Requesting your advice

[ia1727]

I am currently trying to decide on my next purchase. I'm looking for a revolver with a Mfg. date of 1949, my birth year.

I've been able to find differing models in almost every year but 1949, for some odd reason.

I have a somewhat small budget to work with so the pre 29's and 27's are pretty much out of my reach.

I have a 6" pre-17 from 1952 and a 14-4 not sure of date. I'm leaning towards the k-38, k-22's, possibly a pre-15 mainly because of my budget. This revolver will be left to my son, as will the others, at some point in time.

I'm leaning towards 4" guns since I already have the others in 6" or possibly something in a 5" barrel.

Any advice on other models you can think of ? Must be blue and a shooter , say 85-95 %. Thanks for any help or ideas you may come up with.

Steve

 

[kennethg]

A 4" 38SPL M&P might be a good choice. No pre 29's in 1949.

 

[2152hq]

Though not in your caliber criteria,,32HE revolvers (I frame,,pre Model 30) and in particular the 2" bbl model might be neat.
The 2" version was introduced in 1949 in that revolver.
Mines a keeper.
(They usually don't break the budget either.)


...From another '49er

 

[murphydog]

Agree with a .38 M & P, look for a C 100000 range gun.

 

[DCWilson]

It's going to be tough to find a 1949 Masterpiece in any caliber with a four-inch barrel. The shorter-barrel versions really didn't get started until the next year, though there are some rare (and probably expensive) early examples known.

Alan gave you a good lead -- a fixed-sight M&P with a four inch barrel should be not too hard to locate. I would look for a serial number in the C50000-C90000 range; those are likeliest to be 1949 production shipped in 1949. A gun above C100000 has a chance of being shipped in 1950.

If you are looking for an N-frame gun, don't forget the .38/44 Heavy Duty or .38/44 Outdoorsman. Both models were in production in 1949; regrettably, they are much in demand and can be quite expensive when you find one.

 

[ia1727]

Thanks

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions--they are appreciated.

The search continues.

Steve

 

[jimmyj]

Hi:
Would a M&P 4" SB Blued .38spl serial #C372511 be within the year of manufacture you are looking for?
Jimmy

 

[ia1727]

Hi:
Would a M&P 4" SB Blued .38spl serial #C372511 be within the year of manufacture you are looking for?
Jimmy

Hi Jimmy,

According to THE BOOK yours would be from 1954-56. Thanks for thinking of me.

Steve

 

[murphydog]

It's going to be tough to find a 1949 Masterpiece in any caliber with a four-inch barrel. The shorter-barrel versions really didn't get started until the next year, though there are some rare (and probably expensive) early examples known.

Alan gave you a good lead -- a fixed-sight M&P with a four inch barrel should be not too hard to locate. I would look for a serial number in the C50000-C90000 range; those are likeliest to be 1949 production shipped in 1949. A gun above C100000 has a chance of being shipped in 1950.

If you are looking for an N-frame gun, don't forget the .38/44 Heavy Duty or .38/44 Outdoorsman. Both models were in production in 1949; regrettably, they are much in demand and can be quite expensive when you find one.

David;

Good call on the C 100000 serial number, have a look at this post today (8/28):

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-hand-ejectors-1896-1961/152185-38-spl-snub-nosed-5-screw.html