PLEASE IDENTIFY THIS GUN

[Larry Adams]

I inherited my dad's pistol and would like to know more about it. I know he acquired it used in the early 60s. It's a hand ejector. The serial #, S 888879, appears both on the butt and a flat spot under the barrel (hidden by the ejector rod). There is no model number on the yoke, but there is a 6 above the assembly #s. It has 38 S & W Special CTG. on the 4 7/8" barrel. It appears to be a 5 screw model. It also has a stress screw in the handle. I've tried to upload a photo, but am pretty inept at that. I appreciate any info anyone can give me. Thanks.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Hi, Larry. Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! You have a .38 Military & Police revolver from 1947/48. After an engineering change to the short throw action in 1948, it would become the Model 10 in 1957. It looks to be in decent condition. The grips on it are not factory and appear to be plastic faux bone or stags. Typical value is in the $400 +/- range.

 

[Larry Adams]

Hi,
Thanks so much for the quick reply. I do know Williams Gun in Flint (Davison) Mich. did some work on the gun, hence the grips. Dad always said he thought it was military from the 40s. It's nice to have the confirmation. Dad always kept the gun clean and in good condition, as I'm trying to do. Knowing the value is nice, but it has too much sentimental value to part with it. I also have a couple of newer S & W semi-autos.

 

[GaryHK]

Hi Larry! Welcome from WA

 

[murphydog]

It is very similar and close in production time to the WW II era .38 Victory Model revolvers, but with nicer finish and stocks. Enjoy!

 

[Muley Gil]

Welcome to the Forum.

Yes, this is civilian production from the late '40s. The WW II military revolvers had a rough Parkerized type finish, a 4" barrel and a lanyard loop in the butt.

 

[lkabug]

Welcome Larry, from the Commonwealth of Virginia.

 

[JP@AK]

Welcome to the S&W Forum.

Guy, Alan and Gil all gave you good info. Here are a few more particulars:

The serial #, S888879

.38 Military & Police models in that serial range were shipping from the factory in May, 1947.

there is a 6 above the assembly #s

Just a fitter's mark.

on the 4 7/8" barrel

That is the very common 5" barrel. I own all the barrel lengths used on this vintage M&P (2", 4", 5" and 6") and the 5" is my favorite among them.

Here are two pictures of a very early all original 5" S prefix example from my collection. It left the factory in March, 1946.

 

[DGNY]

Welcome to you and your handsome S &W. The first one that we receive or buy is always very special. The quality of manufacture, assembly, and finish was so good in that day, and set a high standard.

May you have many years of enjoyment with it.

 

[.357magger]

Sorry for the manner of your acquisition, but congratulations on owning one of my favorite models.

Welcome to the forum and thanks for sharing it.