[high_caliber]

This is for a friend.

The revolver has a S/N of 3176XX. The right side of the barrel is marked 38 S&W SPECIAL CTG. The barrel length is 4 inches and the gun is nickel plated. It has mother-of-pearl grips, which I suppose are not original equipment. Behind the crane is stamped the number 19164, which I guess is a production number.

So, folks, what does he have?
Thanks In Advance.

[SDC]

You're going to have to provide more info; 5 shot, 6 shot, frame size, hammer shrouded or not, fixed or adjustable sights, etc. If it's a post-1957 S&W the model number would be marked inside the crane cut-out, but without that, we'd need more specific info. The serial number should be on the butt of the grip-frame, with a partial number repeated in a couple of other places.

[Old Fuff]

SDC is right, more information - or better yet a picture - is necessary to identify your revolver. I suspect it will turn out to be what is called a "1905 Hand Ejector/Military & Police - 4th Change. If (and only "if") this is right it was made during the late "19-teens" or early 1920's. It is possible that the pearl stocks are original as they were a popular option at this time. To find out you will need to find out exactly what you have, and then request a letter form S&W's company historian, Roy Jinks. The cost for this service is currently $30.00.

[Mike Irwin]

Actually, a pretty easy ID given the 4" barrel and the serial number.

The M&P HE Model of 1905, 4th change, is the ONLY S&W revolver that comes close to fitting both criteria.