Inherited.38special L frame

[Thatguy334]

I’m sure this question has been asked multiple times, but what is the best way to determine the age of an L frame .38 special? My grandad always shot +P rounds, so I just wanted to make sure it was safe. Sorry if I missed the correct thread. Serial# L545813.

 

[VM]

Welcome to the Forum!
Cool that you have your Grandpas gun. There is no way to tell the age without you furnishing the serial number on the butt of the grip frame. I’d guess that it starts with a “K” prefix. If not a K prefix, it will be a C prefix.
Also, your gun is a K frame…. Not a L frame

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

My condolences on your loss.

It is a handsome revolver.

 

[s&wchad]

It appears to be a Military & Police revolver chambered in .38 Special.

Click here > https://smith-wessonforum.com/threads/to-identify-your-gun.332218/

 

[Dump1567]

Without a serial number, my guess is a 4" K frame Model 10 or pre-model 10 (M&P) from 55' to late 60's. The serial number is on the bottom of the grip frame.

 

[Lance Boyle]

I like those older taper barrels. Quintessential .38 specials!

+1 on the condolences for your loss.

 

[s&wchad]

Post a photo of the butt of the gun. I never heard of an L prefix M&P revolver.

 

[Thatguy334]

My condolences on your loss.

It is a handsome revolver.

Thanks!

 

[Dump1567]

That makes sense I was curious on the serial number being L545813

If that "L" is really a "C", then its 1961-1962. If it is an "L" than something is off. The serial number should also be on the bottom of the barrel under the ejector rod & face of the cylinder.

Adding pics is your friend.

 

[Thatguy334]

 

[Thatguy334]

My condolences on your loss.

It is a handsome revolver.

Thanks! I didn't want to inherit it this way. At least he isn't in pain anymore

 

[Thatguy334]

Just added the serial number. Thanks for the help!

I don't know why I didn't think to look at the bottom. Thanks again

 

[Retired W4]

View attachment 775678

That...IS the serial number.

 

[Dump1567]

View attachment 775678

1954-56. Probably closer to 1955/56, as they phased out the 5 screw guns in 1955. S&W offers a historical letter if you want to know when and where it was shipped. But it's usually just some hardware store.

 

[Thatguy334]

Without a serial number, my guess is a 4" K frame Model 10 or pre-model 10 (M&P) from 55' to late 60's. The serial number is on the bottom of the grip frame.

That solved the question. Thanks for the help

 

[s&wchad]

I’m sure this question has been asked multiple times, but what is the best way to determine the age of an L frame .38 special? My grandad always shot +P rounds, so I just wanted to make sure it was safe. Sorry if I missed the correct thread. Serial# L545813.

I have no idea where you got serial # L545813. You photo clearly shows serial # C363871.

 

[Muley Gil]

I have no idea where you got serial # L545813. You photo clearly shows serial # C363871.

It may have come from the frame, behind the yoke.

 

[Bullet Bob]

About your ammunition question: It's safe with any .38 S&W Special (not .38 S&W, which is different and darn confusing, I know) ammunition. I don't think S&W certified guns for +P until later in that decade, but plenty of people used it then with handloads, and some do with factory loads now, but I wouldn't. It's an old gun, treat it well, but shoot and enjoy it.

 

[Thatguy334]

Thanks for all the help!

Welcome to the Forum!
Cool that you have your Grandpas gun. There is no way to tell the age without you furnishing the serial number on the butt of the grip frame. I’d guess that it starts with a “K” prefix. If not a K prefix, it will be a C prefix.
Also, your gun is a K frame…. Not a L frame

you are right. Thanks for the help!

 

[Thatguy334]

About your ammunition question: It's safe with any .38 S&W Special (not .38 S&W, which is different and darn confusing, I know) ammunition. I don't think S&W certified guns for +P until later in that decade, but plenty of people used it then with handloads, and some do with factory loads now, but I wouldn't. It's an old gun, treat it well, but shoot and enjoy it.

That makes sense. I just didn’t want to damage it since it’s been in the family this long. Thanks for the help!