What did you pay (and when) for your .38 Special M & P Model of 1905 revolver?

[mrcvs]

These are definitely under-appreciated and are a quality Smith & Wesson revolver that can be had rather cheaply still—perhaps the best value out there in vintage Smith & Wesson revolvers today. Manufactured 1905 to 1942, in square or round butt. I especially like this one because it has a round butt and the pre circa 1920 medallion stocks, round butt configuration. Lack of a Smith & Wesson logo makes one suspect this revolver shipped circa 1919, and, indeed it did—shipping in May of that year.

This one was purchased in March of 2024, total expenditure for this revolver, shipping, and FFL fees was $365.

Not something I’ll be able to retire on, but a neat revolver, nonetheless.

 

[weatherby]

Well I remember I paid 400.
It was an odd duck with cool grips .
Probably 10 years ago.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

I gave $500 for this M&P snub about 6 years ago because it was shipped the day before I was born.

 

[margethatcher]

Paid $600 for a third model target with shooting star grips. Spent two bills on an a mint set of set of grips for a 90-95% gun, then another $140 for a better match finish wise, so? I still have a mint set of grips, and the gun. Total? It's really how one rationalizes things. I bought this gun at a local show about three years ago.

 

[.38SuperMan]

I paid $350 for the 1920 nickel M&P including the pearls. I bought it in 2020 or 21.

The snub nose is a 1948 built about the time I was born and in pretty nice shape with original grips. I bought it around the same time for $600.

 

[Frailer]

I picked this one up a little over a year ago. It was not cheap, but it was worth every penny to me.

 

[austintexas]

snubby

I picked up a post war 5 screw M&P snub nose last Sunday. Excellent shape, Magnas serial numbered to the revolver. $550 and worth every penny.
SWCA 892

 

[hkcavalier]

I sold it last year to a local, but I bought this 1917 made example for $500 back in 2017. I added the Tyler which I've kept and slapped on an M&P Target.

 

[Elroy]

in 2011, the 4th model shown in the thread below came into my collection for $500

To shoot or not to shoot

 

[alwslate]

I bought a 1905 with a 6.5" barrel made around 1911 a few years ago for $325 in pretty decent shape. A little browning of the blue but I'm happy with it.

 

[Mikebiker]

I can't remember what I paid for the Target Model 1905 which is very early and still has the 1902 lock work but it was around 500 I think. The 1916 below cost me 575.

 

[SS336]

I really like early M&Ps, wish I had a few more.
Bought this one here on the forum in 2021. With box and papers, cleaning brush for around $650 I think. Shoot quite often, great revolver.

 

[2152hq]

I have a 38 Target from around 1920 that I paid $400 for in about 2010.
A 2" M&P C prefix about the same time cost me about the same.

A nice condition 4" pre-war of forgotten exact vintage M&P cost me $30 (IIRC) in 1967. Maybe it was $35
I went back to get that one after first buying a postwar HD nickel 5" PD marked for $45 from the same dealer. Had to save up a few more $$ to get it. Lot's of money at the time.
But I didn't make quite $2.00/hr at the time either. So figure that in too.

The first 2 I still have . These last 2 are long gone.
Lots of M&P's came and went in betw.
Nice revolvers

 

[boykinlp]

I picked this one up a little over a year ago. It was not cheap, but it was worth every penny to me.

Stunning Mark!
Larry

 

[kscharlie]

M&P 1905 4th Change .38 Spl, 6" barrel, post war transitional S prefix serial # - purchased November, 2017 - $432 total.

M&P 1905 1st Change .38 Spl, 6 1/2" barrel, round butt, factory refinished December, 1976 - purchased August, 2023 - $345 total.

M&P 1905 4th Change .32 WCF, 4" barrel, purchased March, 2025 - $486 total.

M&P 1905 4th Change .38/200 British Service Revolver .38 S&W, 5" barrel - purchased March, 2025 - $486 total.

 

[nutsforsmiths]

I paid $225 for this 1915 example....back in 2005.

 

[YouveHadYour6]

I've had 6-8 of these over the last five years but currently lack a single one - I'll have to remedy that soon, you've inspired me gents.

 

[James K]

I have a pair myself- one square, one round butt. Paid $550 and $600. Both in fine condition at least. Very nice shooters.

 

[65Whelen]

A timely post for me. I just started my quest for my fathers birth year gun (1926). The guns discussed here would be in my interest. Is there a resource matching serial numbers to the year. I have a copy of "Smith&Wesson Standard Catalog" but for some of the older models only the serial number range is listed. Other than getting the gun lettered how can I narrow my search to 1926?

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Other than getting the gun lettered how can I narrow my search to 1926?

Look for .38 M&P's in the serial number range of 518000 to 560000. This is roughly what was shipping in 1926 based on known ship dates I have. Jack (JP@AK) may have more precise ship data since he tracks this model more closely.