S&W help

[J Smith]

Trying to find some info for a freind.He has a Smith with the # 1481.I am guessing it is a mod 14 but I can't find anything on the 81 part.It looks like a K38 only it has fixed sights.It is a five screw,so with the seriel # of 132XXX I found a date of 48-52.The only prefix I see is a B.I read that the K38 should have a k.

Anyone have any idea on this gun?

I will get a pic up as soon a photobucket is working.

[TNWNGR]

Picture's would be helpful but at a guess your friend has either a 6" Military & Police 38 Special or a 38/44 both of which were 38 Special's and five screw model's as well. The early K frame M&P will be a bit smaller and lighter than the larger N frame and more M&P's were made than 38/44's.

[Mike]

1481 is likely just a control number from the manufacturing process where they kept the frame, cylinder, and crane together for machining.

Pictures would help. If all else fails call smith and give them the serial number.

[J Smith]

Here is a pic.

[Jonnin]

that looks a LOT like the old colt army 38 S&W (not 38 sp) model. If its not one of those (and it isnt, its not colt), it evolved from it directly.

confirmed: its one of the early s&w k frames and it is directly modeled off the old colt pistols.

I think I found it:

K104,048 – K136,690...1951

is it a k serial?

Edited April 8, 2012 by Jonnin

[TNWNGR]

Yep. S&W M&P, there were no model number's at the time this revolver was made and yes, it is a K frame. Very nice example of a good looking S&W, I wouldn't mind having it myself, your friend has a gem there.

[J Smith]

There is no prefix except a B on the serial # under the barrel,the sereial on the butt has no prefix at all.

I am thinking after searching a good while last night that it is an early M&P.Just wish I could figure out the exact date as all I found on the dates should have some type prefix.

[Jonnin]

are you absolutely sure its a 38, and is it a 38sp or 38 s&w?

Only B I found was a 32 caliber (?)

Only letterless SNs I found were 5 digit, not 6.

If it started with 8 instead of B it would be 8K1234 or something like that.

Striking out on this....

If its 132XX and you typed an extra x its a 1931 best I can tell (??)

Edited April 8, 2012 by Jonnin

[J Smith]

IRRC it says .38 S&W Sp. CTG

It does have 6 numbers and no prefix.He had it in at a local gun shop and they were stumped as well.

[Garufa]

It is a .38 Military & Police, Model of 1905, 1st or 2nd change with what appears to be a 6.5" barrel.

Manufactured around 1908. That is my estimation, the serial number range from 1906-1909 was 73251-146899.

Edited April 8, 2012 by Garufa

[J Smith]

Thanks,my father just bought it from him at 300.00.Wish I could have gotten into it.

[I_Like_Pie]

Thanks,my father just bought it from him

at 300.00.Wish I could have gotten into it.

It is in the family! By the time it is yours it will be worth a lot more than $300!!!

That is a fine pistol.