Post-War M&P pickup

[StevethePirate]

I couldn't help myself, despite the caution of unknown gunsmithing. Just took delivery of this M&P, S/N S 837XXX with numbers matching barrel and cylinder. The barrel cut looks well done to me, with a very nice crowning of the muzzle. Mechanically, it seems to be in excellent shape and the finish is still pretty good. Looking forward to seeing if it shoots as well as it looks and handles!

 

[Hawg Rider]

"S" prefix s/n's were used for only a few early post-WWII K-frame revolvers from 1945-1948 (S811120-S99999), and yours probably dates to 1945. The finish appears to be original and in nice condition. It's probably a cut down 6" bbl., and it looks to be well done. Should be a fun shooter! Enjoy!

 

[45NUTT]

Well at least someone on the forum got it!! I wanted that one because of the 3" barrel. Unfortunately for me, I had other irons in the fire that needed my attention at the time. Congrats! Post a range report and let me know how well it carries!

 

[JP@AK]

A postwar .38 Military & Police revolver that very likely shipped in September or October 1946. Probably the barrel was originally 5", although some 6" units were shipped in that serial range.

The stocks are period correct and probably original. You can check the inside of the right panel for the serial number. If it matches the butt number, you know those Magna stocks left the factory with that gun.

 

[DWalt]

The S and SV series .38 M&Ps differed from earlier M&Ps in that they used an improved hammer drop safety first incorporated into early 1945 military production at the insistence of the U.S. Navy. That prevented an accidental discharge in the event the revolver was dropped onto a hard surface. Earlier M&Ps also had hammer drop safeties, but those were not as reliable as the new design. That became a standard feature of all following S&W revolver mechanisms.

 

[StevethePirate]

A postwar .38 Military & Police revolver that very likely shipped in September or October 1946. Probably the barrel was originally 5", although some 6" units were shipped in that serial range.

The stocks are period correct and probably original. You can check the inside of the right panel for the serial number. If it matches the butt number, you know those Magna stocks left the factory with that gun.

Yessir, the grips are serial matched to the gun, and they're in pretty good shape. Unfortunately, there's a bit of rust on the frame behind the grips, but probably not something a little bit of honest work won't take care of.

 

[StevethePirate]

The S and SV series .38 M&Ps differed from earlier M&Ps in that they used an improved hammer drop safety first incorporated into early 1945 military production at the insistence of the U.S. Navy. That prevented an accidental discharge in the event the revolver was dropped onto a hard surface. Earlier M&Ps also had hammer drop safeties, but those were not as reliable as the new design. That became a standard feature of all following S&W revolver mechanisms.

Yeah, this has the flag drop safety like later designs have.