Need help identifying a friends revolver

[Tackleberry357]

One of my neighbors looks to have an old S&W 38 special fixed sight revolver. It has four screws anchoring the side plate. It has the original stocks and the finish is what I would rate 40%-50%. It shows some minor surface rust and pitting and is fully functional. It does need a thorough cleaning which I will take care of for him. My problem is finding out how old it is and approximate manufacture date. It has a serial number of #1588XX. What strikes me odd on this particular revolver, is that it looks to have a three inch barrel. If anyone can assist me with I would greatly appreciative. Thanks for reading.

 

[Tackleberry357]

One of my neighbors looks to have an old S&W 38 special fixed sight revolver. It has four screws anchoring the side plate. It has the original stocks and the finish is what I would rate 40%-50%. It shows some minor surface rust and pitting and is fully functional. It does need a thorough cleaning which I will take care of for him. My problem is finding out how old it is and approximate manufacture date. It has a serial number of #1588XX. What strikes me odd on this particular revolver, is that it looks to have a three inch barrel. If anyone can assist me with I would greatly appreciative. Thanks for reading.

 

[opoefc]

Judging from the serial number, it should be a Model 1905. 3rd change, made about 1911, however to be sure post photos here and give FULL description of ALL markings & stampings and where they are on the gun, plus type of stocks, type of sights, etc. Measure the barrel length fron the front of the cylinder. If it's truly a 3 inch. barrel then it's been cut.

 

[Tackleberry357]

I will get the barrel measured. It is completely original and it has the tapered barrel so I am inclined to say it has not been cut. It most likely is a 4 inch barrel then. It has fixed sights. The barrel markings have the patents on them and the last one is 1909 patent pending. The stocks are the standard checkered type with the large brass looking medallions at the top of them. There is no shroud under the barrel. I will have to obtain a digital camera to get pictures of it so I can post them. I do not own one at this time. I appreciate the help.

 

[opoefc]

I think you will find that the barrel is a four incher. The patent dates confirm the 1911 made/ship date for the gun. These early M&Ps do not have heat treated cylinders so do not shoot the gun with any modern .38Special+P or other hot loads. The gun was made to shoot black powder,or equivalent, loaded cartridges. Of course, after you thoroughly clean the gun, be sure it's mechanical condition is safe to fire.