Identification Question / History

[djenk201]

Have recently acquired a S&W 3 screw revolver with I believe a 2" barrel, K frame sized. Its the large sized frame with a barrel that is pinned and what several folks stated too small. I know that they were in fact produced early on that way. Trying to ascertain possible year produced and actual model. Inner frame marked at crane/yoke area only has visible "8" with what looks like a portion of the letter "3" preceding the "8". Serial number is : C 430031. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[crsides]

You have what initially looks like a M&P 2" snub nose 38. Made late 50's , early 60's. Post pics to get more detailed infomation. This would have become the model 10 after they started marking the model #'s. The model is "Military and Police". Collectors call them pre-10's.


Charlie

 

[k22fan]

Welcome to the forum.

The Standard Catalog of S&W (SCSW) dates your model 10 M&P to approximately 1960. By that time normally the model number was stamped on the frame below the barrel threads where it is covered by the yoke when the cylinder is closed. 2" barrels became more common in the 1960s than they were in the 1950s. Dating by serial number isn't accurate enough to confidently say your 10 is a four screw, but look for a fourth screw in the top front of the trigger guard. The fourth screw holds the old style cylinder stop spring in. That screw and spring retention system were dropped about 1961.

 

[djenk201]

Thanks much for the info and as for the pic, I took few this afternoon and will relay from cell phone for additional info. and specifics. Again thanks and look forward to sharing info and what not here.

 

[djenk201]

Additional info. was that the weapon did not have grips when acquired that were in one piece. What I did have, that fit, were a set of old rubber Pachmeyer (sp?) "K" frame sized, that fit great. Kinda looks like a kid with a 10 gal hat on with that short barrel.