Mfc date M&P 38 spc 4” bbl

Robert319 · #1 09-26-2022, 05:59 PM

Hello, Part of an estate includes S&W Hand Ejector 38 special nickel, 4” barrel. SN is 486XXX, 6 digits, no letters. 5 screw. No model info. Right side of frame “Made in USA” rollmark. The grips appear to be diamond checkered but the fit at the top rear is not flush so I suspect these were replaced? Interested in estimated manufacture date, if this was originally nickel plated (not sure hammer and trigger would have been plated by factory), and what I use for a Model on Pistol Sales Record (1905?, M&P K38?, pre-Mod 10?) Thanks for any help on this!

Robert

DWalt · #2 09-26-2022, 06:24 PM

SN 487641 shipped on 6/6/1924. Yours is correctly called a .38 Military and Police (M&P) Model. Grips are not original and neither is the nickel plating.

Robert319 · #3 09-26-2022, 08:54 PM

Thank you for the information. It’s probably not collectible, but it looks really good for a 100 yr old shooter. Should I steer clear of +P and jacketed ammo? Looking forward to at least celebrating 100 years with a bang…

DWalt · #4 09-27-2022, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert319

Thank you for the information. It’s probably not collectible, but it looks really good for a 100 yr old shooter. Should I steer clear of +P and jacketed ammo? Looking forward to at least celebrating 100 years with a bang…

You can safely shoot whatever .38 Special ammunition you can find in it, but the best to use is standard velocity .38 Special with lead bullets. Wadcutter loads are also OK.