M & P 38 4th change date

[Hansli]

I have been unable to accurately date my M & P by standard means. I estimate it is 1929-1930 manufacture but perhaps someone out there can do better. Serial number is 512714. My thanks to anyone who can help.

 

[Alk8944]

Guns with SNs above and below yours have been reported as shipping in 1925.

Here are the numbers:
510728 6-17-1925
513335 1-16-1925
517940 12-17-1925

 

[rct269]

Well, this isn't going to be much better; but it's a start. My closest number before yours is 404219, shipped 09/09/22. Closest after is 594161, shipped 08/23/28.

Both of these are target models. It seems likely target models were shipped even more out of order, just because there were comparatively fewer of them. Jinks once told me he figured the target models accounted for around 2% of production.

It will be interesting to see how all this shakes out----assuming some more folks step up with worthwhile information.

Ralph Tremaine

 

[wheelgun610]

.... Serial number is 512714. My thanks to anyone who can help.

Does it have the "MADE IN U.S.A." marking on the right side of the frame? An excerpt from the 75th anniversary catalog states that: "The words MADE IN U.S.A. are also stamped on all our arms made since 1924"

I'm guessing 1925-'26....

Mark

 

[opoefc]

510996 was Sept. 1925.

 

[Hansli]

Thank you and best regards to you all.