Help Identifying Pistol

[curlyws6]

I was given this pistol a few years ago when a neighbor of ours passed away and I would like to know a bit more about it to (hopefully) be able to pick up a set of factory grips for it. Thanks for the help!

No model# in yoke
Serial# 320928
38 S.&W. SPECIAL CTG
4" barrel
Fixed Sight
Strain Screw

 

[delcrossv]

.38 Spl. Military and Police (M&P) 4th change from around 1919-ish. Extrapolating from the S/N

You'll be looking for grips like on the one below from 1918

 

[JP@AK]

Yes. 316648 was assembled in September, 1919. So, I suspect yours shipped before 1920, although it could have hung around the factory for a few months and shipped in 1920. The stocks delcrossv showed are almost certainly correct.

 

[Hondo44]

Very nice.

All you need to know is that you want K frame grips. And the grips shown by delcrossv and referenced by JP@AK are the period correct original equipment. However not inexpensive or easy to find in good shape. Plus if you plan to shoot it, the post war K frame Magnas are more hand filling and comfortable with recoil.

Photo credit: cgt4570

 

[curlyws6]

Thanks for the replies / information on the pistol. I'll look around for a set of k-frame grips. I would like to 'complete' it with a set of factory correct grips but would be pleased with just a set of S&W wood grips.

He told us that he carried it in WWII (that you could carry your own gun if you qualified with it) but I have no way to confirm other than what he always told my wife and myself... just part of the story of the pistol. I had never seen the pistol until the day his son called me after he passed and asked if I wanted it. It would be neat to know who J.J.Peters is since that is engraved in the side plate (that was not my neighbor's name).

 

[NavySCPO]

Congratulations on a nice revolver! You obviously had a very close relationship with your neighbor and his Son.

Enjoy the pistol, but even more, enjoy the search it may likely lead you on, even if you never discover the complete story. Remember, the journey is the fun part.

 

[curlyws6]

Congratulations on a nice revolver! You obviously had a very close relationship with your neighbor and his Son.

Enjoy the pistol, but even more, enjoy the search it may likely lead you on, even if you never discover the complete story. Remember, the journey is the fun part.

Yes, we were very close with him and I enjoyed chatting with him because he would talk about some of his experiences in WWII.... which most would / could not talk about.