38/380 ?

phubai8 · Dec 10, 2011

I suspect this has been covered elsewhere in this forum but I cannot make the search engine work (?) so I will ask.

I have what I believe is a M&P, propably shipped in the 1940s. Serial number is 7369xx. It is labeled "38 S&W CTG" but is also stamped "38/380" on the right of the barrel. Can someone please ID this one for me. It has some other markings that I do not understand. On the left side of the frame at the top of the grip is an unusual mark and there is what appears to be a cross hatch at the rear top of the grip frame. There is also a letter "P" stamped on the bottom of the grip frame. I have attached photos and hope they help. Any and all information would be greatly appreciated.

The gun came to me in an unusual way and will most likely remain the family.

Thanks,
Mike

LWCmdr45 · Dec 10, 2011

Welcome to the forum!

Your revolver is an M&P, but it is also referred to by collectors as a pre-Victory Model, British Service Revolver or K-200; and Revolver, Smith & Wesson No. 2 by the British military. Your example bears the Canadian 'Broad Arrow' ( /|\ ) enclosed by a "C" marking at the left side of the frame. The "P" on the butt is a U.S. proofmark applied at the factory. The ".38/380" marking was added to the caliber marking on the side of the barrel on many Smiths acquired by Britain and the Commonwealth: the purpose was to differentiate them from the identical revolvers in .38 Special that Britain had also purchased when they were hurting for sidearms.

Based on the database of these revolvers maintained by my pal, Charlie (ordnanceguy), and me, I can estimate that your revolver shipped
in early 1941, most probably in February. If you would wish to contribute the data of your gun, please forward me the complete serial number to [email protected] (removing the "NOSPAM," of course).

Steve

phubai8 · Dec 10, 2011

Steve

I am impressed. There is a real wealth of information on this site. And, I am really impressed by the willingness of the members to share. This particular gun may have an interesting history. I now will go back to the person who gave it to me and try to find out how it got into the family. I will also pass the data to you. I take it from your handle that you favor the light weight 1911s. I had one in 45 years ago that got away. Now have one in 38 Super (1959 vintage) that is one of the sweetest shooting pistols I've ever owned.

Thanks much and regards.
Mike

phubai8 · Dec 10, 2011

A question on grips for this K-200. When it was given to me it had a pair of very low grade white plastic grips. I put on a pair of Pachmayr Presentation grips that I had on hand. I'd like to put originals on it. What do they look like?

Art Doc · Dec 10, 2011

British often carry caliber designation to the 3rd digit. We say 45, they say 455. We say 38, they say 380.

phubai8 · Dec 10, 2011

Saxon

An interesting observation. One of those things I've seen for years but it did not sink in....

opoefc · Dec 10, 2011

The correct grips for your K200 would be service style checkered walnut, diamond centers, with silver colored medallions. These are the standard stocks for a commercial M&P of the era of your gun. Ed.

H Richard · Dec 11, 2011

The original grips would most probably have been like the ones shown here. This Pre Victory left the factory Oct. 1941.

phubai8 · Dec 11, 2011

opoefc
Thanks for the input. I'll be on the lookout for a pair of grips.

H Richard
Is the parkerized finish standard on the K200s? Mine has a nice blue. Now I'm wondering if it was refinished???

Mike

Waidmann · Dec 13, 2011

Probably not if trigger and hammer retain case color. In your serial range commercial quality would be correct. The rear of frame marking is atypical. The 38/380 is also a bit odd and likely because the first revolvers the Brits bought were .38 Specials. Markings on the British Service Revolver K-200 are all over the map and a course of study or collecting in themselves.

phubai8 · Dec 13, 2011

Well Gentlemen

This may be strictly a shooter. Appears to me that the hammer and trigger are blue, not case hardened color. I also note that the S&W logo on the right plate is very light (barely readable). Could this be due to polishing? Whatever the case, I'm keeping it due to an extended family connection.

Waidmann
Thanks for the input.

38/380 ?

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