Need help identifying a revolver please

[Matt1986]

I know you guys probably see this same question 1000 times a week but I need some info from the experts. I read the articles on identifying models before posting here, still don’t know what I have. I’ll post pics for my lack of knowledge. Any help is greatly appreciated.

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[JayCeeNC]

Military & Police model in .38 Smith & Wesson Special caliber.
The "C" serial number prefix indicates late 1940's/early 1950's manufacture.

 

[Matt1986]

If I wanted to buy new grips what model do I get them for?


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[JP@AK]

Welcome to the S&W Forum.

You have a .38 Military & Police model that probably shipped from the factory in 1949. It has the common 4" barrel.

The stocks are not original and might be made of Catalin (made famous by John Wayne). Wayne often carried a Colt's Single Action Army revolver with Catalin grips in his movies.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

Your revolver was made between 1948 and 1953.

I like the old grips on it. It likely needs a good cleaning and proper lubrication. Thank you for sharing.

 

[Matt1986]

Yeah stocks is what started my search. Would much rather have wooden and was trying to find some


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[Matt1986]

Thanks for the info everyone. It was my grandfathers and I just got it out of his things. He passed 13 years ago next month


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[SGT ROCK 11B]

If I wanted to buy new grips what model do I get them for?


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K Frame, Square butt.

 

[Matt1986]

Thanks Sgt.


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[JP@AK]

If I wanted to buy new grips what model do I get them for?

Personally, I'd leave those on there. They are rather cool!

If you must replace them, you want square butt grips for a S&W K frame revolver. If you want them to be as close to original as possible, then you want diamond Magna square butt stocks with the sharp shoulder. Study the picture below very carefully. You want the style worn by the revolver on the bottom.

 

[jrd1976]

This M&P revolver (K frame, 38 S&W Special, fixed sights) became the Model 10 when S&W started assigning model numbers. Look for replacement stocks for a S&W Model 10 square butt.

It is known as a "5 screw": four screws holding the side plate and the fifth in front of the trigger guard.

Welcome to the forum.

 

[Matt1986]

Thanks everyone. 2days of me looking through articles and pictures and 20 minutes on here know everything about it. I really appreciate all the info


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[Goony]

I'd also cast my vote for leaving it as it is. From the standpoint of a collector, it's a very common model plus the condition's pretty mediocre, so sentiment might be the overriding consideration here. I think those grips which your grandfather evidently liked give it character.

 

[Truckman]

Yeah stocks is what started my search.

I think the stocks on it now reflect the character of the gun very well......Ben

 

[JSR III]

Being one of S&W's most popular models, this gun in various forms has been produced over 7,000,000 times. That said there are many of us that treasure firearms that have come down through the family. As stated, S&W has made over 7 million but only 1 came down through your family. Many of us consider that priceless!!! Clean it and enjoy...


FWIW, I just checked my stuff and I own C 84786 and it shipped in August of 1949. No guarantee as guns did not always ship in order but probably a good guestimate.

 

[Model19man]

It is the most common of all Smith and Wesson revolvers because everyone wanted one. They still are being made - and S&W has made them for over 100 years.

 

[glowe]

Welcome. You are in a tough situation if looking for original factory stocks for your revolver. These early square checkering cornered Magna stocks like Jack shows on top are almost non-existent for sale anymore, easily costing more than your revolver is worth. You might find worn late 1940s or early 1950s style rounded checkering corners for $100 a set. If you are looking, worn stocks are what you want to match the wear on the gun. Watch ebay for something that looks like this style. I am of a different opinion on those plastic stocks. The fit is very poor and just do not look good on your revolver.

 

[DWalt]

The hammer profile on your M&P is often referred to as a Fish Hook Hammer and is characteristic of late 1940s and early 1950s manufacture. Your revolver is also often referred to as a “pre-Model 10” meaning it was manufactured during the roughly 1947-57 period, before S&W started model numbering.

 

[Hawg Rider]

Welcome to the Forum! You inherited a nice post-war .38 M&P revolver from your grandfather. I'll vote along with some other Forum members to keep those vintage catalin stocks on your M&P. Your revolver is well worn and shows a lot of use, but that's just part of its history. To me those stocks go along with the gun's history and attraction. Give it a little TLC and a good cleaning and go out and shoot it.

 

[Matt1986]

Not sure if you can see in the picture but the stocks do not fit very well. There is a gap at the top of the grip. Only reason for wanting to change them

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