What do I have here?

[Ispy12]

Gentlemen,
I am a Smith collector and lurker of this website. My collection is primarily model 25's and 27/28s. I am new to the older models and have much to learn. I have folks call me all the time when certain things arise and I was asked if I would like a very worn model 1902 2nd model for a very, very cheap price. Non factory grips of course. I am told it is serial #29677 so a quick look at the book puts it between the range of 20976-33803...seems like a fit. However, I get to the shop and that is the production # on the frame and yoke. The serial # is 61509 on the bottom of the round butt, cylinder, and flat under the barrel. I took a few quick cell phone pics and wanted to see if someone here can help me figure out what it is. Pinned front, adjust rear, .38 special. I did not take a photo of the top of the barrel with all that language as I ran out of memory on the phone. I appreciate any help you might be able to give me.
And what is that curious dimple under the top strap?

 

[tlay]

Can you post a photo of the entire gun? You have a M&P target but it is hard to tell what grip frame. The spot in the top strap is made that way for fouling, it is not flame cutting. More than likely with that serial number it is a model of 1902 1st change target.

 

[linde]

. . . The serial # is 61509 on the bottom of the round butt, cylinder, and flat under the barrel . . . wanted to see if someone here can help me figure out what it is . . . And what is that curious dimple under the top strap?

You have what appears to be a 5" Military & Police Target model which in collector terms is a Model of 1902 - 1st change. The dimple under the top strap is a fouling cup . . . a carryover from the black powder days to provide BP residue to collect so it doesn't interfere with cylinder rotation.

The 5" target M&P is fairly uncommon. I had one and let it get away . . . have been trying to buy it back ever since.

Another example recently appeared here on the forum
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-hand-ejectors-1896-1961/361202-revolver-38-a.html

They are sweet shooting . . . hope you enjoy yours,

Russ

edit to add: Welcome to the Forum . . . glad to have you join us.

 

[Ispy12]

I did take the grips off and it is a round butt. I snapped one photo. I did measure the barrel too and it is a 5" for sure.

 

[bamabiker]

If your "cheap price" is any thing like mine I'd grab that gun in a hurry.
Oh, welcome to the forum.

 

[DWalt]

With the round butt, it would be a Model of 1902, ca. 1905. The little scoop under the topstrap has a name which I can't remember, and I've heard its purpose was to provide a place for powder fouling to accumulate to ensure the cylinder revolves freely. Is the little rear sight screw missing? If so, I imagine it might be difficult to find a replacement. Target models are far scarcer than those with fixed sights.

 

[Ispy12]

Thanks for all the replys. I will post more pics once I give a go through and a solid cleaning. I will hunt down some decent grips and get it back to looking decent.
I appreciate the help very much and am glad to have a resource such as this website...very nice. Tons of great knowledge here and although I don't have much time to just hang out and chat I really do appreciate this forum.
Thanks again,
Ispy