.38 M&P Model of 1905

[STG38]

A local pawn shop has a .38 M&P Model of 1905, S/N 125171, 5 inch barrel, target model, blue, marked at $349. He wouldn't negotiate. I would guess it is in "fair" condition - almost no blue left at the muzzle end of the barrel. It's a round but, but someone has put square butt stocks with gold medallions on it, and they're pretty worn. All the other numbers match. Any comments on his price? Thanks....

 

[Waidmann]

If its a bonafide target model, run don't walk. Its a 1905 HE 1 or 2, serials run concurrent. 1904-06. The gold medallions are one era later.

 

[DCWilson]

If that is indeed an original target model, and not a fixed-sight gun to which some form of target sight was added later, just buy it. You can get the right stocks for it later.

I caution you that this guy should never have a high-pressure round fired in it. I would restrict it to 148 gr wadcutter match ammo, or custom loads that approximate those rounds.

 

[mikepriwer]

5" targets from about 1908 to 1910 are scarce. I had two that were
both special order.

I don't know what "fair" condition means, if the blue loss is mostly
around the muzzle. I also don't understand square-butt stocks on a
round-butt frame, unless they have been modified. Given these two
caveats, the price is OK.

Mike Priwer

 

[STG38]

Thanks for your comments.

By "fair condition" I mean it looks much like the illustration on page 52 of the SCSW, second picture down under "fair". Most of the bluing at the muzzle is gone, tapering to mostly there at the frame. There are a couple of rust spots on the hammer. The bore and rifling look crisp and shiny with a cursory look.

Looking at the butt of the gun, the round butt of the frame curves away from the square outside corner of the stocks, leaving them unsupported. I didn't ask to remove them to look closer.

I believe the rear sight is factory, but I'm used to the post war sights. This one has tiny screws that would require a jeweler's screwdriver. The windage adjustment has a screw on each side, as if they were opposing: loosen one and tighten the other. The elevation screw is also very small. There is no sign of "butchery" machining - if it's a replacement, it's very well done.

I believe it is a 2nd change because it has the barrel lug at the forward end of the ejector rod.

I'll look at it again tomorrow, hopefully it's still there.

Thanks again for your comments.

Walt

 

[DCWilson]

That sounds like the original factory sight. I'd go for the gun. Even if it needs a little work, it sounds like a desirable early specimen.

 

[depicts]

Walt... what happened??? Did you get the gun?

 

[STG38]

Yes, I got it for $350 OTD. I'm very pleased, as it's in better shape than I first thought. Will post pictures in the next few days. I have a request in with Mr. Jinks for the shipping date. Happy New Year! Walt

 

[Exiled Texan]

I just received my great grandfathers 38 special. He passed in the late 1960's and carried this gun for years. The serial number is 4085XX. There aren't any letters before the sn which is on the bottom of the butt. Can anyone tell me age of this gun?

 

[DCWilson]

I just received my great grandfathers 38 special. He passed in the late 1960's and carried this gun for years. The serial number is 4085XX. There aren't any letters before the sn which is on the bottom of the butt. Can anyone tell me age of this gun?

About 1922.

Welcome to the forum. Go ahead and post pics of your gun, but feel free to start your own thread in the 1896-1961 section of the forum.

 

[STG38]

Now with Photos

This gun has been carried a lot, as you can see the wear on the top of the side plate and the rust (from leather holster strap?) on the hammer. The bore is bright and shiny with crisp rilfing.

I'm still learning about these early HE's and I think it is a 1st change since there are no dowel pins in the extractor star.

Would this have had hard rubber stocks or plain walnut? Any idea where to look for a correct round-butt pair? What would be the correct name for these stocks?

Thanks for looking, and I would appreciate any comments.

Walt

 

[JSR III]

That is a very neat old workhorse. I would think that it would have come with either black hard rubber or diamond checked walnut stocks with medallions.