S&W .38 Special year and model

[Bfishy]

Looking for some help figuring out what the age and model is. I think its a model 10-5 maybe? Thanks in advance for the help.

First, if the cylinder swings out to the side, check behind the yoke for a MODEL NUMBER.
There is a G then a space and a 4. below it is 32 050

1. TYPE
First, we need to know what TYPE S&W you have: Hand Ejector

2. Serial Number It's hard to make out. It looks like it says 860945

3. CTG or Caliber .38 Special

4. Barrel Length 4 inches

5. Sights Fixed

 

[murphydog]

Welcome! This is a fairly early post-WW II .38 Military & Police, a similar version of which was also called the model 10 after 1957. The S is part of the serial number. The stocks are from a later gun.

Our local expert Jack (JP@AK) will be along shortly.

 

[JP@AK]

Welcome to the S&W Forum.

The serial number is S860945. The S is part of the serial number.

This revolver probably left the factory in December, 1946, possibly a bit later since they were not shipped in serial order. It is not any sort of Model 10. When it was made, it was called a .38 Military & Police model and we would categorized it as a postwar M&P.

Unfortunately, it is not in original condition. It has been poorly refinished and even so is now in poor shape. The Magna stocks are from a much later gun. It is probably fine to shoot but it will never again have any collector interest or value.

 

[Retired W4]

The one line address had me going, but I'm OK now.

 

[Bfishy]

Awesome. Thanks. It is older than I thought. I care not what it's worth. I was told my grandfather used it when he worked security. That was 58 to 62 years ago or so, if my sister is correct on the time period he worked security.

It was passed to my father, then to me and eventually it will go to my son. Its condition is due to being stored in a leather holster in Florida prior to acquiring it myself. I still have the holster but it is now kept in the door of my safe. I have purchased some new handguns including a used .357 revolver that I will make a post about once I have it in my grubby little hands. Those too will be passed to my son and will be in MUCH better shape for him to use and pass on. The .38 tells a story, albeit a bit of a sad one lol.

 

[bananaman]

Welcome to the FORUM from Michigan! I had a M&P 1905 4th change from 1919 that belonged to my Dad. It shipped in 1919. My son has it now, and still shoots fine. Bob

 

[Hawg Rider]

Welcome to the Forum! Glad to hear that you're going to keep this nice old revolver in the family. You could probably clean it up a little with a gentle application of Mother's Mag and Aluminum polish and a microfiber cloth on the nickel. Of course, remove the wood stocks first. Then apply some Renaissance Wax or Johnson's Paste Wax and buff to protect the finish. If you wanted to partially return it to original, you could most likely find a pair of period correct stocks either here on the Forum ("Want to Buy" section) or on eBay. You might also want to clean and condition the leather holster with some Lexol products (Ace Hardware, etc.). As JP@AK says, there's not much value in this revolver except as a family heirloom, but it's a fun conversation piece. Enjoy!