Ugliest gun - but flawless operation!

[SmithNut]

I like the look of that M38....

Personally I'd leave it alone with one change... get rid of the Pachmeyers!!!!.... I won't put a pair of grips on a gun that doubles it's size....yuk...

Lots of good options, maybe some Spegel designed Uncle Mike's or a pair of Hogue Bantams....

 

[Holden6v8]

Likely it's a hydro dip finish. The base coat is typical of those. It can be stripped but it's a PITA...more likely just don't worry about scratches and use! Thanks to all for the info that helps so much.
And, great minds: Bantam grips pending delivery!

 

[dsf]

dsf---do I see a stainless cylinder in your pic? if so, mine might be original! Can anyone confirm the MSP guns had stainless cylinders? It would make sense as this one was carried a lot and not fired much at all.

Yes, it's stainless. Short version of story I already posted here -

I saw the gun on GB at a store I visit (Kittery Trading Post) when home in NH. It was reposted a few times, no takers. I figured the gun was nothing special and passed. Read a thread here re MSP and threw out a bid. No one else bid (kind of kept my mouth shut here) and got it. Picked it up at the store during home visit using my C&R.

May be able to tell by the serial number. This is a really SWAG but should be between 295000 (1962) and 786544 (1969) - not 100% on that, just supposing as a starting point.

 

[CH4]

Your 38 looks to have been hydro dipped. I'd leave it.

 

[AlHunt]

For some reason, I don't mind that finish at all. I could see it on a shotgun or AR.