Can you identify this revolver?

[cmullencstx]

I am trying to identify this revolver as part of the inventory for my Dad's estate.

As this was the first firearm I've ever handled (and it was loaded), I did not know what identifying characteristics to look for and I was not comfortable poking around. Due to work obligations, I won't be back at my Dad's house and able to gather more information for two more weeks.

The Smith & Wesson Foundation suggested I look at the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, but I would like to avoid spending $40 on Amazon.com for a book I need for 5 minutes. I am hoping perhaps someone on this forum has one. Any help you can offer is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

I took three pictures (serial number, right and left profile views). I apologize for not including a right side view. The picture could not be processed because a security token was missing. I have no idea what is causing the error, and would appreciate help overcoming it.

 

[rincar]

I think that would be a Target model Military and Police from the late 1920's or early to mid 1930.s. Reason I say this is because it appears to have a Target model rear sight. Don't bet money on what I have told you. We would need much better photos to be sure.

 

[s&wchad]

Welcome aboard!
I'm sorry about your fathers passing.

You have a .38 Special Military and Police "target" model that shipped sometime in the mid-1920's. Specialized collectors would classify it as a model of 1905, 4th change. The vast majority of the .38 Special M&P revolvers came with fixed sights, but an adjustable rear sight was available on special order and are referred to as "target" models.

The stocks (grips) are not original to the gun and are from an early post-WWII K frame.

 

[Modified]

You know...

I would like to see a top down shot of that rear sight.

To my eye it looks like this started life as a fixed sight gun, but had an adjustable rear sight added later. The front sight looks like a standard fixed sight half moon...

If it was upgraded that's really neat, and you will want to have a look for any date stamps under the grips, left side of the frame, near the butt.

 

[DARE]

Good eye, Modified. Here is my slightly earlier gun that letters as a target model. My gun shipped in 1913.

 

[oink]

Is it still loaded?

 

[steelslaver]

Interesting older S&W

TO UNLOAD

Push the checkered piece behind the cylinder forward and you should be able to swing cylinder out to the left. Then by simply pointing the barrel up the ammunition should slide out. If not pressing the long rod sticking out of cylinder towards cylinder will help push out ammo. The rod will swing out with cylinder

As long as you do not pull trigger or cock the hammer it is relatively safe. BUT ALWAYS KEEP IT POINTED IN SAFE DIRECTION.

 

[AC Man]

I'm sorry if I am wrong to ask this because I am new to the forum but didn't your dad teach you on handling guns? Or instill in you the sport of shooting? Just curious.

 

[Dvus]

I'm sorry if I am wrong to ask this because I am new to the forum but didn't your dad teach you on handling guns? Or instill in you the sport of shooting? Just curious.

Wow. If you will re-read the initial post, you will find that this "was the first firearm that I ( the op) have ever handled."
To the op... We all had a "first time," and I'm sorry yours was under these circumstances. I hope this won't be your last and that you learn to enjoy them as we all have.

 

[DARE]

AC Man

OP(means original poster) states that this is the 1st gun he has ever handled. Sounds like he did not have the benefit of his father teaching him.

 

[Frieda's Boss]

Sorry for your loss, OP.

 

[Hawg Rider]

cmullencstx: Welcome to the Forum, glad you found us! My condolences to you and your family on the passing of your Dad. With that said, he has left you a nice revolver that should be safe and fun to shoot with modern .38 Special ammunition. If you are really nervous about handling the revolver and don't have a friend close by that could assist you, you could contact a local gun shop for help. Better safe than sorry! Good luck. I hope that you decide to keep this heirloom and learn how to be safe shooter.

 

[raljr1]

If you are interested in learning how to handle this revolver and don't know someone who can help you, share your location and it is likely that someone from this forum who lives near you might volunteer to teach you. Folks here are like that.

Robert

 

[handejector]

Welcome aboard.

The picture could not be processed because a security token was missing. I have no idea what is causing the error, and would appreciate help overcoming it.

When you post, click "Manage Attachments" below the text box. The window that pops up will tell you the types of pics allowed and the size limits.

