Smith & Wesson 38 S&W Special CTG HELP !!!!!!

[Goldenmeister]

Heya sports fans. Picked up this 38 S&W special with a couple other things and I cant find exactly which model it is. I was going to advertise it but I dont like doing that unless I know EXACTLY what it is. Could anyone please help me identify this little jewel ?!?!??!!?!?!?

 

[Goldenmeister]

S&W

More. Sorry the pic is so blurry.

 

[hkcavalier]

It's a S&W M&P in .38 Special, looks to be late 1940s to mid 1950s. Some might call it a pre-Model 10. Grips are newer, probably 1970s. Take them off and the serial number will be there on the end of the butt (grip frame).

Might be factory nickel? But it also looks like it might be hard chromed. Please take some better pictures.

 

[murphydog]

Here is a post with a list of information needed for an ID:

To IDENTIFY your Gun >

That said, likely a .38 M & P as noted above, 1948-1955 time frame. Later factory Target stocks but may be rosewood and somewhat scarce.

 

[JP@AK]

Alan has it right. Because of the hammer, it is no earlier than March, 1948, and it is a postwar .38 M&P. Very likely the serial number begins with the letter C, although it is possible that it is a late S prefix revolver (above S990000).

The target stocks are no earlier than about 1967. It originally wore Magna stocks, not targets.

Pictures are not good enough to tell whether the finish is original.

 

[Goldenmeister]

Well thank you......

For all the information. Better pictures included plus description. Serial # "C 35369" There are three screws in side plate and one in the front of the trigger guard. Serial number visible and butt number visible. So, it reads "38 Smith & Wesson Special" so I'm confused as to whether it uses 38 S&W or 38 Special ammo. I once had a 25-9 that I restored (paid an expert to repair) and so where it gave the model # on the 25-9 in this example there is only a 3, I'm curious about that too. Once again I appreciate all your input !!!!!!!!

 

[s&wchad]

... it reads "38 Smith & Wesson Special"...
I'm confused as to whether it uses 38 S&W or 38 Special ammo.

It was made for .38 Special ammo (originally known as the .38 S&W Special cartridge). .38 S&W is a different cartridge which is shorter and fatter.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

I once had a 25-9 that I restored (paid an expert to repair) and so where it gave the model # on the 25-9 in this example there is only a 3, I'm curious about that too.

Your revolver's name is ".38 Military & Police," and it was on the street about a decade before Smith & Wesson assigned model numbers to its revolvers. When the company assigned model numbers the .38 M&P added Model 10 to its name.

The "3" you see on the frame in the yoke cut is either a fitter's stamp, an assembler's stamp, or an inspector's stamp. You'll see more, different ones of those on the sides of the grip frame.

Additionally, the 1258 stamp on the left side of the grip frame indicates your revolver went back to the factory for some work in December 1958.

 

[bgrafsr]

Actually there are 4 screws on the side plate. One is hidden under the right stock.

 

[JP@AK]

Serial # "C 35369"

Nearby serial numbers were shipping in November and December, 1948.

There are three screws in side plate and one in the front of the trigger guard.

As noted above, there are four screws in the sideplate. The M&P was built on the five screw frame until 1956.

 

[Hondo44]

You likely have code stamp(s) on the grip frame at the heel just above the upper edge of your photo that will indicate a refinish.

 

[Goldenmeister]

You guys are awesome.

 

[Elroy]

You guys are awesome.

That's because these guys are gentlemen and experts on the subject of Smith & Wesson