SW .38 Revolver Identification and Evaluation

[GlockSpock]

A coworker has the following gun for sale. I am considering buying it. I think it is a Model 10 with 4" barrel. Does that identification seem correct? I'll admit that I don't know much about revolvers. He quoted me a specific price, which I'll keep to myself for now.

Is it a Model 10? What does a decent price seem? Is it worth more in current condition or reblued? I understand that rebluing typically kills any collector value, but since this is already in rough shape and I doubt a rare piece it probably doesn't have much collector value to begin with. If the timing is good and the bluing redone, it could make a good shooter. I assume, if one wanted, they could purchase new/like new grips easily.

If I get it, it'd probably mainly be for a project gun. I'm never tried bluing anything and it seems like a fun project. 

Edited September 25, 2018 by GlockSpock

[KahrMan]

I could be wrong but I do not remember my model 10's having the large SW logo on the right side.

As for price I would think $200-$250.

[Garufa]

I believe that is a post-war pre-model 10 M&P.  It became the model 10 when numbering started in 1957. 

I bet its an excellent shooter as it looks now.  In that condition it would be hard to pay more than $200 for it and that's being generous.  Looks like there might be some pitting as well which makes refinishing even more difficult.

This is an example of why one should not leave fine old revolvers in a holster.

Edited September 25, 2018 by Garufa

[MacGyver]

It kind of hurts my feelings to see a gun with that character get refinished.

Be careful with the bluing chemicals if you try it - that stuff is pretty toxic.

[GlockSpock]

27 minutes ago, KahrMan said:

I could be wrong but I do not remember my model 10's having the large SW logo on the right side.

As for price I would think $200-$250.

 

5 minutes ago, Garufa said:

I believe that is a post-war pre-model 10 M&P.  It became the model 10 when numbering started in 1957. 

I bet its an excellent shooter as it looks now.  In that condition it would be hard to pay more than $200 for it and that's being generous.

 

5 minutes ago, MacGyver said:

It kind of hurts my feelings to see a gun with that character get refinished.

Be careful with the bluing chemicals if you try it - that stuff is pretty toxic.

He's asking $200.00. So I guess that is rather quite in line with market value. I figured it would be old, but I didn't really think it'd be from the 50's. But then after reading a bit about them online it seems it probably is from about that time period. 

@MacGyver For both the reasons you stated (character + bluing chemicals), I think I'll hold off. It does seem fun, but I can totally find other things to do as well. I'm not DYING for something to do

[gregintenn]

If it's tight, $200 is a very good price. I would buy it. There is nothing wrong with those grips. If you replace them, don't throw them out. They'll bring several dollars.

Until you actually shoot it, you'd call me a liar if I told you how well an old M&P shoots.

[Ronald_55]

I have 2 pre-war "pre Model 10" types (M&P Model 1905) so this peaked my interest. Care to share most of the sn? I am sure we can get you a year. 

Is there a model # in the crane yoke. The 1957 change started that I think. Before that the number there was an assembly number.

Looks like this

Here is the latest one I bought.

Edited September 25, 2018 by Ronald_55
Pics

[Grayfox54]

Its definitely a S&W Military and Police (M&P) Pre-Model 10.  Its a 5 screw model and has the round front sight which was changed to a ramp in 1952. From the hammer shape, I'm guessing late 1940s - early 50s.  Need a serial number to get any closer. 

If the bore and timing are good, $200 is a good price. I'd buy it. 

This one is just one of many, many shooter grade guns out there. Refinishing this gun won't hurt it any. In this case it would probably add to the value. S&W has made millions of M&Ps  over the last 100+ years. True collector guns have to be in mint condition to attract any interest.

BTW: I've had excellent results with Blue Wonder. Follow the instructions and you can get a really nice finish. 

 

Edited September 25, 2018 by Grayfox54

[Patton]

I think it is a pretty good buy at $200. If you don’t have a 4” k frame buy that one; everyone needs one.

