No model # .38 special

[TDandy]

Being a rookie with a few great collectable & shootable pistols to enjoy, I recently dusted off the 'ol .38 which was part of the fabulous Jim Smith collection. If anyone can tell me about this un-model numbered model I thank you.
After reviewing the copy of Ed McGivern's book from the library of Smith, I think I will take up 1 pound flying coffee can speed shooting, since this appears to be the proper tool to speed shoot aireal targets with.
This piece is one of the smoothest, straightest shooting pistol which has ever graced my hands. That's about all I can say about that. My Dad says it is pre war. Funky plastic target grip but it is very comfortable and stable.

Someday I hope to be able to take decent pictures of firearms. I'll keep trying. Thanks.

[[IMG:left]

[/IMG][IMG:left]

[/IMG][IMG:left]

[/IMG]

 

[TDandy]

Being a rookie with a few great collectable & shootable pistols to enjoy, I recently dusted off the 'ol .38 which was part of the fabulous Jim Smith collection. If anyone can tell me about this un-model numbered model I thank you.
After reviewing the copy of Ed McGivern's book from the library of Smith, I think I will take up 1 pound flying coffee can speed shooting, since this appears to be the proper tool to speed shoot aireal targets with.
This piece is one of the smoothest, straightest shooting pistol which has ever graced my hands. That's about all I can say about that. My Dad says it is pre war. Funky plastic target grip but it is very comfortable and stable.

Someday I hope to be able to take decent pictures of firearms. I'll keep trying. Thanks.

[[IMG:left]

[/IMG][IMG:left]

[/IMG][IMG:left]

[/IMG]

 

[smith17]

td:
What is the serial number on the butt of the frame under the stocks?
Ed

 

[Art Doc]

I am no expert but to me the front sight looks modified as does the hammer spur. The adjustable rear sight may have been added and this may be a 6" M&P converted to target configuration. The small sight looks Pre-War (as is the gun itself) so it may be an old conversion.

Looks like the large ejector rod head and I think that makes it a very early model.

 

[mikepriwer]

Yes - the hammer tang has been modified, and the front sight blade has
been given a slightly different contour. Nominally it looks like an original
target, although a letter would be needed to confirm that. The grips are nice,
but the pictures appear out of focus - maybe they are cell-phone shots.

The serial number would be interesting - I'm guessing its in the 200,000 to 300,000
range.

Later, Mike Priwer

 

[Speedo2]

Hard to tell from the photos, but it appears that there is no S&W roll mark on either side of the frame. IIRC, that was characteristic of guns made in the late teens-WW1 era, when the Federal Govt.took control of the factory??? However, it seems unusual for a target model to be produced under such auspices. It would be nice to have the SN (and better photos). Regardless, nice gun and glad to hear that it's still a good shooter. Here's mine; sn 628xxx w/ some of Drisk's stags; it's also a great shooter (although lately it's started to exhibit push-off). -S2

ps; welcome to the forum.

 

[handejector]

Hi TDandy,
Welcome to the forum.
I have no clue why anyone would assume this is an M&P converted to a Target. Why not go for the easiest explanation first?
To me, this looks like a 38 M&P TARGET made before 1922, which explains the lack of the S&W monogram and "Made in USA" on the frame. At some point later in time, the owner "dressed it up" a bit with a Double Cock-Eyed hammer which may or may not be by King. It looks to me like they installed an ivory bead front sight blade- very easy to do by driving one pin. The plastic Thumb-rest stocks(probably by Fitz) completed the dress-up.
Such things were, and still are, done by target shooters. They are always tinkering with their guns, chasing one more X.

I have always enjoyed observing such changes when tastefully and competently done. They exhibit ingenuity and innovation and actually improve the gun for the intended purpose.
If you have the proper jeweler's screwdriver, and are VERY good with it, remove the rear sight, and the serial number will be on the underside. It may only be the last four digits. If it fits perfectly- as in perfectly contoured with the frame, I would not bother removing it. The blue appears original, so the polishing will be original.
Neat old gun.

 

[TDandy]

Hi:
OK I got out the camera again, I really have trouble with these gun pics, it really is a camera not a phone, a Fuji finepix E900 digital even. It is much smarter than the operator.
So maybe these pics are a little better.

The s# is 309284. The grips are marked "fitzite" inside. The bottom of bbl. s# matched the one on the bottom of the grip frame. Front sight is all steel- no pearl. The last patent date marked on the top of the bbl is Dec.22.14. The rear sight is very perfectly fitted into the top of the frame, I do not have the tool to remove that fine screw.
My guess is this pistol was not converted.

 

[Allen-frame]

The 38 M&P targets are a scarce? and beautiful variation of the workhorse 38 M&P.
Yours is a neat variation with the period modifications, congratulations on owning a fine revolver.
My ser.# is 396*** and I am told it is about a 1921 gun. Yours was made maybe 1915? Just a guess.

When taking pictures, go outside,in natural light,find a neutral background, and hold reallly still.
Good luck ,,Al