smith&wesson snub nose 38 cal 2" barrel
This gun has a half moon sight, but I can't find a model number anywhere on the gun. Serial #8441. I also found a number on the cylinder - 839401. It says 38 spc. ctg. on the barrel. The only thing that has been changed on the gun is the grips. It's about 85% . Can anyone help me with the date and other information? Thanks.
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It could be any of about 3-4 different models. We need pictures and more info. Does it hold 5 or 6 rounds? 0 -
Paul, From your description you may have a .38 M&P Hand Ejector made about 1901 or 1902. They did not put model number on Smith revolvers until 1957. 0 -
wcwireman,
The correct & complete ser# will be on the bottom of the grip frame. It may be necessary for you to remove the grips if they cover the bottom of the frame. Include all letters there whether seperated by space or not.
The 839,401 number is the ser#, (hopefully the # on the frame matches) the 8441 number (if from inside the crane & visible when the cylinder is open) is an assembly # used by the factory.
Please repost with the complete ser# & whether 5 or 6 shot so we can correctly identify it & give accruate answers to your questions.
Jim0 -
Thank you very much for the information. I did find the serial # on the butt of the gun after I removed the handles and it matches the serial # on the cylinder. The cylinder is 6 shot, the other four digit serial # matches the # on the frame of the gun that swings out. There is no rear site, only a ramp recessed and that coincides with the half moon at the end of the barrel. Gun is at least 85%. Does anyone know the approximate date the gun was made and the value? I do not have the original handles, but will try to put a picture on. Thanks again. 0 -
Gun has 5 screws, 4 in frame and 1 in front under barrel.0 -
wcwireman,
Your gun is a "38 Military & Police Model of 1905 - 4th change"
Your gun was probably made in the 1941/1942 time frame but may not have been shipped 'till 1945 because of gov. orders during the war.
The original grip panels would be either hard rubber or checkered walnut with a diamond around the screw & gold monograms. The originals had the ser# hand stamped inside the right panel.
The M&P's were made in 2", 4", 5", & 6" barrel lengths with both round & square butt frame (square butt is rare). The 2" barrel is rarest & will bring a premium. (up to 2X value for round butt & up to 3X for square butt frame)
Your gun was produced & shipped during WW II & because of the rich history of the period, if the gun were mine, I would order a factory letter from S&W. There were many orders for special use military & police groups that if documented, will more than cover the $50 charge for the letter.
Jim
EDIT; As always, Joe said it better than I could. The only thing I can add is the original issue grips; add $100/$150 if they can be found, half that for replacement period grip panels.0 -
Can anyone give me an idea of what the gun is worth? I'd like to give it to one of my sons and try to divide things evenly. Thanks. 0 -
Equal amounts to your children? If that's the only reason, use $500 as the value of the pistol..so that you can use the same $500 value for each heir.
Actual value will be somewhat higher, but will fluctuate according to the dart-board we call the Gunbroker Auctions.
Hope you appreciate my considering all the angles to your particular situation..and my trying to keep the equal-share problem you are encountering as simple as possible.
Very nice M&P. I'd be stingy, and keep it for myself! Screw the kids![:D] Best, Joe0 -
Thank you all very much. I appreciate the valuable information. 0
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