5" M&P Arrives

[OIF2]

I posted previously that I'd bought this one...had to get the paperwork done, go on leave etc, so it's been a couple of weeks. But it's home with me now, and I couldn't be happier. I like the 5" K-frame, especially the M&Ps. I wanted an older one, from the 40's or 50's, but couldn't find exactly the one I wanted, or the condition, or price. I'm glad I waited. I found this one (serial #S 860602) in an awesome gunshop in NC in the middle of nowhere. Price was OK, not a steal, but digestible. It came with the box. One-line address, large-head ejector rod and flawless magnas. Condition is probably 98.5-99%, with some tiny blue wear on the right side of the muzzle. I'm thinking this one was made late '45 or early '46. I'm happy now...until I find the next one.
Bob

 

[lowhog]

Bob,That is a beauty,Nice pictures.

 

[ar15ed]

man, that is a beauty!

 

[lebomm]

A real gem, Bob ! Congratulations !

Larry

 

[gunnut44]

Very Nice find! Congrats.

 

[Hunt200]

Wow that is awesome!

 

[DCWilson]

What a beauty! And definitely worth waiting for. A new or almost new M&P is one of the best-looking guns anyone will ever see.

I'd guess late '46 on the shipment, maybe early '47 in light of the company's indifference to serial number sequence when filling orders. I have your gun's two-inch near sibling, S868055, which shipped in January 1947.

 

[Art Doc]

Wow, I've often wondered how people can be so discernible as to differentiate one percentage point, and now we are talking about half a percentage.

Looks pretty much like new to me. But then I am not that discerning.

 

[OIF2]

I was thinking 98.6 or 7%, but I wanted to leave a little wiggle room in case of a difference of opinion. Can't be too careful.
Bob

 

[SDH]

Mighty Nice, but that would be a new one around here, both age and condition!

 

[northslope]

Great pickup...I snared one of these identical to yours (not in as good shape) at the Reno Gun Show last year and despite being the least expensive S&W I've bought in a decade it's damn near close to my favorite.

--Neill

 

[Walter Rego]

Outstanding catch ! Great case colors on the hammer and trigger too. The 5" M&P is one of my favorites, it seems to have just the right proportions. Here are a couple from 1946 so DCWilson is probably right with an early 1947 shipment date. I wonder what the highest S/N was that still had the one line address and large ejector rod head ? Yours still has that smooth long action. If it didn't come with one, the box should contain a piece of brown wax/tissue paper and a post-war Helpful Hints brochure, not too hard to find or very expensive.

 

[Bwilli88]

The only thing that would make it better for me would be a round butt.

 

[j38]

Congratulations, Bob. That's a gorgeous revolver. Those are some of the strongest case colors I've ever seen.

Enjoy,

Jerry

 

[OIF2]

Very nice, Walter. Thanks for the picture. I also have a 6", same condition, serial # starts with S 907XXX. Can't remember the last 3 digits. You're right about proportions and balance. The 5" is much-better proportioned than the 6"...that last inch (on the 6" K) definitely makes a big difference in handling.
Bob
PS-Thanks for the comments, Jerry. Been lusting after another 5" like yours. This one should cure me. I'll shoot it tomorrow. Stand by. I'll equip it with a Black Tyler-T. Below is my 6", same condition, one-line address, long action and later, narrow ejector rod head.