Wandered into LGS and spotted old snub tagged M&P .38 spl $450 # C 123317. The S&W catalog C prefix started 1948 , front sight change 1952 . I assume the correct grips are supposed to be Magna Diamond grips with medallions.
M&P .38 Spl. Snub
- Thread starter jbtrucker
- Start date
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In your picture, I see C123173. Based on nearby numbers, that one probably left the factory in the summer or autumn of 1950. The usual caveat is that they didn't ship them in serial order.
Good find at that price.
I would not put too much stock in that statement. The half moon sight lingered for quite a while after the change order was issued.
Yes, diamond Magna stocks with the sharp shoulder. Those lasted until late 1952. The stocks on it now are from the 1920s.
Good find at that price.
DWalt
Member
The 1920s grips may have a SN penciled on the back side of the right grip panel which would establish a date for them. I'd say you have a good candidate for a DIY home blue job.
This is what sharp shoulder Magnas look like:
This is what sharp shoulder Magnas look like:
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OP
FORDS of Crystal River, Florida
I almost bought one very similar in age & condition for just a little less about a year ago. At the time the price seemed a little high.
In today's market, not so much...
In today's market, not so much...
DWalt
Member
Back pre-pandemic, it wasn't too difficult to buy a K-frame snubby from that era already in pretty decent condition for $500 or less. I wouldn't waste the money getting it professionally refinished, but it would make an excellent project gun to be cleaned up, polished, and either rust blued or cold blued (oxypho).
The term "patina" is used quite liberally these days. All too often it is applied to a condition also known as rust.
In the case of the OP snub , however , that is very nice patina indeed.
I would leave it as is. (Not my gun ...)
Addendum -
If I were wanting to jazz that one up I would have the hammer and trigger heat treated to re-establish the case hardening coloration. That would stand out nicely against the patina.
( I know , not my gun...)
In the case of the OP snub , however , that is very nice patina indeed.
I would leave it as is. (Not my gun ...)
Addendum -
If I were wanting to jazz that one up I would have the hammer and trigger heat treated to re-establish the case hardening coloration. That would stand out nicely against the patina.
( I know , not my gun...)
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.38SuperMan
Member
I agree, I wouldn’t think of refinishing. That patina is gorgeous. I’m surprised someone hasn’t come up with a method of creating such a patina.
Screams character!
OP
Thanks all for the compliments and suggestions , holding off from refinish. . The trigger , hammer and rebound slide are rusted inside . Going to disassemble again and soak in White Vinegar as seen on You Tube. The top screw plate is boogered up ordered a set of screws from Gun Garage . Also ordered pair used Diamond Magnas that look to be decent shape from Numrich. FORDS replied to my email estimate $850+
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It looks like it's all there, except for the hammer block safety. Was it there?
OP
yes it was laying off to the side
maxfam
Member
Shouldn’t you release the main spring tension before you remove the side plate? Just asking.
OP
Don't know that had to be done never read or seen anything about it
I have always released the main spring pressure before taking off the sideplate. Not fall out of the revolver loose but almost. That way no extra pressure is on the hammer and trigger pins when they are unsupported by the sideplate.
jbtrucker, we have similar tastes. I bought one like yours in 2020. In fact, it was my stimulus gun. Mine is a little older than yours, C44104, shipped January 1949. Mine has just about the same patina too. I love that “been there, done that “ look. I know 
mine belonged to a detective.
Larry
mine belonged to a detective.Larry
Attachments
OP
Bad news the old snub locked up ,seems the torsion spring or something has broke in the hand . I've tried to repair a trigger before and was a nightmare ,might as well get it rebuilt. Good news have 5 new side plate screws and used Diamond grips on the way
