S&W M&P 2nd change

[dustyman]

I have this old revolver that is an M&P model 1905. There is a letter "C" on the butt plate. The serial is 145xxx. All numbers matchIt is 38 special. I was told it is a 2nd. change what ever that means. '

The condition is very good except where someone thought about refinishing it and rubbed most of the blue off of the barrel. It is tight with a mirror bore and chambers. Someone added a trigger shoe to it. Grips are diamond with no plates. Any info will be appreciated.

 

[gordonrick]

The C would indicate a model of 1905, 4th change and a ship date a few years after WWll. The 4th change was in 1915 which is a testament to the longevity of the design.
I'm sure someone will pin the date down closer than that for you soon.

 

[Alk8944]

Your SN, C145xxx puts the gun in 1951-1952. It is simply a .38 Military & Police. While it is similar to the pre WWII guns it is Post War, short action. It isn't a 1905 any change. It is mechanically identical to the guns that became the Model 10 in 1957.

 

[DWalt]

That SN would give it a likely shipping date in early 1951. At that late date, S&W did not call these "The Model of 1905, 4th Change." That terminology had been pretty well abandoned about the time of WWI. It would have been called simply the "Military and Police" (M&P) Model. To collectors, it would be a "pre-Model 10." The grips are either after-market or factory grips from the 1920s.

 

[dustyman]

Thanks for all of the info. It clears it up a bunch. It is a great shooter and I think I'll keep it.

 

[gordonrick]

And thanks fr keeping me straight, DWalt and Alk8944!