Trying to find info on my Grandfathers gun

[ss 396]

Hello i think i'm in the right spot pretty sure this gun is older than 1945. Would like to know what year this gun is any info you can give me. This number is bottom of frame between grips 50256x it is a 38 special, is there a number under the grips if so i can ask my dad to remove and give me a number? Thank you very much for any info. thinking about getting one of the letters from SW for my dad i think he would like that. here are some pictures.

 

[ss 396]

Hello i think i'm in the right spot pretty sure this gun is older than 1945. Would like to know what year this gun is any info you can give me. This number is bottom of frame between grips 50256x it is a 38 special, is there a number under the grips if so i can ask my dad to remove and give me a number? Thank you very much for any info. thinking about getting one of the letters from SW for my dad i think he would like that. here are some pictures.

 

[mikepriwer]

This is a 1924 - 1925 .38 M&P Model of 1905 4th change. Those are the
right grips, probably original to the gun. They should be numbered
to it on the inside of the right grip panel, probably in pencil.

The gun is well-worn, as are the grips. Its probably a $200 gun, maybe
a bit more/less. A letter will cost $30, and will tell you where it was
originally shipped, and the date.

Later, Mike Priwer

 

[ss 396]

Thank You for the info Mike, Just had my Dad take the grips off and the pencil number on the right grip is the same. It is well worn but functions perfect, I'll hand it down to my Son some day we will keep it in the family forever.

 

[bk43]

Something I have suggested before on a gun like this is to clean it up and mount it in a shadow box with other items from the original owner. This allows the whole family to enjoy a part of their history. Even the anti-gun crowd, and most families have some, seem to appreciate it this way.

Bob

 

[PALADIN85020]

SS396,

Like you, I have an old gun that belonged to my grandfather. He used it as a Kentucky storekeeper in the early 20th century, and as a merchant in Arizona. It is not as nice as yours, as it received hard service. I did letter it, and it was good to get its early history. Here's a pic with the letter.

 

[haggis]

I like Bob's idea, but if it were me, I'd take that puppy out of the box occasionally and shoot it. I don't know the ages of the people involved, but shooting his grandfather's gun with his grandfather would be a superb way for his grandson to really remember him.

BTW, welcome to the forum.

Buck

 

[Deacon KC]

I just finished rebuilding one similar to yours, SN 4039xx that was built in 1922. Take it out and shoot it! You will love it!

 

[mikepriwer]

SS

You might was to consider having the checkering recut on those grips.
For whatever reason, they show more wear than the rest of the gun. Keith
Brown or DWFAN ( Paul ) would do wonders on the grips, and improve the
appearance immensely.

Later, Mike Priwer

 

[ss 396]

Paladin85020 thats not a bad looking gun either, My Grandfather was also from Kentucky, Pine Knot about 34 miles east of Somerset Lake Cumberland area he was a Coal Miner most of his life and ran his farm too. He also ran his own General store for awhile.

 

[ss 396]

Haggis, i like your idea we do shoot it on occasion, my Grandfather was born in 1900 he passed in 1981 the year i graduated high school. My son is 4 my Dad is 65 so he will get to shoot that gun with my Dad before long they grow up so fast. Thank You for your idea. Bye the way luckilly their is not one single antigun member of our entire family, we all love to shoot.

 

[ss 396]

Mike, thats an idea about the grips what would something like that cost? Thank You. From what my Dad says the gun was not shot very often but my Grandfather carried it often. My Dad says on their Farm Grandpa had a very mean ole Bull, He always carried that 38 to feed and water the Cattle, he told my Dad that ole Bull tries to run me down it will be his last day.

 

[mikepriwer]

SS

You might email the links to this pictures to Keith Brown at

[email protected]

and to Paul at [email protected]

They should be able to estimate the cost to clean them up. Just make sure
you specify a flat non-shiny finish, like one or two coats of linseed oil.
Don't have TruOil put on them - its not the right finish at all.

Later, Mike Priwer

 

[A10ACN]

Okay, I'm a Keith Brown fan, he IS the GRIP GOD, but I wouldn't do more than give those grips a light cleaning. They're original to the gun as is the amount of wear. Returned from Keith they will be <STRIKE>like</STRIKE> better than new. I'm sure he could tone it down a bit but why bother?? They is what they is and there should be no shame in that. Your Grandfather never saw the need to refinish them or the gun, he earned every nick and scuff on it!
At least that's the way I see it.

 

[ss 396]

A10acn you have a good point, i had thought about rebluing but didn't want to ruin the character my Grandfather put in it. Probably should leave it be keep it cleaned and oiled and shoot it. Thanks for the comment.