Trying to date pre-Model 10 (M&P)

RichCapeCod · #1 09-16-2021, 02:06 PM

This is not a collectors piece (gun is in "good" condition but locks up tight), so I'm just curious as to it's approximate date of shipping. Serial #308***. No prefix. Five screw (natch). My guess is around 1940. Has no S&W stamp on either right or left side of handgun which throws me off a bit.

I suspect the handgun had been in police custody at one time due to some scratched in "X" marks on different parts of the handgun (as if the serial number is not enough to ID a handgun!).

I've attached two photos (I hope) of the left and right side of the handgun.

Thanks for any info you guys might have on this revolver.

Rich

Wiregrassguy · #2 09-16-2021, 02:20 PM

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass, Rich! It is a .38 M&P, Model 1905, 4th Change from 1919. The serial number should be written in pencil on the back of the right grip panel and may be hard to see without some special lighting. The reason you don't see a trademark stamp is S&W suspended stamping revolvers during WWI and didn't resume until 1920 or 21. Your gun is only about 10,000 units before S&W began heat treating the cylinders. Don't worry though. The cylinder is strong enough to handle most current commercial ammo.

Mbrgr1 · #3 09-16-2021, 03:14 PM

In my opinion, some of the most beautiful grips S&W ever made.

Enjoy!

RichCapeCod · #4 09-16-2021, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wiregrassguy

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass, Rich! It is a .38 M&P, Model 1905, 4th Change from 1919. The serial number should be written in pencil on the back of the right grip panel and may be hard to see without some special lighting. The reason you don't see a trademark stamp is S&W suspended stamping revolvers during WWI and didn't resume until 1920 or 21. Your gun is only about 10,000 units before S&W began heat treating the cylinders. Don't worry though. The cylinder is strong enough to handle most current commercial ammo.

Thanks for the info. I would have never figured that out myself!! She's an old girl then. I'll treat her gently.

Rich

Mbrgr1 · #5 09-16-2021, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichCapeCod

Thanks for the info. I would have never figured that out myself!! She's an old girl then. I'll treat her gently.

Rich

Here is it's brother? sister? shipped in June 1919, serial 302321

Beautiful old world craftsmanship.

Mbrgr1 · #6 09-16-2021, 04:50 PM

Another tidbit! These have the wonderful yoke/crane "detent" a spring loaded feature that helps hold open the cylinder.

If you take it apart to clean, be careful when removing the yoke/crane or the spring etc may go flying! I found out the hard way!

M

Surprise! Crane detent?? c1919

RichCapeCod · #7 09-16-2021, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mbrgr1

Here is it's brother? sister? shipped in June 1919, serial 302321

Beautiful old world craftsmanship.

My old S&W is 186 digits younger than yours!! 5814 difference.

Edit: My bad. I glossed over the 302*** number. So mine is a younger/newer one.

Rich