I said I'd ask for guidiance so here goes.
My dad split away from his family before I was born and there was no talk in our house of his side of the family. So I have no family history on this gun. I have seen a pic. showing what I believe to be my grandfather holding this gun.
I'm not a collector nor am I likely to become one (Thanks stock market). I desire to know if this gun is valued as a collectable. I've been told not to shoot as could be museum piece. I've been told shoot it all you want. The dealer I had look at the gun said it was in very good shape. I want a pistol I can shoot and ccw. Sorry long post Your opinions are welcome. Thanks

I said I'd ask for guidiance so here goes.
My dad split away from his family before I was born and there was no talk in our house of his side of the family. So I have no family history on this gun. I have seen a pic. showing what I believe to be my grandfather holding this gun.
I'm not a collector nor am I likely to become one (Thanks stock market). I desire to know if this gun is valued as a collectable. I've been told not to shoot as could be museum piece. I've been told shoot it all you want. The dealer I had look at the gun said it was in very good shape. I want a pistol I can shoot and ccw. Sorry long post Your opinions are welcome. Thanks

Sure would love to see a photo of your M&P.

Is it blue or nickel? What is the barrel lenght?

It'd have to be awfully nice to retire from shooting. They made a million of them (literally). The M&P is a very nice revolver to shoot.

Well finally had Wife figure out how to post pics Hope it works tis time.

Its about a 1946-ish .38 M&P, post WW2. Its a very nice gun, condition-wise, but
it's not a museum piece. The finish appears to be all original, and the grips
show virtually no handling wear.

Its probably a $350 to $450 gun, depending on what part of the country you are in.

Later, Mike Priwer

Thanks for looking,
I took my ccw class this morning Was lucky enough to have the pres. of the Rod and Gun club take a few shots with it and give me his opinion on the Collectablility to the right person for condition and the shootablity cause I can't hurt it as long as I maintain it. Local Cabelas appraised at a much higher retail But with the economy close to what, full up on guns, sorry for now, but, I'm not really interested.

I would add about $100 to Mike Priwer's estimate if the gun is in Calif., otherwise he's pretty close to my opinion of price. Ser. # S985756 was shipped 4/21/48, so your gun would have been around the same time. For a 60 yr. old gun, it's condition looks excellent, from your pics, and shooting it should not be a problem - keep it clean, of course. It's a little large for good concealed carry, unless you are a very large individual. But that's a personal choice. Good Luck.

Well 've been told by my wife that since I stand 6'4" and weigh 280+ that all I really need is a big stick But I keep telling her I have'nt found one long enough. I worry that it might be a little long for rear hip carry but first I should look at holsters then decide.
Thanks for the input. I'll just keep asking question till I get right.

If your going to carry that revolver I'd consider looking for some after market grips. Carrying in a holster tends to put wear on grips and those look so nice in the pics it be a shame to see them dinged up.

A set of Houges, has been mentioned Might fit my HAM hands better too. Thoughts??

6'3" 300 here with hands to match. The Hogue's will feel much better to you. Also Pachmayr's are very good too.

__________________
Always bet on stupidity.

Nice M&P GrandsS&W. If I could suggest one thing. Since it's been in your family this long, keep it in your family. Once it's gone, it isn't coming back.

Thanks DeaconKC. And you are absolutly correct moosedog, That's one of the issues keeping me up at night.