Help with info

[danwhi00]

I inherited this S&W 38 from my wife's uncle, it has been in their family for a few generations. He didn't know much about, other than an "old timer" at the range told him it was a 5 screw. Any insight you may have is welcome. See the included pics, let me know if more info is needed.
Thank you all!

 

[Model19man]

It is known as a Military and Police 38 Special. It was made sometime between WWII and the late 1950's when Model Numbers were introduced. Maybe someone will be able to date it closer using the serial number.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! That is a post-WWII .38 Military & Police hand ejector that was likely made in 1945-46. It is the predecessor of the modern Model 10. Your uncle's gun has the older long-throw action that was updated in 1948 to the current short-throw action. It appears to be in very good condition. I see a holster. If it is being stored in the holster, you should take it out and store it in a sock or gun rug to keep it from developing surface rust.

 

[DWalt]

With that SN, it probably shipped ca. later 1946. A post-war M&P. S Series M&Ps were not being shipped in 1945. Normal sales to civilians did not resume until early 1946.

 

[Hawg Rider]

Welcome to the Forum! You've inherited a very nice post WWII M&P .38 Special, and it should be a great family heirloom to pass down for generations to come! There were millions of M&P revolvers manufactured by S&W over many decades, so your revolver is not particularly rare or valuable. The "old timer" was correct, yours is a 5-screw K-frame revolver (4 screws in the right side plate and one in front of the trigger guard). The upper plate screw was discontinued in 1955 and they became 4-screws, and the M&P became the "Model 10" when S&W started model numbers in 1957. The M&Ps are extremely reliable and accurate revolvers, and yours looks to be in VG condition. The walnut stocks (grips) are also in excellent shape. Hopefully you'll take it to the range and shoot it from time to time. Enjoy!

 

[JP@AK]

Welcome to the S&W Forum, danwhi00.

You have what is known as a postwar .38 Military & Police revolver. It likely shipped in about August, 1946. It appears to be all original, including the stocks.