need help on s&w to buy or pass up.

[curt hanshaw]

was at a local gun shop had what they say is a 1905 m&p serial #44385 or is it a 1902 m&p it is in real nice shape diamond walnut grips do not remember if square butt i think but not possitive they want 300.00 im thinking its a nice find but not sure any advice would be helpfull thanks curt...

 

[curt hanshaw]

was at a local gun shop had what they say is a 1905 m&p serial #44385 or is it a 1902 m&p it is in real nice shape diamond walnut grips do not remember if square butt i think but not possitive they want 300.00 im thinking its a nice find but not sure any advice would be helpfull thanks curt...

 

[opoefc]

It's a Model 1902, 1st change, according to the serial number, and is a round butt. At $300 it would have to be in good mechanical condition with some original finish left, all numbers matching iincluding grips.

 

[curt hanshaw]

thanks opoefc.i will check it out more on monday they were closing up for the day when i was ther they also had a s&wmodel 15 serial#k871887 38 spl. for the same price maybe it would be the better deal looked to be in nice condition also.

 

[pace40]

Hi Curt

It would be a 1902 1st change. Not sure what "real nice" means but if it means collector grade its a steal, strong shooter grade, its pretty close to on the number. Much more info would be helpful. Barrel, cylinder,butt, grip numbers? Blue or nickel. Finish condition?

 

[opoefc]

Curt, If you are a collector, buy the Model 1902 - if you are a shooter buy the Model 15 - if you're both, buy them both! Good luck. Ed.

 

[mikepriwer]

im thinking its a nice find but not sure any advice would be helpfull

curt

Try using periods and comma's - the sentence above could mean
advice is helpful, or is not helpful.

The 1902 1st change is the more important gun, but I agree with
Ed - it would have to be about a 70% to 80% gun to be worth
$300.

Later, Mike Priwer

 

[curt hanshaw]

thanks,i am going monday to find out more about both guns,thanks again.

 

[curt hanshaw]

went back today to look at m&p 1905.the serial #556124 shows i belive to be a 1905 4th change the # they had at first44385 was on the crane and not the serial #.but it is a square butt and is missing the rear sight,i dont know if it possibly could have had target sight,about 80 %,6 in. 5 screw,s&w catalog 3rd edition says square butt worth 2 times premium and target model worth premium,cant wait for a letter from s&w.300.00 is the price,firm well guys what would you do,thanks in advance by the way does have diamond mag grips. curt....

 

[smith17]

curt what is a diamond mag grip did you already send off for a letter
ed

 

[curt hanshaw]

im sorry not good at typeing,has the thewalnut with diamond around the screws.no i did not send for a letter it would probably be sold by the time i would get it from s&w

 

[curt hanshaw]

it does have the silver s&w monograms,since it is a square butt,which s&w catalog says is rare thought i might should buy it.and i dont know if i could ever find the rear sight.

 

[mikepriwer]

Curt

The best thing you could do is to get a camera and take some pictures. If nothing
else, buy a cheap throwaway, take some pictures, and mail them to someone who can
scan them in.

At that serial number, square butt vs round butt is not an issue. There is no
real price differential - particularly for a 6" gun.

If the rear sight is missing, then I assume there is a long rectangular cut in the
top of the frame, that held the adjustable rear sight leaf. I further assume that
it has a pined front sight blade, of some kind . Ie, not a forged front sight blade.

If it is a target revolver , and is missing the rear sight leaf, then my advice
to you is to forget it. You will have a lot of trouble finding a replacement leaf.

Later, Mike Priwer

 

[curt hanshaw]

thanks mike you are exactly right about the rear has the half moon front sight thats all i know about front sight.so the square butt is not scarce in the 6 in. barell,thanks for info.they also have a s&w 18-4 22 cal.,4 in.barrell,nice blue finish for 499.00 plus tax.i thought was on the high side.

 

[mikepriwer]

Curt

You have me confused. This two pictures are from another thread. This first picture
shows the forged front sight on an M&P.

and this next one shows the rear sight configuration .

It sounds to me as though this is the configuration that you are talking about.
If so - it is not missing its rear sight.

The forged front sight does not have a pin cross-ways through it . This gun
is an M&P, not a target.

Is this what you are talking about ?

Later, Mike Priwer

 

[curt hanshaw]

mike it is notched out real square and has two small holes.it does look like something is missing. i have a pre-22 with the sights like your smith has.wish i could put up a picture.

 

[mikepriwer]

Curt

Those are not my guns - just pictures to help illustrate my comments.

If its truly square, then the rear sight leaf is probably missing. You may get
lucky, but generally those are hard to find.

Later, Mike Priwer