DOB help please

[Senor Chisme]

I have what I think is a 38 M&P. It is a nickle plated, 5 screw, K-frame with a 4" barrel. I believe the grips are original and the ejector rod has two different diameters. It belonged to my father and it was given to me after he passed away. He bought it from a local deputy sheriff and used to keep it underneath the counter of his liquor store under a bar towel. The serial number is 409XXX. I cannot find any reference to fixed sights K-frame serial numbers. If someone could give me an approximate date of manufacture, I would be most grateful. I am attaching the only picture that I currently have of it. Thanks.

 

[A10]

I am no Kframe expert, and I know someone smarter than I will chime in soon. Are there markings on the top of the barrel? It looks to me to be pre-war, maybe a Model of 1905, 4th change. The nickel appears original to me. My guess is it was made in the 20s sometime but I could be way off......again, I'm no expert.

 

[mikepriwer]

Should be late 1922 to early 1923. The grips are correct for the period . The right
grip, if original to the gun, will have the serial number on its inside. Maybe in pencil,
maybe stamped.

Mike Priwer

 

[Senor Chisme]

If I remember correctly, it does have the patent dates on the top of the barrel. The left side of the frame has the small S&W logo. I will pull the grips this evening and look for a number.

 

[DCWilson]

400078 (Like yours a .38 M&P, but with 5" barrel, blued) shipped in March 1922.

 

[Retired W4]

It is a fine looking .38 M&P you have there, and a wonderful family heirloom.

 

[DWalt]

1922-23 would be most likely correct. I note that the pictured revolver has the "Made in U.S.A." frame stamping. I do not know at what serial number that stamping began, but conventional wisdom is that it was at some time during 1922. Early, middle, or late 1922, I do not know. The wooden grips pictured are correct for 1920s production. In this case, a factory letter would be advisable to establish its shipping date and whether the nickel plating is original if those facts are considered necessary.

I have an M&P with SN 400xxx that does not have the "Made in U.S.A." stamping, which I believe is from earlier in 1922.

 

[shouldazagged]

Handsome gun. I know you treasure it. Do you shoot it?

 

[Senor Chisme]

Yes, I have shot it a few times. The double action trigger pull is very hard and not conducive to accurate shooting. The single action pull is a lot stiffer than I like also. So, it has been shot and will be again but very infrequently. I am not going to put in a spring kit or try to smooth the action. Just leave it like it is and pass it down to my son (who is named after my father) and eventually to my grandson.

 

[DWalt]

Absent the trigger problems, the sights on the older M&Ps are not conducive to precision shooting as the blade and notch are far too narrow for my eyes. I would probably remove the sideplate and disassemble, clean, and oil the mechanism iwere it mine (or at least blow out the works with spray carb cleaner). My older M&Ps all have reasonably nice and smooth trigger pulls, both SA and DA.

 

[A10]

Yes, I have shot it a few times. The double action trigger pull is very hard and not conducive to accurate shooting. The single action pull is a lot stiffer than I like also. So, it has been shot and will be again but very infrequently. I am not going to put in a spring kit or try to smooth the action. Just leave it like it is and pass it down to my son (who is named after my father) and eventually to my grandson.

I think that is an excellent plan! There is a distinct possiblility that a bunch of crud has accumulated in the action over the years. Carefully removing the side plate and cleaning the parts could vastly improve the action.

 

[Senor Chisme]

Oh, it's been thoroughly disassembled, cleaned and reoiled. I just didn't mess with any springs, or try to smooth any interior parts.

 

[Kansasgunner]

Senor Chisme, thats a really nice family heirloom to pass on. I hope it stays with your family a lot longer.