Hi everyone,

This is my first post here, and it's a question that's been bugging me for weeks.

I was given a Smith&Wesson .38 special revolver and it's original leather holster several months ago as a gift. It's also the first firearm I've owned. It's in what appears to be fantastic condition, no tarnish, rust, scratches, only very minor pitting around the top of the grip, and the stamp is clean and not marred up. The only thing that's off aesthetically speaking is some discoloration on the trigger and hammer. (Pictures provided below) After a detail strip, and some intense cleaning and oiling (it was a little cruddy and dry as a bone) I put a couple hundred rounds through it and it shoots like a dream! tI just took it to the range again today, put 200 more rounds through it and it continues to impress me. I could not be happier with this pistol!

It has a 4 inch barrel, dark walnut grip, and 3 screws holding in the side plate, one screw on the bottom-front of the grip, and one on the front of the trigger guard. After doing some online sleuthing on auction houses, stores, forums etc. I've come to learn that this is possibly a Model 10 7, and is referred to as a 5 screw for it's 5 exposed screws. It has a 6 digit serial number: S 979XXX.

Now for the question(s): How old is this thing? Is it worth anything? I've been hunting online for weeks on how to date this pistol, and I can't seem to find anything through basic internet searches. I figured the next best step would be to go to the experts!

Pics below. Provided a big 'ole closeup of the stamped side, hope that's ok.

I would greatly appreciate any information on this pistol!

Thanks!

-Brandon

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It's not a 10 7. It's a Military&Police model of the 1905 4th change .38 Special from 1948. They didn't give model numbers until after 1957 when it became the Model 10. In that condition, it's worth about $350-400. What keeps the value low on these is the made millions of these since 1899, but you have a nice one.

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Dick

These are fantastic shooters. You will not find a better combination than an M&P (or later, the Model 10) revolver and the .38 Special cartridge. That's why they sold so many.

Actually, there are 4 screws in the sideplate. One is under the stock panel. Those 4 plus the one in front of the trigger guard comprise the 5 screws of a "five screw".

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You're shy a few manners.

These parts were "color case-hardened", and these parts on your gun look normal. Enjoy!

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Great revolver. As diamond back 68 stated you have a 1905 4th change. Yours is one of the last long action hammer models made. Shortly after yours was made S&W started making the M&Ps with the C serial numbers. These were the short action hammer revolvers which the later model 10s evolved into. I own a short action made in 1954. Also, your S before the serial number indicates you have the hammer block safety. Earlier models did not have that feature. You have acquired a great revolver in excellent condition.
Enjoy shooting your M&P.
Regards,
Howard

Yes. I envy that "discoloration" a little. On one of my Model 10s some previous owner had an action job done (which was probably unnecessary--the gun was probably an excellent shooter out of the box), and whoever did the job polished the hammer and trigger, removing all of the color case-hardening. The gun looks a little naked without it.

Congratulations on owning a fine revolver.

Thank you all for the fast, and informational responses. I really appreciate it. As I mentioned, I was already very happy with the gun, but learning more details about it's history makes it all the more special to me now.

@diamondback 64- It's great to know the value, thank you. I wanted to know mainly so I could keep it in that level of condition so I can continue enjoying it, and perhaps pass it on someday.

@Jack Flash- Thanks! It's good to know that's the proper way to define the 5-Screw.

@murphydog- I had no idea the coloration was intentional, thank you!

@roaddog28- Thank you! How do I engage the Hammer Block Safety?

Thanks again everyone,

Brandon

Excuse me for stepping on RD28's right of reply, but the hammer block safety is automatic.

When the hammer is forward, the block is in position so that a blow on the back of the hammer cannot drive the firing pin into the cartridge in the cylinder. When the action is cycled, the hammer block is drawn down out of the way so the hammer can fall all the way and strike the cartridge primer. When you release the trigger after firing a round, the block rises again into the safe position.

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David Wilson