Help w/ ID of .38 spcl.

[Engineer25]

I recently inherited a .38 spcl w/ 5 screws. There is no letter prefix in the S/N and the number is 5899XX. This number appears on the butt, cylinder face, and underside of the barrel. The rear sight is a groove in the frame and the front is half-mooned. The barrel is 6" in length. Could anyone help w/ dating of this firearm? Thanks in advance.

 

[diamonback68]

Assuming you are talking about a six shooter I would guess 1939 or maybe 1940. Dates are not definate during that time period. By your description you have a Military&Police commonly known as a pre model 10 that was so named after 1957. Others may have a closer date for you.

 

[LWCmdr45]

Engineer,

Pictures always help, but I agree with Dick that you're describing a prewar M&P. I'd estimate it at even earlier production, though: probably early 1930s.

Steve

 

[wheelgun610]

I'm thinkin' maybe a bit earlier than Dick. My guess would be late 1920's. Does the gun have grips that appear to be factory original? During the late 20's factory grips had no medallions and usually had the guns serial number pencilled or stamped on the inside of the right panel. By around 1930 a silver colored medallion was added.

Mark

 

[Engineer25]

Thanks guys. I'll try to get some pictures up soon. And yes, it is a six shooter.

The story in the family is the firearm was a service pistol owned by my great uncle who work for the Chicago P.D. The gun now has plastic stag grips on it which I hope was not the original.

Any tips on how to restore/clean the finish? The gun has sat dormant for at least 18 years and is still tight. I was going to clean it up w/ some Hoppe's #9, but if anyone could suggest anything better please do so.

Again, thanks for all the help.

 

[Art Doc]

I would also guess mid to late 1920s.

No +Ps before 1930 is my rule.

 

[moosedog]

Sounds like a early 40s pre model 10, Military & Police.
You want to clean the gun and keep it original, not refinish it. Refinished guns are worth about half of what their original counterparts are worth.

 

[Engineer25]

Here are a couple of pics

 

[DCWilson]

Nice looking M&P. Very clean inside, too.

I would date your gun to 1929.

My rule of thumb for dating M&Ps involves approximations from these serial number milestones:

250,000 1915 -- (round number) beginning of 1905/Fourth
300,000 1919
400,000 1922
500,000 1925
600,000 1929
650,000 1935
700,000 1940

An additional 300,000 M&Ps were turned out by May 1942, when the first Victory was shipped, indicating start of production on the second million M&Ps.

Note the production slowdown during the Great Depression (50,000 units produced in six years instead of 100,000 in three) and the huge spurt as soon as wartime contracts are up and running.

 

[wheelgun610]

I'll stick with my original estimate that it's a 20's vintage gun. The knob on the end of the ejector rod is another clue. The size and style of the rod tip was changed in the late 20's.

Mark

 

[Engineer25]

Thanks fellas.

What should I use to get the light rust off of the barrel? Like I said, I'm going to do a general cleaning w/ some Hoppe's b/c I know it hasn't been cleaned for atleast 18 yrs.

Also, what should be the original grips? I removed the stag grips and they are Franzite. From research, I am pretty sure those are not original.

 

[mikepriwer]

The gun is 1928 - about July to October.

The right grips would be the convex non-medallion checkered
walnut. They are still available at gun shows, etc, and $30 would
probably get you a pair in about the same condition as your gun.

Mike Priwer

 

[diamonback68]

Note the production slowdown during the Great Depression (50,000 units produced in six years instead of 100,000 in three) and the huge spurt as soon as wartime contracts are up and running.

I had not taken the depression lull into account. As usual, you are so right David.

 

[Engineer25]

Next question. Should I send it back to be factory refinished? And, is that a nickel or blued finish?

 

[linde]

I believe these are the stocks that mikepriwer described that would be original to your M&P. The serial number on these is 536735 so they are a little earlier, but not much.

As far as refinishing I expect you'll hear most folks here (me included) who will urge you to leave it as-is, and preserve its honest wear and character from a long and honorable career.

Best wishes and thanks for sharing,

Russ

 

[Engineer25]

Thanks very much Russ.

 

[Engineer25]

Thanks to forum member Linde, I now have period correct stocks on my pistol. Pics below:

Again, many thanks to Russ!

 

[linde]

You are most welcome . . . proud to help. I must confess to being partial to early M&Ps with a law enforcement history.

Here's one that shipped to the St. Louis Metro PD in January 1922.

In response to your question on removing rust off the barrel, I have used two products with success . . . Rustprufe on surface rust and CorrosionX on the more difficult cases.

Best wishes,

Russ

 

[beagleye]

Much improved

Those grips really dial it in!! I strongly agree with what was said earlier about the finish. It's a working classic, don't deplete its' awesomeness.

Pete

 

[mikepriwer]

For cleaning up the rust, get some burlap and oil, keep the burlap
wet with the oil, and go to work on it. 3-in-1 oil works well, the
Corrosion-X is very good. With the rough texture of the burlap,
almost any oil will be fine.

The gun looks very nice with those grips. I'd be inclined to leave
it as it is. A good refinish, which the factory probably would not do,
will run $300 to $400 anyway, maybe more, depending on metal
wear, etc. It won't be worth it.

Mike Priwer