I'm considering...

[shortranger]

I usually accumulate shooters, but today I saw a 4th Change M&P, 6" bbl., square butt, in almost new condition. Doesn't look like it has been fired much - very faint turn line and very small amount of wear at the muzzle, no wear on the shield. No nicks or dings at all, excellent+ bluing. It's in the 600000 serial range, but the real temptation is the stocks. It has an almost pristine pair of diamonds with the the concave, no medallion top, as shown on p.21 of the SCSW 3rd Ed. They are numbered to the gun. The right panel is slightly lighter than the left - probably sat in the sun at some point - but the stocks are absolutely beautiful. According to the SCSW that puts its manufacturing date between 1920 - 1929.

It's priced at $600 which I think is too much, but I am sorely tempted. I may never see another this nice.

Advice? Thoughts?

Shorty

 

[shortranger]

I usually accumulate shooters, but today I saw a 4th Change M&P, 6" bbl., square butt, in almost new condition. Doesn't look like it has been fired much - very faint turn line and very small amount of wear at the muzzle, no wear on the shield. No nicks or dings at all, excellent+ bluing. It's in the 600000 serial range, but the real temptation is the stocks. It has an almost pristine pair of diamonds with the the concave, no medallion top, as shown on p.21 of the SCSW 3rd Ed. They are numbered to the gun. The right panel is slightly lighter than the left - probably sat in the sun at some point - but the stocks are absolutely beautiful. According to the SCSW that puts its manufacturing date between 1920 - 1929.

It's priced at $600 which I think is too much, but I am sorely tempted. I may never see another this nice.

Advice? Thoughts?

Shorty

 

[lonewolf]

shorty; you mean "convex" rounded tops, with the curve facing outwards, like a "dome".

The "concave", curve going inward, like a "bowl", non medallions were used for a few years prior to "1910 ish", and would not be correct for the dates you mention.

BTW, I think the price is high also, a "common gun", unless it had ALL the original papers, acessories, box etc. Literally a "virgin" in her 80's.

Bud

 

[opoefc]

$600 is quite high for that vintage gun, unless it is a target model in the original box. These guns are not all that hard to find. A price in the $350 to $400 range is more common. It won't fly off the shelf at $600 and after awhile the seller may become motivated to listen to a reasonable offer, if you want it. Ed.

 

[shortranger]

Now I am vexed at myself.

Thanks Bud - that is what I meant. The box was not on display and there wasn't time to ask. What would be the proper box for that period?

Shorty

 

[opoefc]

The correct box can sometimes depend on when the gun was shipped. It was made in the 20s but sometimes guns don't get shipped for years, however most likely the correct box would be the dark maroon colored flip top with the dual English-Spanish instructions on the inside of the lid and a lable on the end of the box saying Smith & Wesson Military & Police, blue, 6 in. Ed.