Fixed rear sight change on M&P

[JP@AK]

Guys

When did S&W modify the rear sight on the M&P from the "pinched" configuration to the square notch? I've seen them from about 1920 with the pinched sight and my M&P from February, 1926, has the squared notch. Do we know when (approximately) in that time period the change was made?

Thanks.

 

[Hondo44]

Jack, the definitive written comments about the sight change on the M&P I have in my notes are this:

• August 14, 1923 change ordered square sights on all .32 & .38/32 HE, and .38 Spl & .32/20 HE fixed sight revolvers (Neal & Jinks, Page 235). The 1923 catalog published earlier, specifically mentions the new type of fixed sights (flat top/sq notch) for several models, but not for the round butt M&P, nor any I frame or N frame, including the Com’l M1917. Earlier .38 M&Ps have been observed with sq notch sights from 1922, beginning w/# 406301.

I'd tend to believe Neal & Jinks, the catalogs due tend to be a little behind on occasion. And the transition periods we always observe would certainly have an effect. Also it coincides with your observations.

Hope that helps,

 

[JP@AK]

Thank you, Jim. That is very helpful.

I figured it was somewhere in Neal & Jinks, but I didn't dig out my copy to look for it. The Standard Catalog does not seem to mention this; at least I couldn't find it.

 

[glowe]

Yup, the 1923 D-3 catalog page below. Not sure of the month, but the year is correct. I have an original 1923 catalog with the improved service sight, and it has a price list dated March 1, 1923??? Curious . . . ?

 

[gmborkovic]

Jack, you dont "dig" out the the little blue book. Its all ways right at arms reach! wink. Mike

 

[JP@AK]

Jack, you dont "dig" out the the little blue book. Its all ways right at arms reach!

Mike

I get your point. But most often when I am on line here at the Forum, I'm at my work bench in the garage. The Standard Catalog 4th lives out here next to my computer. The rest of my S&W book collection, including all the Jinks books and the earlier editions of the SCSW, is in a book case in my library, along with 4,000+ other volumes. Too far to walk for this old guy and his worn out legs.