M&P .38

[rchall]

Saw a Military&Police .38 today priced at $699. Very good condition on both metal and wood, original grips, 5 inch barrel, serial # 410XXX. When was this gun manufactured?? Is this price too high for this particular model?? Thanks!

 

[jmace57]

This is in a wide serial number range, but will take a SWAG and say in the 1920s [I have 320XXX from 1921 and 570XXX from 1927]. Without seeing pictures, it's going to be almost impossible to estimate the value. I WILL say that I have bought probably a dozen of these from the teens to the 1940s and the most I have ever spent on one (in 95%+ condition) was less than $400. That said, it would also depend on whether it has fixed sights or target sights (adjustable) - a target model would be more valuable.

 

[rct269]

#404219 shipped 09/09/22.

Ralph Tremaine

 

[DCWilson]

And 400078 shipped in March 1922, so your gun might be dated to late in the year or early in the next. But S&W had no policy of shipping in serial number order, so if the gun sat in inventory for several months before being shipped, the date of record could be even later.

If the gun doesn't come with its original box, for seven franklins it had better be a 98% or better gun with immaculate bore and not even a hint of rust discoloration under the stocks. The stocks should also be unchipped and still show sharp checking. Can't tell without pics, but I get a vibe that the one you saw might be suffering from aspirational pricing -- or the dealer is inviting a counteroffer. Make sure it hasn't been refinished, but from the high condition of the stocks it sounds as though it probably wasn't. I agree pics would help, but what I see in my mind's eye based on your quick description might be fairly priced in the $475-500 range. assuming the finish is original.

 

[DWalt]

Assuming there is no letter prefix, the closest SN I show is 416xxx which shipped in 12/1922. I also have several with lower SNs which shipped earlier in 1922, so 1922 (likely mid-year) it probably is. It should have the "Made In U.S.A." frame stamping by then. Even if in exceptional condition, I'd say $699 is too high (at least without the original box).

 

[rchall]

Yes, it has the "Made In USA" stamping on the frame. This is a very nice gun, but no box or extras. Also, someone etched their initials in the butt right beside the serial#. Probably just a shooter because of this, but a nice shooter it would be.

 

[DWalt]

I have a near-mint condition M&P (blued, 5") just slightly older (1921) which I paid $340 for at a gun show about two years ago.