Info on a low SN# 5 screw 38spc

[boykinlp]

Quinn, Pre WWII grips. That's impressive someone would know that. Is there a book or online reference where I can learn more also? Thanks

Max, I picked up one of these earlier this year too. My serial number is C58706, and shipped in June 1949. Mine also came with prewar grips. The easiest way to tell prewar from postwar grips is by looking at the pattern of the checkering. I don’t have a picture of postwar grips, but I’m sure one of the fine folks here can show you the difference through pictures. Here is my revolver:
Larry

 

[JP@AK]

The round butt M&P continued to be shipped with prewar stocks, either in walnut or hard rubber, into the early 1950s. I believe the reason is that S&W had lots of them left from before the war and wanted to use them up. When they did start making K frame round butt stocks, they were the Magna style.

 

[Max242]

boykinlp, wow is yours in great shape. That's what attracted me to the one I purchased

 

[Max242]

Elroy, Thanks for the link. Really informative.

 

[DWalt]

The pre-WWII M&P snubbies are the most desirable, principally because few were made. Some of that style and SN range were assembled and sold in the postwar period. You will not see them in calibers other than .38 Special. Wartime V-series M&P snubbies are in a desirability class of their own.

 

[cgt4570]

Here's mine. It has the rarely seen post-war checkering pattern (different boarder, and fewer lines per inch), non magna round butt stocks.

 

[cgt4570]

The round butt M&P continued to be shipped with prewar stocks, either in walnut or hard rubber, into the early 1950s. I believe the reason is that S&W had lots of them left from before the war and wanted to use them up. When they did start making K frame round butt stocks, they were the Magna style.

Jack,

Mine in my previous post has the short-lived post-war style non-magnas. I have an early post-war i frame set (either on a baby chief or .38/32 Terrier) with the same style post war checkering pattern, sans the magna horns. There's a comparison pic of the pre and post war styles on page 175 of SCSW 4.

 

[JP@AK]

Jack,

Mine in my previous post has the short-lived post-war style non-magnas. I have an early post-war i frame set (either on a baby chief or .38/32 Terrier) with the same style post war checkering pattern, sans the magna horns. There's a comparison pic of the pre and post war styles on page 175 of SCSW 4.

Yes, thanks. I did not know about, nor had I ever seen, postwar K frame round butt stocks that were not of the Magna style. I was, of course, aware that they were made for the I frame.

I've been around for 75 years and I still learn something new frequently. I appreciate the information.