What model is this?

[gtk]

Approx 8" barrel
#2314 inside the frame
On the barrel it has "38 S&W special" then underneath its unreadable "US....."

Ser# 39?1?

Great grandfather was given the gun by sheriff after he took it from a moonshiner when he raided a moonshine still way back

Thanks!

 

[murphydog]

It is a .38 Military & Police, after 1957 named the model 10. Depending on if the number 3971 is off the bottom of the grip frame, it appears to be a very early one called the model of 1902. The number inside the frame is an internal factory code and not the SN in a gun of this era.

The barrel probably was stamped ".38 S & W Special & (second line) U.S. Service CTGs", the latter referring to the .38 Long Colt cartridge. The second line may have been lightly stamped or the gun has been refinished. The longest one would have been 6.5".

If this gun could talk, its speech may be slurred and memories not too clear . Hope this is helpful.

 

[DCWilson]

Alan told you what you need to know. I'll just add that with that barrel profile and a serial number in the 39xxx range, that would be a Model of 1902, First Change. The gun probably shipped in 1904

The .38 Military & Police line became S&W's most successful model. From its 1899 introduction until today, several million have been produced. There were engineering and slight design changes along the way, so the more modern specimens don't look exactly like the early ones. A lot of us think the 1902s (made between 1902 and 1905) are some of the most elegant of the lot.

 

[glowe]

gtk,

It is always helpful for future owners of this gun to document its history. If you can find the sheriff's name and approximate date it was given to your grandfather, it is worth documenting. Collectors and shooters of these fine old guns love to have the history of their available.

It appears that your M&P has either been heavily used or refinished at some point in its life, given that you can not make out all the stampings and the picture shows rounded edges on the cylinder and frame. You should look at the rear of the cylinder for the full serial number, since it should match the butt #. Also, the stocks should be stamped or penciled with the serial number. These long barreled 38s are fun to shoot and quite accurate. If it is functioning and tight, you should have no problems shooting standard 38 Special ammo with it.

 

[gtk]

It is a .38 Military & Police, after 1957 named the model 10. Depending on if the number 3971 is off the bottom of the grip frame, it appears to be a very early one called the model of 1902. The number inside the frame is an internal factory code and not the SN in a gun of this era.

The barrel probably was stamped ".38 S & W Special & (second line) U.S. Service CTGs", the latter referring to the .38 Long Colt cartridge. .

If this gun could talk, its speech may be slurred and memories not too clear . Hope this is helpful.

Its funny how your brain works. Once I read the "Service "CTG" above, I can now faintly recognize it on the pistol

The 3971 is stamped on the bottom of the grip frame.

The gun has never been refinished, but it has obviousy been "used" There is no rust/pitting, grips are good just worn. Action is fairly tight too.

Glowe, I have this "story" documented in the file I keep all the info on my other guns ("where I got", "ser#" , Year purc...etc....) I need to get with my dad to find the aproximate year. He never forgets stuff like that

Thanks for everyones input/help. Its much appreciated.

Greg