Need accurate date info

[Fortcouragearmory]

I have an M&P .38 Special (Target Model) with a 6” barrel that I just aquired. The serial number is 579XXX. The Supica book gives serial number by year info but only gives a range for mine from 1915 to 1942 (when Victory Models started being manufactured). Does anyone have access to shipping info to give a more accurate date?

I’m enclosing pictures of it to aid identification. The Supica book also identified it as the rarer Target Model by its adjustable front and rear sights and by the way the rear sight blended into the top strap. Do I have this ID right or not?

 

[Wiregrassguy]

You have a .38 Military & Police Target that was made around 1928. Someone who has a personal database may be able to get you closer. For actual ship date, you need an Historian's Letter of Authenticity. Here is a known ship date:


.38 M&P Target serial 568464 shipped in September 1927.

 

[Fortcouragearmory]

Thanks for the info. I did a half-*****ed guesstimate that had it about 10 years later. I like ‘em older.

 

[glowe]

Things were pretty messed up in those years. Within 1,000 numbers above and below your serial number, there were guns shipped in every year from 1927 to 1931. Best way to get the date is to request a historical letter from the foundation.

 

[oldcop71]

Look up the Smith and Wesson Historical Foundation email ( don't have it in front of me at the moment) and send them a description and the serial number. They can give you an original shipping date and city to which it was shipped. They have done 3 for me lately, and there is no charge for it.

 

[Fortcouragearmory]

Just sent a request off to S&W Historical Society. Let’s see what it brings.

 

[Goony]

Recognizing that this data can be imprecise for the purpose of dating a gun with a close serial number, my personal database shows 580856 shipping in January of 1928. The unreliability of this with respect to your gun is that my database also shows 568893 as shipping in September of 1929.

 

[RKmesa]

Glad you requested a letter. Please let us know what it says when you get it home. While you're waiting, another reference - SN 594552 shipped in September 1928. Here are a couple of photos (sometime in its history, the barrel was shortened to 4"):

 

[handejector]

Richard,
How is the front sight base attached on that 4"?

 

[RKmesa]

Richard,
How is the front sight base attached on that 4"?

Lee:

It's solid and I think it is welded, but the finish craftsmanship leaves a bit to be desired.



It looks better from the side than from the top.

 

[Fortcouragearmory]

No reply from S&W Collectors Association. yet. But I have another question. My front sight has a hole drilled in it, probably for some kind of insert. It looks to be factory done. Does anyone know where I could obtain a replacement insert? Enclosing pictures for reference.

 

[rct269]

No reply from S&W Collectors Association. yet. But I have another question. My front sight has a hole drilled in it, probably for some kind of insert. It looks to be factory done. Does anyone know where I could obtain a replacement insert? Enclosing pictures for reference.

Brownells

RCT

 

[Muley Gil]

No reply from S&W Collectors Association. yet. But I have another question. My front sight has a hole drilled in it, probably for some kind of insert. It looks to be factory done. Does anyone know where I could obtain a replacement insert? Enclosing pictures for reference.

Looks like it is missing a brass bead.

 

[handejector]

No reply from S&W Collectors Association. yet. But I have another question. My front sight has a hole drilled in it, probably for some kind of insert. It looks to be factory done. Does anyone know where I could obtain a replacement insert? Enclosing pictures for reference.

Let's get down to brass tacks.