My grandfather just passed down what i believe is his fathers old .38 Special. For the life of me I cannot find a model #. I'm not interested in an appraisal or selling it, I'd. Just like to know what I've got. All I know It's a 4" 38 special. The butt of the pistol grip has the letter C followed by the #s 4799. The same letter and number combo is also stamped on the under side of the barrel and the rear facing side of the cylinder. There is however another set of matching #s stamped on the cylinder cutout and cylinder arm reading 99101. Above the stamped # on the cylinder cutout there is also a large # 3 stamped. I'm at a total loss. I'm looking for model # and frame type so I can begin looking for a molded holster and possibly some speed loaders. Any help would be appreciated. At present I'm having difficulty uploading pictures. I'll try to get some up soon.

Welcome to the forum! What you have is what is affectionately known as a pre-model 10. Smith and Wesson didn't start putting model numbers on their revolvers until the late fifties. I'm at work and don't have my book, but your c4799 serial # would put it around 1949-50 I think. Someone will probably be along shortly to narrow it down further for you. Your Grandad's revolver is everything a classic Smith & Wesson should be. The 9901 is just an assembly number and of no value in dating the gun.

It's amazing to me that a pistol of this age fires so well. I was just at the range with it where I put 150 rounds through it without any issues.

With serial number C4799 you have a .38 Military & Police (M&P for short) from late-1948. As others have said, it is sometimes referred to as a pre-model 10 . . the model number assigned to M&Ps made starting in 1957. If you're looking for holsters, it is a K-frame.

Welcome to the Forum . . . and congratulations on inheriting a "hallmark" Smith & Wesson. It will provide you and many future generations much enjoyment and safety . . . as it has already proven.

Russ

Russ

The book doesn't really give a specfic year for your serial number. Early 50's is a good guess.

Thanks for all of the information. I am really happy to own this pistol. I'm already finding myself looking at other S&W revolvers because I love how this one handles. From what I read that is normal though. Thanks again, -greg