S&W 38 M&P???

[rimfire addict]

Picked this one up, but not sure if it is an M&P. I assume they were all marked, but ran across several online in the same configuration. It does have the hole for the swivel, pin is there to hold it in place.

Just need some help on what exactly I have, I am out of state and do not have my books. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

No other marks on it and I do know that the grips do not have a matching serial.
Thanks

 

[JP@AK]

Well, yes, technically it is a .38 M&P, but more specifically it is British Service Revolver from quite early in the war. The cartridge designation on the barrel (.38 S&W instead of .38 S&W Special) tells the story.

The stocks are from the 1953 to c. 1967 period.

Others on this forum, particularly Absalom, should be along soon to give you more detail.

 

[murphydog]

With a matching SN on the barrel, it is likely one of the scarce 4" BSR variants originally made for South Africa, which were mostly diverted to England.

 

[rimfire addict]

Thanks Jack, the revolver came out of a military collection and wasn't sure what I had.

 

[rimfire addict]

With a matching SN on the barrel, it is likely one of the scarce 4" BSR variants originally made for South Africa, which were mostly diverted to England.

I will have to pull it back out for a photo, but it does have the serial stamped on the bottom of the barrel.

Got it, here are the heal and barrel serial.
Thanks Terry

 

[DWalt]

It is a pre-Victory BSR M&P. On my list is one like it with a close SN, 685147, a 4" which shipped on 5/3/1940, intended for South Africa but diverted to England. Later on, the barrel length for the S&W BSRs was standardized at 5". At that time, they sported the silvered medallion checkered round top wood grips used by S&W throughout the decade of the 1930s. You might check to see if it has been re-bored to accept .38 Special ammunition (hopefully it has not). The Lend-Lease act had not yet been passed, and these were purchased by the Commonwealth countries. A nice find, and you may want to see if you can locate some 1930s S&W grips for it. In high condition, they are not easily found. You can usually find a replacement lanyard swivel for around $20. The official British military nomenclature for these was "Pistol, Revolver, Smith and Wesson, No. 2" The "No. 2" indicated .38 (or .380) caliber. The cartridge used in it was called the ".380 Revolver, Mark 2." Pretty much the same as the US .38 S&W cartridge, except it used a 178 grain FMJ bullet.

 

[rimfire addict]

Thank you for the info, I have already located a swivel for it. Will also work on the grips a little later when time allows.

 

[rimfire addict]

Forgot about checking the cylinder, but it has not been altered to accept 38 special. Also forgot it came with a holster.

 

[Waveski]

Pleased to hear it has not been reamed.

 

[murphydog]

The holster is an S & W branded style from the 1970s, I think.

 

[rimfire addict]

Well she is wearing her new shoes, took a little while to find a set that didn't break the bank. Also watched a mint set go over 3 on ebay, wasn't expecting that.

 

[AlanDavid]

Interesting in that lacks any British ordnance inspection marks.

I wonder if this is a trate shown in other ex South Africa order guns that were sent to the UK in stead?? Dwalt would this info show up in your data base?

Regards

Alan

 

[raljr1]

I have been chasing one of these early models for some time. Nice catch.

 

[rimfire addict]

I have been chasing one of these early models for some time. Nice catch.

Thanks, actually it came from over your way, well maybe a little more south east.

 

[raljr1]

Thanks, actually it came from over your way, well maybe a little more south east.

If you get bored with it PM me..

Robert

 

[rimfire addict]

Will keep it in mind, but don't see it happening anytime soon.