1905 4th Change

[dsf]

Nothing spectacular, just kind of glad the way I came across it.

The drive from NorCal to Reno is about 3 1/2 hrs, usually a nice drive. The Reno gun shows have slacked off quite a bit, but for me any excuse to leave CA is a good one.

Crossroads had their show this weekend. Really didn't find anything. To make the trip worthwhile I've learned the LGS route. Willey Bros is always a place for me to visit. Found this for a good price -





I'm guessing the serial number (398249) puts it made early in the run, maybe 1916 or so?

The gun was fairly dry inside so cleanup wasn't the usual chore. I found a name and date handwritten on the inside grip. Whoever "L A Qualls" was in March 26 1930 - he (she?) evidently owned the gun. Also scratched an "LQ" on the bottom of the grip panel.

Would have liked to have found the gun show doing better. Still worth the trip.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

It was likely made in late 1921 or early 1922.

 

[DWalt]

Indeed, that M&P would be from the early 20s. It does not have the MADE IN USA stamp on the right side of the frame, and that began in 1922. The grips are at least period-correct for the 1920s.

 

[pasound]

Nice find. I have a Hand Ejector, same design touches, that may be from the same period. It lettered to 9/12/23.

 

[Elroy]

the manufacturing expertise in that m&p is still evident and appears to be in excellent condition for a 100 years old . simply outstanding! is that barrel 6" long? please confirm length and congratulations, that's nice

 

[glowe]

. . . is that barrel 6" long? please confirm length and congratulations, that's nice

That has to be a 6 1/2" barrel. For the OP, don't forget to measure from the cylinder face to the muzzle.

For the OP. Post 1920 M&Ps are easy to bracket within a few years. The stocks on 1920 to 1930 M&Ps had convex walnut diamond service stocks like those on your gun. The order to add the MADE IN USA was issued in May 1922. It appears on the right side of the frame below the cylinder. The mushroom shaped ejector rod knob was ordered replaced with a barrel shaped knob on 1/22/27, so ended in 1927/1928.

 

[dsf]

the manufacturing expertise in that m&p is still evident and appears to be in excellent condition for a 100 years old . simply outstanding! is that barrel 6" long? please confirm length and congratulations, that's nice

Yes, a 6" barrel, not a 6 1/2" barrel.

I suppose S&W knew what they were doing when they went to the short action, but the long action just feels so much better. Smooth and the trigger return is much cleaner.

 

[dsf]

That has to be a 6 1/2" barrel. For the OP, don't forget to measure from the cylinder face to the muzzle.

For the OP. Post 1920 M&Ps are easy to bracket within a few years. The stocks on 1920 to 1930 M&Ps had convex walnut diamond service stocks like those on your gun. The order to add the MADE IN USA was issued in May 1922. It appears on the right side of the frame below the cylinder. The mushroom shaped ejector rod knob was ordered replaced with a barrel shaped knob on 1/22/27, so ended in 1927/1928.

You guys embarrass me. I thought I was doing well narrowing it down to 4th change.

Barrel is definitely 6" - see attached.



Not my best work, but cylinder face to muzzle is 6" on the dot.

 

[JP@AK]

Yes, a 6" barrel, not a 6 1/2" barrel.

Yes. The 6 1/2" barrel was eliminated from the lineup in c. 1909. In the 1920s, the options were 4", 5" and 6". Possibly a very few were made with the 2" barrel, but I'm thinking those really didn't start until the next decade. Does anyone have a read on the first known M&P with a 2" barrel? I know there were round butt units built in the 1930s.

 

[dsf]

I'm thinking of using a "Wondersight" on it. Are these still made or am I left scrounging about for used?

 

[SS336]

Nice revolver you have there. You will enjoy it, they are great shooters. The sights are small and hard to see and a wonder sight might help if you can find one.
My M&P ser# 246xxx from about 1915 is one of my favorite revolvers. They really don't make them like they used too.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Here are some known shipping dates for nearby serials:
.38 M&P serial 391934 shipped in April 1922.
.38 M&P serial 399455 shipped in July 1922.

 

[DWalt]

The first appearance of the MADE IN USA frame stamp on the .38 M&P was at around SN 405xxx. I have one in the 400xxx range which does not have the stamp.