 

[gmborkovic]

Mr. mullen, nice gun. Coming from dad, just treasure it. A lot of us got guns from our dads. best and shoot it.

 

[AC Man]

AC Man

OP(means original poster) states that this is the 1st gun he has ever handled. Sounds like he did not have the benefit of his father teaching him.

Yes my point was if his dad had firearms, it usually trickles down to the children. My apologies and sorry for your loss.

 

[McShooty]

Perhaps dad had no interest in guns but simply wanted one around for self defense. If you have any interest in learning to shoot, I would, as others have suggested, get a mentor. I say this because it was your dad's gun after all and being the much less common target model it brings a premium on the used gun market. Additionally, this model is very well made, usually very accurate, and safe to shoot with standard 38 Special ammo. It should be pleasant to learn how to shoot with it.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! I also want to pass along my condolences on your loss. Knowledgeable folks have already passed along identifying information. Usually, a S&W .38 M&P Target revolver had a replaceable front sight blade. The front sight on your dad's gun is forged to the barrel and is more typical of a fixed sight gun. I have heard this configuration called a "half-target." It is possible the gun was ordered in this configuration but I suspect it had a barrel replacement sometime in its life. While a replaced barrel will not affect the function of shooting, it does affect the value of the gun. There are matching serial numbers on this era M&P under the barrel where the extractor rod docks, on the rear face of the cylinder, on the butt of the gun, on the back of the yoke arm and on the back side of the extractor star. Practically, checking the barrel serial against the cylinder and butt will tell you if it is in its original configuration. If it does check out...all the serials match...it may be more valuable than a typical M&P Target due to the scarce half-target configuration. In that regard, it may be beneficial to a potential sale if you purchased an S&W Historical Foundation Historian's letter of authenticity to validate the configuration. Check back with us when you get back to your dad's and can unload the gun. Knowledgeable folks here will be happy to advise you on how to proceed.

 

[handejector]

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! I also want to pass along my condolences on your loss. Knowledgeable folks have already passed along identifying information. Usually, a S&W .38 M&P Target revolver had a replaceable front sight blade. The front sight on your dad's gun is forged to the barrel and is more typical of a fixed sight gun. I have heard this configuration called a "half-target." It is possible the gun was ordered in this configuration but I suspect it had a barrel replacement sometime in its life. While a replaced barrel will not affect the function of shooting, it does affect the value of the gun. There are matching serial numbers on this era M&P under the barrel where the extractor rod docks, on the rear face of the cylinder, on the butt of the gun, on the back of the yoke arm and on the back side of the extractor star. Practically, checking the barrel serial against the cylinder and butt will tell you if it is in its original configuration. If it does check out...all the serials match...it may be more valuable than a typical M&P Target due to the scarce half-target configuration. In that regard, it may be beneficial to a potential sale if you purchased an S&W Historical Foundation Historian's letter of authenticity to validate the configuration. Check back with us when you get back to your dad's and can unload the gun. Knowledgeable folks here will be happy to advise you on how to proceed.

The term "Half Target" is used to refer to a gun that has fixed sights, but has a different front sight like an Ivory or Gold bead.
I have never seen a Target shipped with the half moon front sight.
If you look closely at the rear sight, you'll notice it is not polished with the frame.
I think the gun shipped as a 38 M&P with fixed sights, and someone added the rear sight later.

 

[mikepriwer]

I agree with Lee 100%. The first thing I noticed about the rear sight was that the front end of the leaf is too long, and is projecting too far forward. That is the yellow box that Lee has drawn on the image.

I've owned 2 or 3 over my collecting career. They were made in two versions. A target front sight blade, such as Lymans, with a traditional M&P rear sight, seems to be the more common of the two variants. The other version is a forged half-moon front sight, with an adjustable rear sight assembly.

By the way, the factory, via the catalogs, did not start using the name 'Military & Police' until sometime around 1915, or so. Prior to that, all the 1899's, 1902's, and the first 10 years of the 1905's, were known simply as Military models.

Regards, Mike Priwer