Help identifying heirloom

[zlbubba]

Long time lurker here, just wondering if you could help me identify my grandfather's pistol. He passed in 2003 and was the man who taught me how to hunt, shoot, and really appreciate guns. My cousin in Arizona's been storing my grandfather's guns for me while I served in the military, and only now have had the opportunity to bring them back to my home.

My grandfather passed down a pistol I believe to be a Model 15, K-38 in 38 SPL. The serial number is #568457. I don't know when it was built, but I'm guessing late 60s-early 70s. Here are some pics:

This was my grandfather's nightstand revolver from when I was born until the day he died, and he only brought it out when we'd go out back and shoot cans. I've got some great memories shooting this gun. Any help you can give me to identify the pistol would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[samandglove1]

Are there any letters included in the serial number on the butt of the revolver? Pictures are not that clear, but it looks to be an older model (diamond stocks, large knob, early front sight, etc...). Very nice gun.

I don't have my reference stuff with me to give you an unarguable identification, but I'm sure a member of my brethren will provide some input. Nice gun and welcome to the forum.

 

[s&wchad]

It's a .38 Special Military & Police Model of 1905 fourth change (granddaddy of the Model 10) that dates somewhere around 1930+/-. Model numbers weren't assigned until 1957 and the Model 15 has an adjustable rear sight.

The grips are much later than the gun and date post-WWII to the mid-1960's. Your front sight has been modified/changed and it may have been refinished at some point, but it's difficult to tell from those photos. You're lucky to have an heirloom that brings back such fond memories. Stick with standard velocity .38 Special ammunition.

 

[zlbubba]

So here's something interesting. The number on the underside of the barrel is 568457, but on the butt of the pistol, the number is 332133. I'd think the numbers would be matching. Also, the front sight says "Marble" on it. Any ideas on these two factors?

 

[Art Doc]

Marble makes gun sights and is still in business. Looks like a replacement sight and it appears the barrel is also replaced with one from a later gun.

I think the gun is refinished because the hammer and trigger look blue and these should be case hardened.

It's strictly an heirloom gun with little monetary value. Shoot it and enjoy it.

 

[s&wchad]

The barrel has been changed. Early guns had the serial number (matching) on the butt, the barrel flat, the back of the cylinder and the back of the yoke. The number on the butt is the one that counts. It's still a M&P 1905 4th change, but it's closer to 1920.

 

[zlbubba]

Thanks for your help. This is purely an heirloom gun anyway so the value doesn't make any difference to me. What's really neat is that I've got both of my grandfathers' S&W pistols. The one above is my paternal grandfather's, and my maternal grandpa left me his S&W 38-44 HD. Since I'm a gun guy, those two revolvers mean more than all my other handguns combined.

 

[YeshuaIsa53]

I like your attitude regarding those two guns.

 

[Cooter Brown]

SP and Chad (or whoever may know) I noticed the front sight, but what are the clues that the barrel has been changed? It appears to have the correct cutout for the ejector knob.

Just wondering what you used to diagnose the barrel change. Is it that the M&Ps had integral front sights?

To the OP, that's a neat old gun, great that you've got revolvers from grandfathers on both sides.

 

[s&wchad]

SP and Chad (or whoever may know) I noticed the front sight, but what are the clues that the barrel has been changed? It appears to have the correct cutout for the ejector knob.

Just wondering what you used to diagnose the barrel change. Is it that the M&Ps had integral front sights?

That's easy, I used this...

So here's something interesting. The number on the underside of the barrel is 568457, but on the butt of the pistol, the number is 332133. I'd think the numbers would be matching. Also, the front sight says "Marble" on it. Any ideas on these two factors?

 

[Cooter Brown]

That's easy, I used this...

Chad, sometimes I crack myself up! When I read your response I just about spewed coffee out of my nose.

I really need to slow down when I read these posts!

 

[GerSan69]

Yep, savor the knowledge, soak it all in... Ahhh.
Refinished or not, the memories make it priceless!

 

[A10]

Pictures of the Heavy Duty would be great too ZL, there are a lot of HD fans here! And, welcome to the forum!

 

[zlbubba]

Added pics of my HD

Here are pics of my HD:

It's my prize handgun. Enjoy the pics.

 

[martineta]

Sweet! I also have pistols and shotguns from my grandparents. I shoot them all. No safe queens allowed in my house.