[Jamie Jackson]

It looks like it's had a few rounds through it. But if it's tight and the timing is right on it I'd be all over it for $200.00!

I had one in the past and regret selling it. The double action trigger on mine was excellent. And the "pointability", for me, was perfect. Great shooting guns.

Jamie

[GlockSpock]

Two more photos, after realizing where the important bits are on a SW revolver:) I "magicked away" the last serial digit using Photoshop.

 

I found this website:

https://www.northeastshooters.com/xen/threads/how-to-identify-date-a-s-w.68254/

So, for serial 21852* (again, last serial disappeared using Photoshop), it looks like:

C1 - C233,999………….....1948 – 52

Am I looking at that correctly?

[Garufa]

57 minutes ago, GlockSpock said:

So, for serial 21852* (again, last serial disappeared using Photoshop), it looks like:

C1 - C233,999………….....1948 – 52

Am I looking at that correctly?

Yes.  You could also infer that it was probably made in '52.

[Ronald_55]

@GlockSpock

I think you are. 

If the C was not there it would fall into this I think. See highlight. This is from the 2010 Standard Catalog of Firearms. Those letter prefixes make all the difference.

 

[GlockSpock]

I'm torn. I don't own any revolvers. They typically are not my think. I really, really do like the nostalgia of holding a revolver and shooting a revolver, but I'd rather spend my money something like a Glock or similar.

However, I've always wanted a GP-100 in 6" Stainless. This S&W doesn't really mark any of those tick marks (stainless, .357, 6" barrel). But I do sort of want it. So oh, I don't know.

[Erik88]

58 minutes ago, GlockSpock said:

I'm torn. I don't own any revolvers. They typically are not my think. I really, really do like the nostalgia of holding a revolver and shooting a revolver, but I'd rather spend my money something like a Glock or similar.

However, I've always wanted a GP-100 in 6" Stainless. This S&W doesn't really mark any of those tick marks (stainless, .357, 6" barrel). But I do sort of want it. So oh, I don't know.

It doesn't do much for me either but for $200 you're not making a huge investment. You could keep it a few months or a few years and probably sell it for the same price if you were bored with it. You and I have similar tastes. The GP100's are awesome. 

[Grayfox54]

Heck, $200 ain't much money these days. If you decide you don't like it, you can always resell and probably at a small profit. 

If I was at your end of the state and it checked out mechanically, I snatch it up in a heartbeat just because of the price. Then I'd refinish it just for a fun project. And I already own several and have absolutely no need for it. 

[No_0ne]

1 hour ago, Grayfox54 said:

Heck, $200 ain't much money these days. If you decide you don't like it, you can always resell and probably at a small profit. 

If I was at your end of the state and it checked out mechanically, I snatch it up in a heartbeat just because of the price. Then I'd refinish it just for a fun project. And I already own several and have absolutely no need for it. 

Since when is "need" applicable to gun purchases?

[gregintenn]

I'd much rather have that old model 10 than a new GP100.

[MacGyver]

6 minutes ago, gregintenn said:

I'd much rather have that old model 10 than a new GP100.

Yep.

[Grayfox54]

1 hour ago, No_0ne said:

Since when is "need" applicable to gun purchases?

It doesn't. I said I already have several and don't need it. But I also said I'd buy it in a heartbeat. 

[Quavodus]

Yep. I'd buy it too. Should make a goodun.

[tnhawk]

7 hours ago, No_0ne said:

Since when is "need" applicable to gun purchases?

You always NEED one more gun!

[GlockSpock]

Much to everyone's disappointment I'm sure, but he sold it to someone else yesterday evening.

I'm relieved, as now I don't have to make a decision!

[Garufa]

3 hours ago, GlockSpock said:

Much to everyone's disappointment I'm sure, but he sold it to someone else yesterday evening.

I'm relieved, as now I don't have to make a decision!

We’re disappointed for you as you’ll never the joy of a classic old revolver.  

[Quavodus]

Garufa, I agree. Theres just something about revolvers.