Good Morning,
I have recently been given a weapon by my father that has been in the family for a while and would like any help to determine it's origins and worth if possible. Here are the facts with some pictures added.

Hand ejector
Serial number 308655
Caliber - 38 Special = M & P ?
Barrel length - 4 inches
Sights - fixed
Strain Screw - unsure - did not get that picture
Butt swivel - No
lanyard ring - No
5 screws
original wooden handle

If you need any other information, please let me know.
Popi Mac

Attached Images

	20151007_181816[1].jpg (43.2 KB, 166 views)
	20151007_182012[1].jpg (49.1 KB, 173 views)
	20151007_182327[1].jpg (72.8 KB, 173 views)

Welcome to the forum. Your family gun is a .38 Military and Police that was produced about 1920. Collectors will also refer to it as a Model of 1905, fourth change, a variety that was introduced in 1915. The earliest precursor of this model was introduced in 1899 and successor varieties are still being marketed today. Your gun is from the most successful product line in S&W history, with millions of units produced over more than a century.

This gun is safe to shoot, but you should respect its age and long life. No hot loads or high-pressure personal defense ammo. Standard loads in .38 Special will be fine. I usually shoot only wadcutter target loads in my older .38s.

__________________
David Wilson

SN 308655
The closest SN I have listed is 3074xx which shipped in 7/1919. As previously alluded to, it was made prior to the beginning of heat treatment of the cylinder, so you should stick to standard velocity lead bullet loads should you plan to fire it. Some collectors would call it the Model of 1905, Military and Police, 4th Change. The nickel plating appears to be original and in fairly good condition.

Enjoy that family revolver. David's advice is right on as the gun is nearly 100 years old. A full side shot would be appreciated.

My thanks to all three of you for the quick replies. I post a full side shot tomorrow. Any idea on the worth?

My thanks for the quick reply. I will post a full side shot tomorrow. Any idea on the worth?

Yes, it's priceless.

In general, an old M&P in operating condition is a $250-300 gun to start with, and then you add value for desirable features. The upside potential is pretty limited, though, because so many of these revolvers were manufactured. There is no scarcity premium, which is what drives the high prices of many other models. Based on the partial snaps posted above, yours seems to be in pretty good condition. If I saw one like it on the consignment shelf of my local gun store, I'd expect to see an asking price of $400-450 on it in the expectation that a deal would break out at the $350-400 level. That's California. In other parts of the country the price might be 10-20% less.

But as the prior poster noted, as a family heirloom its value far exceeds its worth.

__________________
David Wilson