My fathers 38spl S&W revolver

[Cleo45]

I recently picked up my father's S&W in 38 Special while on a trip back east. My brother had been the caretaker after my father's passing and figured I was the family member that should have it. I remember shooting this revolver with my dad and brothers many times and it lived in the nightstand by my dad's bed. No lockbox, no trigger lock, no biometric lock, just there if needed. And from a very young age, I knew never to touch it unless were were at the range or out plinking or rabbit hunting

It is a family heirloom so I am not looking to sell or trade it, just want to know what I have when it comes time to pass it down to the next family member.


Based on the great thread on this site that defines what is needed for background info, here is what I have:


Hand ejector, swing-out cylinder
Nickel Plated, no N present on frame under grips

Serial # 373463
No model # on frame under yoke

5-screw revolver
4-inch barrel
Front strap has tension spring
Starboard barrel marked "38 S. & W. SPECIAL CTG"


Thanks in advance for any info that can be provided

 

[s&wchad]

Welcome aboard!

Model numbers weren't assigned by S&W until 1957. You have a K frame Military & Police revolver made around 1920. The finish looks good to me.

 

[Alk8944]

S&W chad is close on date. For guns of this period it is difficult to be any more specific without a "Factory letter" that can identify shipping date by SN. Your gun was probably between 1918 when marking the S&W logo on the guns began again after WW I, and 1921. In 1921 the order was given to begin stamping "Made in U.S.A." on the lower right front of the frame. Ca. 1922 is when the stamping actually began, and your gun does not have this mark.

The screw on the lower front of the "grip frame" is called the "strain screw". It was to impose necessary pressure on the mainspring and allow the spring to be removed easily by loosening this screw.

Before model numbers were specified for S&W revolvers in 1957 they were all what is known as "Named Models". The model numbers were added in 1957-1958, they did not replace the model names as many think. The current (2023) production of this model is still correctly called the Military and Police" model.

The Military and Police (M&P) is the most common of all guns ever manufactured by S&W there having been several million made since introduction in 1899. Being the most common model is not negative! Just recognition of it's wide acceptance by police agencies for over 120 years!

Nice gun and family history, cherish it. It should still be useful to your great-grand children if it is taken care of!

 

[gmborkovic]

Hey Cleo, your Pop had good taste. Keep it and shoot, its priceless!

 

[Elroy]

In 1921 the order was given to begin stamping "Made in U.S.A."............. your gun does not have this mark.
!

To the OP

The above post have given you good solid information that dates your fine inheritance at a minimum of 100 years old. One has to admit, it looks real good for being no spring chick.

 

[handejector]

Logos appear to have started again in 1919 or early 1920.
The order to stamp "Made in USA" is dated May, 1922.
38 M&P #373350 was shipped in February 1921.

 

[Tijeras_Slim]

Nothing better han a family gun. Congratulations.

 

[KalamazooKid]

Awesome family heirloom and a great story. Enjoy that beautiful revolver!

 

[Cleo45]

Thank you all for the quick and very informative information, very much appreciated! As the current caretaker of this revolver, I hope to see my 2-year old grandson take this revolver through its 150th birthday and beyond. Quality never goes out of style!

 

[gmborkovic]

Yea, but didnt the factory stamp "Made in USA" on guns coming in for refinish jobs until the 1960s when it was halted. So you could have a pre 1922 gun stamped if it went back for a re-finish?

 

[Muley Gil]

Yea, but didnt the factory stamp "Made in USA" on guns coming in for refinish jobs until the 1960s when it was halted. So you could have a pre 1922 gun stamped if it went back for a re-finish?

Some revolvers received the four line stamp when they were returned to the factory. Dr Jinks stopped this procedure.

 

[shovelhead]

I also have a nickeled M&P S/N 429XXX and if I remember from the letter shipped January 1924.

Mine was initially sold in Birmingham Alabama and I acquired it from an estate in San Antonio Texas in 1985. It was in a patent leather swivel holster and together with the wear and corrosion on the back strap I suspect it was a LEO's duty gun. Sixty one years of unknown history there.

 

[AC Man]

I have the same gun as close as can be. Mine is blued, no medallion grips they stopped that around 1920 to 1929. Mine is circa 1926 and has the Made In USA stamped. The rest looks like yours. I would guess you have a early model M&P from the early 20's. before the Made In USA stamping began but after the end of medallion stocks.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

I recently picked up my father's S&W in 38 Special while on a trip back east. My brother had been the caretaker after my father's passing and figured I was the family member that should have it. I remember shooting this revolver with my dad and brothers many times ...

My condolences.

So you have any ideal when your dad acquired it? Has it been in the family for 100 years?

 

[pantannojack]

Never admit to traveling to acquire a firearm.

 

[OLDSTER]

Nice old nickel M&P revolver. Keep it, cherish it, and enjoy shooting it. I own it's younger ( by about 25 years ) brother.

 

[steelslaver]

Never admit to traveling to acquire a firearm.

Ah, but as long as your not a prohibited person, you can legally inherit guns from someone in another state as long as the requesting person and the receiver comply with their home states requirements. No FFL needed in most states as doing so does not violate federal law. Most state that have laws on transfers cover sales and gifts Bequests are neither. Plus many states like Washington that require a FFL for transfer have an exception for family members.

At the federal level there is an exception for bequests

While 18 U.S. Code § 922(a)(3) generally does forbid "any person, other than a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector [from] transport[ing] into or receive[ing] in the State where he resides … any firearm … obtained by such person outside that State."

However, under the same code section they provide an exemption allowing

"any person who lawfully acquires a firearm by bequest or intestate succession in a State other than his State of residence [to] transport … the firearm into [his state of residence] if it is lawful for such person to purchase or possess such firearm in [his state of residence]."

 

[heeter3]

Cleo45 you have the best of the best revolver that you could ever want.I hope my son and grandsons honor me by taking charge of my modest group of firearms just as you have.God bless you and your dad.

 

[JP@AK]

Nickel Plated, no N present on frame under grips

In the era of your dad's revolver (1920ish) we would not expect the N to show up. During that time period, a B would appear on the underside of the barrel in front of the serial number if the gun left the factory with a blue finish. The lack of a B in that location would indicate a nickel plated revolver. Looking at your photos, I would say you can be quite certain the nickel finish is original.

A nice inheritance!

 

[BSA1]

I am not sure the inheritance exemption applies in the O.P.'s case as he says "My brother has been the caretaker after my father's passing and figured I was the family member that should have it". Doesn't sound like who should receive the gun was in the will. Since he doesn't post what State he lives in it is not possible to know if he violated any State Laws. Regardless I rather doubt the BATF has any interest in the gun but I suggest the O.P. check with Federal and his State's law before passing the gun to another family member.

As for the gun it is a example of nice old Classic Cop gun. Nickel finish is worn off on the cylinder. Was it carried in a holsrer or worn off from sliding in the drawer for many years?