Need help identifying a revolver

[Steve St.]

I have a S&W, pre model number, 38 Special, 4 inch barrel, 5 screw, fixed sight, Strain screw, Hand Ejector revolver I want help identifying. The ser. # is 8933XX
[/ATTACH][/ATTACH]

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Steve, that couldn't possibly be the SN because that SN would put your 38 M&P as being manufactured in 1981. 1981 is long after model numbers were issued and your gun should be stamped MOD. 10-?. So, look on the butt of the gun, on the face of the cylinder and under the barrel on the extractor flat for the SN. Should start with a V or an S.

 

[Muley Gil]

The picture shown is a .38 Military & Police. The 8D serial number range would be from 1981.

Could you tape over the last two digits of the SN located on the butt and post a picture of it?

 

[Absalom]

The gun is from between 1927 and 1947.

The sideplate logo is not in evidence, so it is either an early one with the small logo on the other side (and no letter prefix) or the logo was buffed off during a refinish. The finish looks quite unusual, and there is damage where the logo would be, so the latter may well be the case.

 

[Waveski]

The finish is wearing in an odd fashion , and the side plate seam looks quite rounded and open. I suspect the the finish has been modified. Not a plus for value.

 

[Steve St.]

OK.

I was WRONG about the serial number. It is 8933XX. The serial number I used is from a newer Model 10-8.

I am so sorry for the mistake.

 

[Absalom]

OK.

I was WRONG about the serial number. It is 8933XX. The serial number I used is from a newer Model 10-8.

I am so sorry for the mistake.

In that case, it would be from late 1941 or early 1942, and highly likely have a (possibly plugged) hole for a lanyard swivel next to the butt serial. It would have had the large sideplate logo, so it is definitely a refinish. The stocks are not original either, but post-1968.

 

[DWalt]

8933XX probably shipped in the early months of 1942. Does it have anything stamped on the topstrap, like UNITED STATES PROPERTY? The grips are from much later, and it also appears to have been refinished. In any event, it is a shooter, not a collectible. Some collectors might call it a pre-Victory model.

 

[Steve St.]

8933XX probably shipped in the early months of 1942. Does it have anything stamped on the topstrap, like UNITED STATES PROPERTY? The grips are from much later, and it also appears to have been refinished. In any event, it is a shooter, not a collectible. Some collectors might call it a pre-Victory model.

It doesn't have any markings on the top strap. And I'm pretty sure the grips are not original either. I picked it up several years ago and gave very little for it due to the condition it is in. So whatever it is, I'm not hurt as far as the money goes.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Steve St.]

Steve, that couldn't possibly be the SN because that SN would put your 38 M&P as being manufactured in 1981. 1981 is long after model numbers were issued and your gun should be stamped MOD. 10-?. So, look on the butt of the gun, on the face of the cylinder and under the barrel on the extractor flat for the SN. Should start with a V or an S.

I'm sorry but I posted the number from my Model 10-8. And that would he the right year for the Mod 10 I have.

Thank you for your help.

 

[DWalt]

It doesn't have any markings on the top strap. And I'm pretty sure the grips are not original either. I picked it up several years ago and gave very little for it due to the condition it is in. So whatever it is, I'm not hurt as far as the money goes.

Thanks for your help.

Without any topstrap stampings, and given its date, it is likely to have been what is known as a DSC revolver (Defense Supplies Corporation). DSC was a government agency which acted more or less as a purchasing agent for priority civilian users, such as law enforcement and defense plant security guards. Back at that time, no civilian without a priority need could walk into a gun shop, hardware store, etc. and buy a new gun. There weren't any for sale.