Pre-10 snub, new member

[Jstonefish]

Just joined the Forum and have enjoyed the wealth of info here, helping me understand the revolvers that I got from my father.

From what I've gathered this one is a Pre-model 10, post war.
The serial # 34XXX is late 1948 or early 1949 ship date.
Does that sound correct?

Unfortunately, the original grips aren't around, but that doesn't really bother me since the plastic stag-likes are all I've ever known (+40 yrs.).

Does the "S" stamped on the barrel flat and frame refer to the hammer block safety mod or something else? Reason I ask, is that 1948 or 1949 revolver seems pretty late for this change to finally be made. Or were a boat load still in the S&W vaults following the War?

I appreciate your replies and information.
My father also passed on a Pre-War HD to me, that Bill has helped to date. Thanks for that! I'll post pics in the future, that's a fun one to shoot!

 

[THEMULE]

Just joined the Forum and have enjoyed the wealth of info here, helping me understand the revolvers that I got from my father.

I'm in the same boat. Got mine from my Grandfather. These folks are the best.

 

[YeshuaIsa53]

Welcome, guys. Your fathers/grandfathers had good taste and were smart. Keep them safe, secured, and properly stored. What a great gift.

 

[DWalt]

From what I see of your M&P's SN, it appears to e C34xxx. Aside from the plastic grips, I can't tell much more. I'd say a refinish is possible. In any event, that SN would date shipment to about late 1948-early 1949. The correct original grips are what is called "sharp shoulder" Magnas, and were in use up to about 1952. They are fairly easily found.

M&P snubbies always command more interest and higher prices than a similar M&P having a longer barrel.

 

[DCWilson]

As DWalt indicated, the C is part of the serial number for your revolver. Any S you see is just a fitter's mark, or possibly a mark by the service department if a gun needed to be tuned up before shipping. It is taken for granted that in postwar K-frame guns the K and C serial number prefixes are found only on revolvers with the new hammer safety block, so the S is not necessary.

Very handsome little revolver, and a great family heirloom. Shoot it in good health.

 

[Jstonefish]

Thanks for the comments.
Yes, C prefix I overlooked that.
Good to know I'm not completely off base on ship date.

I was curious about the original grips. At least now I can semi-act like I know what I'm talking about (1/2 the battle ), if I decide to go that route and try to buy a pair.

And can put the "S" markings question to bed.

I also posted in the "leather" section, but pic shows how this snub spent most of its life in my dad's bottom dresser drawer. Pretty cool stuff.

 

[Muley Gil]

Looking at the right side picture, the finish, to me, looks original.

 

[Jimmyjones]

Stocks should look like these.

 

[bananaman]

Welcome to the FORUM! Pretty cool little gun! If you wish to find grips for it, try ebay. I have bought more than a few sets there. Enjoy your gun! Bob

 

[DWalt]

This is another picture of the "sharp shoulder" stock variety. Later Magnas are more rounded at the top. eBay is a good place to look. I have bought four pairs of these there over the past year or so.

 

[Jstonefish]

Thanks for the visuals, actually look better than the plastic stag-likes! Also appreciate all the input. My generic Googles missed many pertinent posts on these revolvers, in the Forum. Much appreciate the info, even if you had to post redundant info!