A few weeks back, my LGS got in a Model 1905, 4th Change, (5855XX, guessing sometime in the 1930's) that was on the rough size. Some rust and not a lot of bluing left. My heart goes out to these well used and/or abused revolvers however I really did not need it so I passed it up. Well after a few weeks, with no takers, I decided that it deserved a home where someone would take care of it so home it came. The cylinder did not want to turn with out a fair amount of effort so I spent some time cleaning and lubing. Surprised me when I found that it was all matching, including the grips. Took it out to the range today, along with my 19-3 snubbie and my M&P Snubbie. The attached target is 66 rounds, double action at 7 yds, from the 1905. It was another good day at the range but out of the three, my M&P snubbie shoots the best, with this one second and the Model 19 comes in last. Yes, another good day.
Unloved Model 1905 4th Change w/ Range Report
- Thread starter Bob L
- Start date
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DWalt
Member
That SN would indicate your M&P was probably shipped in 1928 or 1929.
ABPOS
Member
Nice gun, Nice shooting. I want one. 
A well ventilated target. 
J. R. WEEMS
Member
1905
I would of grabbed it in a NY minute. CONGRATS!!
I would of grabbed it in a NY minute.
CONGRATS!!
JimBianchi
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I just got one off of GB last week for $275. In 38 S&W, never been bored out, so I have no ammo for it. Gun has a 420,000 serial number so my book puts as an early 4th change.
Its in better condition than I thought it would be, probably 90% original blue and looks like all the screws are untouched.
Has soon has my 13-3 3in get back from the gunsmith I will take a family pic of my collection.
Its in better condition than I thought it would be, probably 90% original blue and looks like all the screws are untouched.
Has soon has my 13-3 3in get back from the gunsmith I will take a family pic of my collection.
Targets Guy
US Veteran
Thanks Mike! It is a little older than I guessed it was. Like I mentioned, the finish is on the rough side but for $200 plus tax, I figured it needed a home.
I don't believe Smith and Wesson was building M&P revolvers in .38 S&W that early. Is there a "V" prefix on the butt? If so, your revolver would date to the 1940s war production. Pictures of the revolver would help.
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Targets Guy
US Veteran
As far as I can tell after a quick perusal through the 3rd edition of the SCS&W the Model of 1905 .38 M&P was made for .38 specials until the .38/200 (Model K-200) was produced around s/n 700,000. That one was for sure a .38SW.
I have three of them. S/N 7651xx which was untouched and remains a .38SW, s/n 8776xx which was reamed out for .38 specials and later chromed (I have since put a .38SW barrel back on it (the barrel has a Victory s/n on the flat part)), and s/n 9759xx which Cogswell & Harrison in London cut the barrel to 3.5" and reamed it out to fire .38 specials. They did a good job as the casings don't bulge or crack at all.
S/N 765xxx and 8776xx shipped in 1941, S/N 9759xx shipped in 1942.
Edit: 7651xx is a .38 special; getting too old for this.
On the Cogswell & Harrison you can see where the barrel was a 5" .38SW before they finished with it.
I have three of them. S/N 7651xx which was untouched and remains a .38SW, s/n 8776xx which was reamed out for .38 specials and later chromed (I have since put a .38SW barrel back on it (the barrel has a Victory s/n on the flat part)), and s/n 9759xx which Cogswell & Harrison in London cut the barrel to 3.5" and reamed it out to fire .38 specials. They did a good job as the casings don't bulge or crack at all.
S/N 765xxx and 8776xx shipped in 1941, S/N 9759xx shipped in 1942.
Edit: 7651xx is a .38 special; getting too old for this.
On the Cogswell & Harrison you can see where the barrel was a 5" .38SW before they finished with it.
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Hello Bob L, you are a saint. We all have adopted an unwanted child.
Gunaholic
Member
My adopted child is also a 1905 ser 549XX. I think it's a 2nd model from 1906. One of you probably knows better. It's a .32-20. Somebody reblued it so the numbers are a bit fuzzy. But it locks up tight and goes bang reliably. Haven't found a reload it likes, but I haven't looked too hard.
Alk8944
US Veteran
SN puts your gun in c. 1913. Just a bit higher than one in my list that shipped 4/1913, and one SN 6067x that also shipped in 1913. Remember that the .38 M&Ps and the .32-20 "Winchester Model" are in separate serial number series. But then I do show a Model 1905 Target with SN 5979x that shipped in 1906, so your date may be correct, or anywhere in between! It is a 1905 3rd Change.
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Gunaholic
Member
Thanks for your help. I guess I missed the disparity in my ancient S&W Catalog 1st edition. Lol. Most helpful information.
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