Picked this up this evening. Would like help on dating it as well as a ballpark value. I know the grips are wrong and removed them for photos. It is a 5" barrel and is of course marked 38 Special. Seems ok function wise. Serial number is 469XXX. Blueing I would rate at 85%. And yes 5 screws. I'm not used to buying one this old . Couldn't find a place on the forum to date it. Thanks for your help. Best regards.
Help date M&P 38
- Thread starter Zipdog
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DWalt
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It's an M&P, very likely from 1923. It appears to have been re-blued, and indeed the grips are from a much later time, probably 1970 or later.
No. That is an error in the SCSW.
It has been re-blued in my opinion as well. I can see dished out areas around the barrel markings that indicate heavy buffing. The ejector knob should have a white metal front edge in factory guns. Also it is very high gloss and not the finish of a factory M&P of the era. You should see all stampings having slightly proud(raised) ridges around every stamping, but I see worn and sunken stamping on yours.
I would say this one will be a fine shooter for a 1924 vintage Fourth Change M&P.
I would say this one will be a fine shooter for a 1924 vintage Fourth Change M&P.
DWalt
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As noted, square butt versions of the M&P are much more common. A pair of high-condition factory grips correct for the 1920s period would run perhaps $75-$100.
Just remember that a re-blue job will not reduce the FUN factor in any way. Almost all 38 M&Ps that I have owned and shot have worked perfectly and are a hoot to shoot!
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