38 M&P Transitional

[wbraswell]

I was very fortunate to pick up this beauty for a bargain at the show this past weekend. A 4".38 M&P, #C438x. All numbers match, with just a touch of blue wear at the muzzle, and practically no evidence of use. Talk of transitional guns usually is about N-frames, but I think this is pretty unusual. It has the short action, and speed hammer, but it has the one line address and the patent barrel. No box, but what a score. This is why you go to gun shows!

 

[cgt4570]

Very nice, but typically we apply the term 'transitional' to the immediate post-war guns that have pre-war features (long action, etc.). Your early -(1948 ish) post-war short action M&P shares more features with the later Model 10 than with the transitional or pre-war frames.

 

[Hondo44]

Very, very nice. Congrats.

With the short action even though it is a one liner, it's actually a Pre Model 10 similar to a pre model 27, pre model 24, pre model 17, pre model 34, etc.

Technically there are no Transitional M&Ps. Production between the beginning and end of WWII never ceased. They were in continuous production and never transitioned from a discontinued pre war model to a reintroduced post war model, they just evolved.

 

[DWalt]

As a term applied to revolvers, “Transitional”, being both imprecise and confusing, should be avoided. The history of the M&P is a long series of major and minor transitions.

 

[Hondo44]

Only a complete understanding of the term "Post War Transitional Model" is what actually provides the preciseness and non-confusing value of the term and rarity of these Hand Ejector models. And therefore why the term exists.

For anyone that wants to know, SCSW 4th edition page 180 will help one understand it and also the term Pre-Model. Page 522 explains the pre hand ejector model Transitionals.

 

[JP@AK]

4".38 M&P, #C438x.

Many of these early C prefix guns shipped in quite random order, so guessing the ship date within less than a year is virtually impossible without a records check. But we can say with a high level of confidence it was assembled in 1948, with only four digits after the C and with the one-line address.

 

[wheelgun610]

I'm not sure I've ever seen a short action M&P with the patent info on the barrel...

Mark

 

[JP@AK]

Mark, they exist.

The last approximately 10,000 S prefix guns fit into that category, and quite a few of the early C prefix guns do.

Patent dates disappeared from the barrel in c. 1949-50. We assume those with patent dates were made in the '40s and used until they were gone.

 

[larryofcc]

My 6" M&P # S 819469 shipped 6-5-46, is listed on the letter as a Transitional. It has the blue machined stock circles and a hole for the domed screw. They are numbered to the gun. It has the earlier ejector rod too. Big Larry

 

[SS336]

Very nice! Would of bought that in a heartbeat. Really wish our gun shows would have that quality of M&P’s.

 

[JP@AK]

My 6" M&P # S 819469 . . . It has the earlier ejector rod too.

Yes. That one is in the database. An interesting shipping location!

The managment order to change the extractor rod knob was issued on October 4, 1946, exactly four months after your revolver left the factory. Implementation took a while, first showing up on serial numbers in the S874000 range, with shipments in early 1947.

 

[larryofcc]

Yes. That one is in the database. An interesting shipping location!

The managment order to change the extractor rod knob was issued on October 4, 1946, exactly four months after your revolver left the factory. Implementation took a while, first showing up on serial numbers in the S874000 range, with shipments in early 1947.

Yes, shipped to the Mershon Co. I know they made stocks but I didn't know they sold guns. May have been used as a pattern but shows very little usage. It's a 5"er and I got it from a Forum member. Thanks, Big Larry