Fresh from the Gun Show

[towgunner11h]

Hello all! Just got back from a local show- picked up what I think is a S&W M&P .38 Special. It has a 5" barrel, just assembly numbers on the crane, and a serial number 480xxx. Outside it has a lot of wear- at some point the barrel was used as a hammer. Appears like only superficial damage. A nick on the left side of front sight, and a small chip out of one of the stock grips. Any idea of when it was made? This thing is really tight, with a wonderful bore. The trigger and double action pull are amazing. I shall attempt to upload some photos. Thanks in advance!
In a nutshell: looking for manufacture date!

 

[JP@AK]

It is a .38 Military & Police model from about 1924. The stocks are from the 1930s.

Pictures are dark, but it appears to be in pretty nice shape. Can't tell if the blue is original. Maybe shoot some more photos outside in shaded daylight?

 

[GypsmJim]

Hello all! Just got back from a local show- picked up what I think is a S&W M&P .38 Special. It has a 5" barrel, just assembly numbers on the crane, and a serial number 480xxx. Outside it has a lot of wear- at some point the barrel was used as a hammer.

A few years ago at a gun show I bought an Argentine 1911 Military. The gun dealer commented that it was only good as a hammer. I thought it was an odd comment, seeing that he wanted to sell it, but I bought it anyway.

The first time i took it out, along side my genuine Colt, it actually scored a higher score.

I remember cowboy movies as a kid. The sheriff always used the butt of his SAA to nail up wanted posters.

Maybe hammer guns are the best kinds....

 

[dsf]

The difference between a "long action" and the later short is, for me, a preference for the long. Especially on the trigger reset. Quite a difference the hammer riding back over the hump of the rebound unit. Almost as though the thing isn't even there.

 

[murphydog]

Welcome (11 years from your registration here)!

Jack is correct on its approximate age. It has a later (1930s decade) set of wood stocks on it and slight wear on the sideplate consistent with a holster strap. Using standard pressure lead .38 Specials would be best. Enjoy!

 

[Cinnabar Mtn.]

Nice find!! Now I want to go to my local gun show tomorrow and find a last day good deal. Rats!! And I've been so good lately.....

 

[gmborkovic]

Hell Mr. gunner, dark pics but a good snag. Just the kind of gun a lot of us were picking up at shows for $60. And our friends were asking, what is wrong with you?

 

[boykinlp]

towgunner11h, welcome back. I'm glad you found something to bring back here to show us! I hope it doesn't take you 11 more years to find another.

Just for curiosity, do you happen to remember what S&W was interesting you back then?
Larry

 

[towgunner11h]

towgunner11h, welcome back. I'm glad you found something to bring back here to show us! I hope it doesn't take you 11 more years to find another.

Just for curiosity, do you happen to remember what S&W was interesting you back then?
Larry

Lol! I asked myself the same thing, and finally concluded that it must have been for info on a new .500 Magnum I had just obtained. I have always been more of a rifleman, but I have never seen anything to beat the action on a Smith and Wesson.

 

[towgunner11h]

Welcome (11 years from your registration here)!

Jack is correct on its approximate age. It has a later (1930s decade) set of wood stocks on it and slight wear on the sideplate consistent with a holster strap. Using standard pressure lead .38 Specials would be best. Enjoy!

That is great advice- thank you. I intend to load for it- I will restrict myself as recommended.

 

[towgunner11h]

It is a .38 Military & Police model from about 1924. The stocks are from the 1930s.

Pictures are dark, but it appears to be in pretty nice shape. Can't tell if the blue is original. Maybe shoot some more photos outside in shaded daylight?

It has heavy holster wear and very light pitting in a couple spots. But the bore is perfect, and the action is slick.

 

[towgunner11h]

It is a .38 Military & Police model from about 1924. The stocks are from the 1930s.

Pictures are dark, but it appears to be in pretty nice shape. Can't tell if the blue is original. Maybe shoot some more photos outside in shaded daylight?

I will take better photos tomorrow. And a range report once I get some rounds loaded up! Thanks for the info!

 

[towgunner11h]

Here are some (hopefully) better pictures to show condition.

 

[JP@AK]

Finish appears to be original. The sideplate seam is tight. Nice looking revolver.

 

[towgunner11h]

Finish appears to be original. The sideplate seam is tight. Nice looking revolver.

Thanks! I am pleased- currently assembling components to load up some mild rounds to plink with.

 

[towgunner11h]

New old stocks

Found these- fit like a glove.

 

[JP@AK]

Found these

Yep. Those are period correct.

 

[DWalt]

The closest M&P SN on my list to yours is 487641 which shipped on 6/6/24. The second grip pair you show are the period correct style, but heavily used and abused.

 

[towgunner11h]

The closest M&P SN on my list to yours is 487641 which shipped on 6/6/24. The second grip pair you show are the period correct style, but heavily used and abused.

As is the pistol- externally. Bore is immaculate. Action seems perfect- will soon see how it shoots. And the stocks/grips actually look better in person, although far from mint, they compliment the pistol quite well. I forgot to mention there was a CPD stamp in a circle under the grip on the left side.

 

[JP@AK]

The closest M&P SN on my list to yours is 487641 which shipped on 6/6/24.

And 477937 was shipped in May 1924.

towgunner11h
Yours being right in between those two, you now have a rough estimate of when it left the factory. But only a letter can tell you for certain.