Post-War S-Series M&P Transitional .38

[Col. Flag]

I am new to this forum and not sure this is the way to go about posting pictures of my pre-10, which is the only one I own. I bought the gun about 7 years ago and according to a gentleman I was corresponding with back in 2011, he identified this revolver as a Post-War S-Series M&P Transitional. He said according to the serial number, S854*** he believed it was made during the first year of production, 1945. He also pointed out a few pre-war features like the larger mushroom style extractor knob, the fine top checkering and narrow serrated service style trigger, and the half moon front sight. He did find it odd being a war time M&P in that the only other ones produced during this same time were the Victory model revolvers, which those serial numbers would begin with a V. Can anyone here give me any more history on my pre 10 M&P? Thank you!

 

[ordnanceguy]

That's a nice looking M+P. It is not a wartime production gun. I estimate that it was likely shipped from the factory in late 1946. From your photos it appears to have all of the standard features of an early post-war gun.

I am a little puzzled by your reference to "fine top checkering". There should be no checkering on the top of the frame or barrel and I don't see any in the photos.

Neat gun.

Regards,
Charlie

 

[Col. Flag]

Thank you Charlie. I meant to say the pre-war hammer has what the gentleman described as "fine top checkering". So, these parts he pointed out as being "pre-war" are common on these Pre-10 M&P's? I may have misunderstood him thinking they were not commonly found. He said S&W did not waste parts back then and used up all pre-war parts on their early war time and post-war revolvers. Makes sense. Thanks again

 

[DWalt]

Yours would likely have shipped in late 1946. The S-series M&Ps began shipping around March 1946, at a SN around S813xxx. It is correctly described as being a "Post-War" M&P. It is not a transitional, and in fact, there is not even a good definition of "Transitional". Therefore I avoid using that term. Similarly, no collector would call yours a "Pre-Model 10". That term is reserved for a little later version of the M&P. BTW, yours seems 100% correct with the proper sharp shoulder grips for that period and is in very nice condition.

 

[Retired W4]

Nice post war 38 M&P, and welcome to the forum.

 

[BC38]

It almost sounds like the seller was describing a different gun.
It doesn't have the "mushroom" style ejector rod knob - it has the "barrel" style (also known as the Large Ejector Rod Knob - or LERK for short). It is smaller than the mushroom style, though it is larger than the next style which is no longer a separate part (knob) - it is just knurling around the end of the ejector rod.

The earlier ones had the V (victory) prefix, but when they added the drop safety feature the serial number prefix changed to S (safety) as I understand it. If I got any of that wrong one of the real experts will likely post the correction soon.

Nice old gun - I have one from approximately 1948 that looks almost just like it.

 

[Peak53]

I would note that this fine-looking gun does have the typically pre-war long action and hammer, soon to be dropped. This could be the origin of the "transitional" term. While I don't know the numbers produced, this is still a little seen gun on the open market. Enjoy this fine piece.