Post War M&P .38 Snub

[Relic Hunter 451]

I have an opportunity to acquire a .38 Military & Police (post war).
The gun has been used fairly heavily and does not have the proper stocks as they are 70's style magnas. Five screw.
Has snub barrel (2.5") and "half moon" style sight. Made in U.S.A. frame marking only and SN# S973045 which from my research puts it at 1945-48.
Conservatively I would rate it as 65-70% due to bluing loss and the brownish patina without pitting. Mechanically it is good. What is a realistic value for it? The seller is asking $400.

 

[quinn]

Last one I bought in similar condition, I paid $400. It was a cop gun.

 

[younggun22]

Post War M&P .38 Snub

Yea I don't think that's out of line from the description. They are cool guns and if you don't have one already I would jump on it!

Is it a square or round butt?

 

[bruce5781]

I gave $330 for one 2 years ago in about 80% finish. I thought that was quite a bargain.
I would be very interested at 400, but never hurts to dicker.

Regards,
Bruce

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[FPrice]

If it fits a need which you have, I'd probably offer $350 cash and see what happens.

 

[jimmyj]

BUY IT, NOW !

 

[raljr1]

I had one from 1951 in pretty decent shape that a forum member paid $575 plus transfer fees, So $400 sounds good if it's mechanically good.

 

[majick47]

Always going to be exceptions but $500 appears to be the common denominator for a S&W k frame snub in good mechanical shape with some finish wear. Not being collector grade condition it will be perfect for an everyday CCW. $400 sounds like a fair price considering Wilmington NC is hot/humid and right on the Atlantic ocean with no appearance of rust.

 

[JP@AK]

.38 Military & Police (post war).

SN# S973045 which from my research puts it at 1945-48.

At that serial number, it almost certainly shipped in the first quarter of 1948, possibly February.
It very likely has the square butt. I don't find any round butt units anywhere near that serial number.

Has snub barrel (2.5")

Not if it is factory original. It would be a 2" barrel, probably actually measuring about 1 7/8".

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Without seeing the gun, that price sounds reasonable for an M&P snub.

 

[DWalt]

Correct postwar sharp shoulder Magna grips are not nearly as common as they were five years ago but they are still out there. Check on eBay.
According to my SN list, early 1948 is the probable shipping date. I show many fairly close SNs shipping between 12/47 and 3/48.
This is one of mine which is close to your SN. It also has the correct grip style.

 

[Truckman]

Even in the condition you describe, it's a fair price......Ben

 

[younggun22]

I love the snub K frame and since this thread has no pictures ….

Here is a post war long action

 

[duckhunter28432]

Sounds just like the one I recently purchased. Serial number C 33692. It shipped in November 1948 to Oregon. I paid 350.00 out the door about two years ago. I wouldn't take 400.00 for it. I say go for it.

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[Wiregrassguy]

Weellll...since we's into show and tell. Here are my two. A long throw from 1948 and a short throw from 1949.

AAannnddd, the square butt has a box.

 

[LLOYD17]

Paid more for my Detroit Police gun. Love it

 

[wheelgun610]

Has snub barrel (2.5") and "half moon" style sight...

If the barrel in fact measures 2.5 inches, it's been cut from a longer barrel. Mine is a couple years newer, but the barrel measures exactly 1.991". Does it have a two line roll mark on the left side with the caliber marking above the works 'Smith & Wesson'? If not, I'd be suspicious.

Mark

 

[Relic Hunter 451]

If the barrel in fact measures 2.5 inches, it's been cut from a longer barrel. Mine is a couple years newer, but the barrel measures exactly 1.991". Does it have a two line roll mark on the left side with the caliber marking above the works 'Smith & Wesson'? If not, I'd be suspicious.

Mark

The 2.5" was me eyeballing barrel length. I saw no signs of any alterations to the barrel. All markings look correct and unaltered.

 

[majick47]

OP some good photos of the M&P snub would go a long way in getting solid opinions on what you are looking at and its price. As a few have pointed out the barrel length and sight don't fit the normal description.

 

[Kansasgunner]

The BBQ gun (S953xxx) shipped October 1947, 12 years before I did. The original one (S963xxx) shipped December 1947. The long action post war snubs just have the right stuff.