Hand ejector 1915?

[lethemgo]

My buddy had this floating around for a while now and nobody seemed to be interested and I passed on it because bore isn't perfect. So it came home with me from the last gun show. I cleaned the bore and it looks better than I thought and wonder if some of it may just be some leading. I'll give her a better cleaning this weekend. Couple screws on side plate won't move and that will be on the to do list also but first maybe a few rounds down the barrel. Can't find a bunch on it but he says it looks to be 1915 dated.
38 s&w spec 4 screws...the rest probably covered by the pics. Thanks!

 

[JP@AK]

Hi

Your buddy is off by a decade on the origin. This is a Model of 1902 that was produced in about 1903.

I'm having trouble reading the serial number. It looks like 51580, but the shape of the barrel tells me it is probably 31580. Is that correct?

At this time, the M&P had only the four screws in the sideplate. The cylinder stop plunger retaining screw in the front of the trigger guard was added in 1905. Yours doesn't have it, so, as you noted, this is a four screw gun.

 

[Kurusu]

Hi

Your buddy is off by a decade on the origin. This is a Model of 1902 that was produced in about 1903.

I'm having trouble reading the serial number. It looks like 51580, but the shape of the barrel tells me it is probably 31580. Is that correct?

At this time, the M&P had only the four screws in the sideplate. The cylinder stop plunger retaining screw in the front of the trigger guard was added in 1905. Yours doesn't have it, so, as you noted, this is a four screw gun.

Definitely 31580.

 

[JP@AK]

Definitely 31580.

Thanks. Old eyes . . .

 

[lethemgo]

I was having a hard time reading the first # and almost thought it was a letter. It is a different shaped 3 that I'd imprinted deeper than others but believe it's a 3. Kind of looks like a 5 7 3 mixed up. Kind of thought it was earlier so that's why I came here to check.

 

[DWalt]

31580 would date it at 1903. Closest SN I have listed is 333xx shipping in 10/03. It is a Model of 1902.

 

[NewDeparture]

If I understand correctly, SCSW places that serial number among the last few thousands
revolvers manufactured with a straight barrel, before switching to shouldered ones.

If you don´t mind me asking, what is the asking price?

Thanks,

NewDeparture

 

[glowe]

If I understand correctly, SCSW places that serial number among the last few thousands
revolvers manufactured with a straight barrel, before switching to shouldered ones . . .

The Model 1902, 1st Change offered an enlarged thread diameter and a shoulder on the rear of the barrel. It started production in 1903 at serial number 33,804.

The OPs gun is simply called a Model 1902 (38 Hand Ejector M&P Model) and is quite uncommon, since only 13,000 were made. Nice find!

 

[larryofcc]

I was having a hard time reading the first # and almost thought it was a letter. It is a different shaped 3 that I'd imprinted deeper than others but believe it's a 3. Kind of looks like a 5 7 3 mixed up. Kind of thought it was earlier so that's why I came here to check.

Looks like an overstamp of the first number. Big Larry

 

[lethemgo]

Great I like a gun that's uncommon. Now I'll try to shoot it and clean the barrel more. Plus try to get the couple side plate screws out that are boogered up. What's the price range on these.

 

[merl67]

If you are going to shoot it I would suggest using only lead bullets of the 158 grain variety at standard velocity. No plus P 38 specials in this one.

 

[glowe]

. . . What's the price range on these.

Unfortunately the collecting world seems not to be paying much of a premium for Model 1902s, over the Model 1905s. The lack of any original finish does not help either, so I would guess $250 - $300.

 

[steelslaver]

Take the stocks off and soak the whole thing in a 50/50 solution of automatic transmission fluid and kerosene for a couple days. I bet the screws come right out and any rust or gunk wipes right off.

I keep a jug of the stuff in my shop and use it for all kinds of stuck stuff. Mine has some acetone mixed into it. I am going to be completely tearing down a couple of old Brazilians, barrels off everything. First they get the solution soak.

 

[Targets Guy]

Back then those "3"'s and "5"'s were tricky.

 

[lethemgo]

Thanks for info guys...I tried to get it for $200 but came away with $250 so all is good.