I would appreciate any help I can get on more information about a S&W revolver that belonged to an LAPD officer long ago (a relative of my neighbor, and my neighbor has now inherited the gun). After looking in some guides and comparing photos and descriptions, I suspect it is a Model 33 but I am not sure. S/N is 371XXX. Where can I go to find more info about this gun and confirm what model it is?

The Model 33 and it's pre-war predescessor, the .38 Regulation Police, were 5 shot guns chambered for 38 S&W, 4" barrels. Does that conform to the markings on the handgun? The serial number you gave does not seem to fit that model. However, if it is a 6 shot gun chambered for .38 S&W Special (or 38 Special as it is more commonly called), then the serial number seems to fit -- it would be a .38 Military and Police Model of 1905, 4th Change -- manufactured between 1915 and 1942. Yours would be in the earlier part of the range. In photos they would look similar, but the M&P Model would be larger in "real life" handling.

Thanks so much. Correct, it is a 6-shot .38 with a 4" barrel. Here is a photo:



Can you tell if it is the M&P model from the photo? And it is missing the cylinder release button (though pressure on the screw still allows it to operate). I assume replacing that would be both difficult (to find the part) and detrimental to its value -- is that correct?

The cylinder release latch has been made exactly the same way clear through the 1990s, and they are quite plentiful. Most gunsmiths who work on S&Ws probably have a box full of them, or someone here on the forum might have a spare. Really no big deal, and it shouldn't affect value, since they are all practically identical. Be sure to get a blued one, and the blued hollow screw that secures the latch to the stud.

John

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Yes, it is a .38 M & P, likely shipped in the mid-1920s. If you remove the stock panels, you may see the SN either stamped or written in pencil on the inside of the right one.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Very helpful forum and input is greatly appreciated. And if anyone has a release button available for cheap, I would be grateful. My neighbor knows nothing about guns but is a good woodworker. He modified some custom burlwood grips for me, and I agreed to clean up his two newly inherited pistols in exchange. I'm not even close to a gunsmith but I am a hobby FFL who enjoys tinkering and has tackled a few minor repair jobs, trigger swaps, etc, successfully. I'd like to get this one ready for him to shoot, which he is anxious to try. I don't deal in pre-1960 guns too often, but forums like this are helpful in instances like these. Thanks again, gentlemen

That gun most likely shipped around 1921.

The thumbpieces from that era are a bit daintier in configuration than the more modern ones, notably around the screw hole. It looks like a nice enough gun that I'd try to get the period correct style and not just one that fits. I've attached a photo of the type that'd be appropriate.

Attached Images

1926.jpg (176.0 KB, 11 views)

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SWCA #590
"Colligo ergo sum"

Thank you for the helpful pic -- anyone have tips as to where I might find a period-correct latch piece, by chance?