4th Model HE M&P Question

[Model25Man]

I picked this really nice M&P last week, and I need some info regarding its configuration. Serial number is 584xxx, so I'm guessing the late 20s? Grips are numbered to the gun. My question is that the lanyard loop looks original (it even appears to be color case) but obviously it was installed after the serial number was stamped. When I took the grips off the serial number was stamped on the inside of the left grip frame, and it appears to be in the original font of that time period (see pic). I'm wondering if that was done at the factory? The gun is pretty much like new, inside and out. I had to shoot it, and it lived up to it's reputation putting 16 of 18 shots in the 10 ring at 10 yards. The two flyers were the indian's fault, not the arrow. Any help is greatly appreciated. I've added another beauty to shoot at the farm.

 

[Hondo44]

Factory swivels original to the frame and factory swivel additions are always 1/10" forward of center. The serial number on the butt was stamped off center if the frame was originally assembled with one.

If orders came thru for guns with lanyard swivels and there were no assembled revolvers with them in inventory, the factory would not build a new one if other revolvers of the same model that matched the order were assembled, except for the swivel. In those cases the factory drilled thru the factory serial # for installation of a lanyard swivel before initial shipping. Also if sent back to the factory for addition of a swivel. But in those two cases the s/n is always re-stamped on the left side of grip frame, under the left stock.

NOTE: The Factory is also known to have pulled an assembled gun from the vault for a special order...target sights, nickel finish, etc., and therefore may not have serial #s on added target sights, custom stocks, etc.

 

[Model25Man]

Thanks for the info Jim. The lanyard swivel looked factory installed, but I wanted an expert to verify.-Steve

 

[wheelgun610]

Thanks for the info Jim. The lanyard swivel looked factory installed, but I wanted an expert to verify.-Steve

Jim (Hondo44) is a straight shooter. If he says it's so, you can bank on it.

A pic or two of everything under the stocks on your gun would go a long way in confirming what he said about the location of the holes to mount the lanyard ring. The holes would be in the same exact location as on an M&P that was originally manufactured with a lanyard ring. The only real difference would be that the S/N (on the butt) would be offset to keep from having to drill through it an re-stamp it on the side of the grip frame.

Mark

 

[DWalt]

Looking at the SN stamped on the grip frame, I'd think it would be a good assumption that it was done by S&W. SN 584xxx would indicate probable 1928 shipment, but possibly a bit later.

 

[Model25Man]

Here are some pics of the grip frame.

 

[Model25Man]

["SN 584xxx would indicate probable 1928 shipment"]

From my research of other known serial numbers and shipping dates, I also had the date at 1928.

 

[wheelgun610]

The lanyard installation looks kosher to me. Just what I'd expect to see on a factory installed item. Most likely done before it shipped. Had it been sent back to S&W to have it installed, there would've most likely would be a date code hand stamped near the secondary serial number.

Mark

 

[Model25Man]

["The lanyard installation looks kosher to me. Just what I'd expect to see on a factory installed item. Most likely done before it shipped"]

Thanks Mark. I guess this one may be worth lettering since it appears to be original and it's in excellent condition.