. However, they are better for shooting than the originals. Enjoy!

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

Helpful pics.

Just so you know, the tag is incorrect. This isn't any kind of "Model 10." It is more than 50 years too old for that.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

The stocks were not made by S&W. Look at the shoulder, for one thing.

Here are some post-1967 Magna stocks for comparison:

Notice the size of the checkered portion.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

Yeah. The grips say Italy on the inside. I'm guessing not stock, ha ha. Got some factory wood grips that I believe came off a 15 that I'll put on it. At least they're factory and i can look for a good deal on some original looking ones.

Yeah. It's not a model 10 but it's easier to say than the actual model name. And for laymen, easy is better than absolute accuracy! Cheers!

That gun has been carried in a holster for a long time. Wonder if it was used by someone in law enforcement?? Can you find out more information about its history from your father's friend?

As they say on American Pickers, half the value is the story!

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Gary
SWCA 2515

IF the grip say "Italy" they were probably made by Sile. Please don't call it a Model 10 because it isn't. It is a .38 M&P which is even easier to say than "Model 10."

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

Yes. It was carried by a man when he worked as a reserve deputy sheriff.

Hey! At least I didn't call it a "old timey round sided pew pew machine".
But I can.

Yeah, well, you came to an aficionado gun site seeking information...which you got. But it would have been easier for folks willing to help if we actually knew what model you were asking about. Anyway, you can call it what you want. At least try to be more specific like calling it a "six shot pew-pew machine."

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

Six Shot it is!

No - M&P it is.
You specifically asked for identification of your father's revolver.

Somone sure was hard on those side plate screws.

Wasn't going to say anything but this proper nomenclature thing seems to have caused some redness in some of your gletus maximi. If you read the whole thread you'll see that I never called it a model 10. It was written on the handtag put on there by the 83 year old man who sent it to the other 83 year old man.
I appreciate all the help and information I have gotten. Thank you very much.
And from now on I'm calling it a Glock Forty Bang Bang.