Rescued a 1902 .38

[Muley Gil]

Back in 2007, while at the meeting in Richmond, I bought a 1902 .38 M&P from a fellow SWCA member. I bought it knowing it was missing a few internal pieces that are unique to the early hand ejectors.

I bought the pieces and installed them, but it still didn't work. I stuck it in the back of the safe for another day.

About two weeks ago I dug it out and started studying WHY it won't function. It seems that the cylinder stop wasn't going up and down. This stop has several moving spring loaded pieces that are not in the typical DA Smith. Also, the trigger is shaped a bit different.

I compared the size and shape of the cylinder stop and it was the same size as the ones found in a 3 screw K frame hand ejector. I thought that I may have to install a more modern trigger as well, but that wasn't necessary. While it isn't as smooth as my 1902 .32-20, it does function OK. It shipped in November 1905.

 

[Iggy]

Good lookin' ol gun. Glad you were able to save it and give it new life.

 

[DCWilson]

I have a soft spot in my heart for 1902s, in particular the 1902/first changes like yours. I have about half a dozen prewar M&Ps now, but my favorite is a four-inch 1902 like yours that I found at my LGS a couple of years ago. It's an absolute pleasure to shoot, and quite accurate with 148 gr wadcutter match ammo.

Nice! I'm glad you got it working.

 

[plainshunter]

sweet! i love those old revolvers!

 

[Babalooie]

You just can't beat the quality and workmanship. They were made with hand fitted parts........triggers like butter.

 

[tomshilling]

Finish?

Did you do anything to the finish, or is it just a worn satin-looking nickel/chrome or stainless?

I pass on lots of nickel revolvers due to the flaking and poor nickeling left, and if there was a way to "satinize" the finish I might have to consider adding some of them to my collection!

What's the trick?

 

[Muley Gil]

"Did you do anything to the finish, or is it just a worn satin-looking nickel/chrome or stainless?"

Would you believe it shipped from S&W in blue? It has a "B" in front of the serial number that is under the barrel. There is about 2% original blue around the cylinder release.

BTW, stainless revolvers didn't appear for another 60 years (1965; M60 Chief's Special).

 

[Muley Gil]

Here's a couple of pictures of the early and later S&W lockwork. Notice the early cylinder stop with stud. The trigger has a "finger" on the right side only that engages the stud. I substituted a late model cylinder stop that is drilled for a spring. The stop that is shown has the same shape, but is not drilled for the spring and is powered by a spring that is held in place by a screw in front of the trigger guard.