Inherited a gun, any info?

B

bonkbonk

Inactive
my grandfather past on awhile ago, and a few of his thing got passed to me. One being a gun. I do not know that much about guns so any info you could give would be great.

It's a S&W 38 Special.

I well describe the marks as if i was holding it

Right side: MADE IN U.S.A - between the cillender and trigger.
38 S & W SPECIAL CTG - down the barrel

Top of barrel: SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFEILD MASS U.S.A PATENTED
OCT. 8.01 DEC. 17.01 FEB. 6.06 SEPT. 14.09 DEC. 29.14

Left side: SMITH & WESSON - down the barrel
S&W tade mark stamp - near the grip

Bottom of Grip: 432608

It also came with a really cool holster.

On the flap : R.K. Daniel (maybe my great grandfather?)

On the main part: Aug. 1. 1924
R.K.D
# 418021

then a bit further down it has these # upside down
# 252322

Any info would be great. I am wondering about the numbers on the holster. Thanks alot
 
May not work on a really old gun, but... Open the cylinder and under the part of the frame that folds out holding the cylinder there may be a stamped model number. Other details like how many rounds it holds, and whether it has fixed or adjustable sights helps. There are other details but this is a start...

Coffee
 
I believe you have a 38 Hand Ejector Military and Police [M&P] Model 1905 Fourth Change . Basically known as the M&P . These are I believe the most produced revolver ever .
Your serial number would put it about 1923 which coincides with the holster markings .
Very reliable fighting tool even today assuming it's in good mechanical condition . I would probably avoid +P rated ammo though .
 
coffee you were right there was a # there.

6 - 4183

6 shot

about the sight, at the end of the barrel is a 2 tiered sight about 1/2 in long shaped in a half circle and near the hammer, nothing raised, but a half circle machined out.
 
Coffee was thinking that there might be something like "Mod 10" stamped there but from the markings you describe I think Guy is dead on and it is a 4th Model Hand Ejector or as most people call it the Military and Police (M&P for short). This version was refined in 1915 and made until after World War Two when minor design changes were made. In 1957 when Smith & Wesson gave all their guns numbers this gun became the famous Model 10.

The M&P (Model 10) has been made in many variations over the years. Barrels commonly are 2" or 4" or 5" or 6" in length. Measure from end of barrel to face of cylinder. Can be blued or nickel plated.

About 20,000,000 of these guns were made so they are not rare and they will usually sell in the $150-$250 range depending on condition, features, and who is shopping that day. This is one of the all time great guns and being a keepsake from your grandfather (maybe even great grandfather?) makes it particularly special. You should do some family research and find out who actually used it as it sounds like it was service pistol. Maybe great grandad was a cop or a security guard at a defense plant during the war. One of those numbers on the holster may have been his badge number. Some great stories to be found.

If you are interested in shooting this fine old gun you may want to see if any beginner pistol classes are offered at a local range or club. Check the phone book for any shooting ranges in your area and call to see or ask at local gun shops.
 
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