Help Identify 38
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Muss Muggins
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Well, it looks like a 5" barreled M&P or early Model 10 with a tapered barrel. Other markings? Picture of the other side would also help.
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29aholic
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Did you get the SN# off the bottom of the grip frame?
That is a pre-model marked gun. One of the numbers you posted is the SN and the other is an assembly number. Looks pre WWII but would be the forerunner to the Model 10
You got a good buy
That is a pre-model marked gun. One of the numbers you posted is the SN and the other is an assembly number. Looks pre WWII but would be the forerunner to the Model 10
You got a good buy
Modified
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Certainly worth 275 in my book.
Looks like you have a .38 Military & Police 2nd Model made 1902-1903 based on that serial number. This is the 2nd model of a gun that became the Model 10 in 1957, many changes later.
A fine old gun, nearly as old as .38 specials come. You will want to make sure you get those grips off and check for corrosion under there. Sometimes the markings on the grip frame can also be interesting.
Looks like you have a .38 Military & Police 2nd Model made 1902-1903 based on that serial number. This is the 2nd model of a gun that became the Model 10 in 1957, many changes later.
A fine old gun, nearly as old as .38 specials come. You will want to make sure you get those grips off and check for corrosion under there. Sometimes the markings on the grip frame can also be interesting.
Muss Muggins
Member
I'm betting the actual serial number is the six digit 3xx,xxx, which puts it in that 1915 to 1942, closer to 1915 range . . . Just my thoughts, without seeing more pictures.
The actual serial number is the one on the butt, as noted above. That number should also be seen on the underside of the barrel and the rear face of the cylinder as well as a couple of more less obvious places. I hate to disagree with a fellow forum member about a serial number, but I think that gun has to be from about 1919-20 -- there are six digits to the SN, not five.
Notice the mushroom-shaped ejector rod. Serial number aside, that by itself means it was produced before about 1928. Also there is no small S&W logo on the left side of the gun, and I doubt there is a large one on the sideplate. That also points to production in the immediate post WWI era. There should be some patent stamps on the barrel, with the last one dating to 1914.
The rubber stocks are recent, of course, but probably conceal a round butt grip frame. If so, that's a little interesting, because most of the M&P production in the 'teens, '20s and '30s consisted of square butt frames.
S&W took steps to harden their steel in about 1922, so this gun predates that step. Don't shoot +P ammo or self-announced hot loads. I usually shoot 148 gr match wadcutter loads in my older .38s.
Nice gun, easily worth $275.
Notice the mushroom-shaped ejector rod. Serial number aside, that by itself means it was produced before about 1928. Also there is no small S&W logo on the left side of the gun, and I doubt there is a large one on the sideplate. That also points to production in the immediate post WWI era. There should be some patent stamps on the barrel, with the last one dating to 1914.
The rubber stocks are recent, of course, but probably conceal a round butt grip frame. If so, that's a little interesting, because most of the M&P production in the 'teens, '20s and '30s consisted of square butt frames.
S&W took steps to harden their steel in about 1922, so this gun predates that step. Don't shoot +P ammo or self-announced hot loads. I usually shoot 148 gr match wadcutter loads in my older .38s.
Nice gun, easily worth $275.
DWalt
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That SN (326454) would put this M&P as shipping in the late 1919-early 1920 period, I'd guess the latter. It would have been heat-treated at that time. $275 is not a bad price, close to market for an M&P without original grips. It's likely the original grips would have been checkered wood, with diamonds around the screw holes, rounded tops, and no S&W medallions. Those can be found occasionally on eBay, but a nice pair will cost you at least $50, maybe up to $100. That's why it wouldn't be worth much more than $275 as-is. With original grips, $350-400 would be more like it.
One of the reasons I wanted to know more about it was so I would know what grips would be originals. I'd much rather have as close as I can get to original. Not too fond of polymer-tech, tactical or whatever ya want to call it.
Anything that well crafted is a shame to "doll it up"
Anything that well crafted is a shame to "doll it up"
DWalt
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I don't see anything period-correct listed on eBay at present. Here's a modern reproduction of the S&W hard rubber RB grips: S & W .38 Special Revolver
Not great, but original grips are wherever you find them.
