38 special unknown

[kiper]

Hi all,
I recently inherited a pistol that belonged to my G grandfather
and was having trouble dating it.
On the bottom of the butt the # is as follows : S 955200
the same # appears on cylinder and it has wooden checkered grips /w a silver S&W logo above checkering
any help would be super and much appreciated

 

[Dennis The B]

Based on your serial number, it was made sometime between 1945 and 1948. It's a K frame revolver, probably a Military & Police Model. The stocks should be numbered to the gun. It would likely be chambered in .38 Special, or it could be .22 long rifle.

A picture would also be helpful, as well as the caliber, which should be on the right side of the barrel.

 

[kiper]

hope these come through, and thank you Dennis !

 

[oldafsp]

And that is the .38 caliber Military & Police model.

4 inch barrel, square butt.

Very very nice.

In 1957 S&W went to a numbered model system. The M&P became the Model 10.

Congrats on a wonderful piece of S&W history.

 

[alaskavett]

Kiper, that one is on real nice shape. I hope you keep it and take care of it and one day you will also pass it on. I would not shoot +P ammo in it to prolong its live. Kyle

 

[Black_Sheep]

That's a very nice M&P, your Grandfather had excellent taste in guns...

 

[Flint Ridge]

What a classic beauty! Yep Grandpa had good taste and also cared for it. You should be honored to have that one for sure, enjoy.

 

[Waidmann]

The S series was the completion of the second million M&P's. The military WWII serials were V then SV. When civilian grade production resumed the V was dropped but the numerical sequence continued. During this period an enginneering change from the long to short hammer drop occurred. This change is the difference between the 1905 Hand Ejector and what would become the Model 10. Most of these pistols were thought to fill police back orders. The pictures appear to put you in the pre-10 category. Condition is remarkable!

 

[Matt_G]

You have yourself a real beauty there Kiper.
Welcome to the forum!

 

[Mike1957]

hope these come through, and thank you Dennis !

Outstanding condition for its age. The old M&P revolvers are very common, but you don`t find many that old in that nice of condition.

 

[Goony]

Based upon my (limited) database, I'd estimate that your revolver shipped in November 1947.