Help me identify my new gun

[P7M13]

I saw this Smith & Wesson 38 Special revolver yesterday, and returned to buy it today.
Another gentleman in the store said it was likely a Model 10. There are no model markings on the gun.
I cannot find the S&W Serial number database that I read about, but the six digit S/N on the frame is 1834xx (last two digits deliberately x'd out by me.)
Lots of holster rash. The barrel is bright, the cylinder lockup is tight.
On examination, the cylinder has a different serial number, perhaps indicating it was serviced and replaced?
It's my first S&W.
Any info is greatly appreciated.

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[Nosferatu]

Probably a Pre-model 10. There should be another SN on the butt. The model number on the crane is the assembly number, not the SN.

 

[P7M13]

Probably a Pre-model 10. There should be another SN on the butt. The model number on the crane is the assembly number, not the SN.

The 1834xx is the S/N on the butt of the revolver.

 

[Bobbygun]

The 1834xx is the S/N on the butt of the revolver.

If you flip the cylinder open, is there a model number behind the yoke on the frame? I think that's where they typically are on S&W.

 

[P7M13]

If you flip the cylinder open, is there a model number behind the yoke on the frame? I think that's where they typically are on S&W.

None there. They looked. I'll pick it up tomorrow.

 

[RVTECH]

None there. They looked. I'll pick it up tomorrow.

Possibly a pre 1959 model, as S & W didn't start model numbers until then.

 

[K-22]

I saw this Smith & Wesson 38 Special revolver yesterday, and returned to buy it today.
Another gentleman in the store said it was likely a Model 10. There are no model markings on the gun.
I cannot find the S&W Serial number database that I read about, but the six digit S/N on the frame is 1834xx (last two digits deliberately x'd out by me.)
Lots of holster rash. The barrel is bright, the cylinder lockup is tight.
On examination, the cylinder has a different serial number, perhaps indicating it was serviced and replaced?
It's my first S&W.
Any info is greatly appreciated.

View attachment 1826051

.38. Spec. M&P K-frame.

 

[CLT65]

Something seems off about that serial number. That number, with no letter prefix, would date to before WWI, if I remember right, but that one's definitely not that early at a glance.

 

[dangerranger60]

Pre WWII would have had a larger end on the eject rod, so post WWII. no model number on the frame inside the crane has it made before 1959. So probably made between 48 and 59. the Pre model 10s were called M&P [ Military and Police].
With the odd serial it may have been made in South America, They were made briefly in Brazil.
It looks like it was carried but not shot alot. It might be worth getting a factory letter from S&W. Good Find DR

 

[po18guy]

I saw this Smith & Wesson 38 Special revolver yesterday, and returned to buy it today.
Another gentleman in the store said it was likely a Model 10. There are no model markings on the gun.
I cannot find the S&W Serial number database that I read about, but the six digit S/N on the frame is 1834xx (last two digits deliberately x'd out by me.)
Lots of holster rash. The barrel is bright, the cylinder lockup is tight.
On examination, the cylinder has a different serial number, perhaps indicating it was serviced and replaced?
It's my first S&W.
Any info is greatly appreciated.

View attachment 1826051

3 screw or 5 screw?

 

[DunRanull]

All things being equal, it looks like a nice 'un...

 

[ron]

From the S/N looks like a Military and Police Model 1905 3rd change. No letter prefix to the S/N?
But the end of the ejection rod does not look right? 5 screw K frame? Is it marked 38 S & W Special Ctg.
on the barrel? Does the barrel have matching serial number under the ejector rod? The cylinder and frame should
have matching numbers. Maybe the cylinder and barrel have been changed? Here is a similar one.

Smith & Wesson Model 1905 Military & Police Hand Ejector Original Blued Finish 4 Inch Pinned Barrel Mfg. Early 1930 .38 Special

Up for auction today is a very well preserved and beautiful Smith and Wesson Military & Police Model 1905 (Fourth Change) that was manufactured sometime d

www.gunauction.com

 

[solv3nt]

The real question is, what does it identify as? Choose your own adventure mate.

 

[P7M13]

The real question is, what does it identify as? Choose your own adventure mate.

Cyscaliber. When it feels a little freaky, it asks for +P

 

[solv3nt]

Cyscaliber. When it feels a little freaky, it asks for +P

As long as it doesn't ask for different calibers. You really can't argue with metallurgy on that one.

 

[JuglansRegia]

Its an M&P, based on the style of the hammer l would say 1952 +/- 2 years

 

[P7M13]

Thanks to all for your input. Picked it up this morning.
My bad on the S/N. Way over on the left side of the bottom of the frame, there's the letter "C".

Here are more pics. Evidently it was an OSP pistol - whether prison guard or trooper, I don't know.

 

[K-22]

Thanks to all for your input. Picked it up this morning.
My bad on the S/N. Way over on the left side of the bottom of the frame, there's the letter "C".

Here are more pics. Evidently it was an OSP pistol - whether prison guard or trooper, I don't know.

View attachment 1826356 View attachment 1826357

1948-1952,

 

[CLT65]

Nice! The K-38 is such a timeless classic. They started making them 125 years ago, and they still make them.

I'm not a collector but I've accumulated several over the years, mostly model 10's of one flavor or another, and a couple early M&P's. I don't have a WWII Victory model. I've decided I'm done buying any guns for the indefinite future, but if I came across a decent Victory model at the right price, I'd be tempted.

 

[po18guy]

5-screw. 4 on the sideplate and one in front of the trigger guard to retain the bolt spring. Later Smiths eliminated the top sideplate screw, replacing it with a wedge, and also canned the screw which retained the bolt spring. These 5-screw models have the older lockwork with a longer D/A pull that should be very smooth. Not in bad shape at all, considering its age and duty use. Should last approxiamtely two forevers.