[Vladimir Berkov]

When did S&W start putting those markings on the frames of their M&P revolvers?

Also, does anybody know the age of a M&P with a serial in the 100XXX range?

[Old Fuff]

A 1905 Hand Ejector (Military & Police) with a serial number in the 100,000 range would be a "2nd. Change" made between 1906 to 1909.

"Marcas Registradas" markings were introduced during the 1930's in response to foreign copies and counterfits that were flooding Mexico, Central America and South America.

[Vladimir Berkov]

Bizarre. Check this auction out then. I don't know much about the M&P, but from what I understand 100xxx is pretty low as their serial numbers go, but this gun also has the "marcas..." on the frame, and the grips are certainly not from 1906-1909. Do you think the gun is indeed newer than that and the seller just screwed up the serial?

http://www.gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=9245358

[Old Fuff]

The revolver pictured in the auction is a "pre-model 10" manufactured shortly after World War Two. I suspect from 1946 to 1948, but possibly as late as 1952. The serial number should have an "S" or"C" in front of it. It is probably worth the $150.00 being ask for it. Five-inch barrels are a little uncommon.

The serial number could be C 100,xxx. "C" numbers started at C 1 in 1948. and ran to C 999,999.

[Vladimir Berkov]

Thanks! You really know your S&Ws.

How about this one?

http://www.auctionarms.com/search/displayitem.cfm?ItemNum=4390323

The seller says that it hasn't been refinished, but then why isn't there a S&W logo?

[Old Fuff]

Number 555,xxx is a Military & Police (a.k.a. 1905 Hand Ejector/4th Change) that was made in the middle-latter 1930's. It has been reblued, and apparently the logo was polished off. The original grips have been replaced with ones made after World War Two. At $215.00 it is overpriced, considering the so-so refinishing job and replaced grips.

If I was looking for a "classic" Military & Police the first one (#100,xxx - most likely C 100,xxx) would seem to be a better buy unless someone bids it up.

[Vladimir Berkov]

Thanks. I was really suspicious about the rebluing, so that one is out.

I am still really looking for a 4" too, but I am sure a good one will show up one of these days.

[Old Fuff]

Indeed it will. They're a lot of them out there. You should be able to find what you want for $200.00 or well under that. I like pre-war guns or early post-war because of the fit and craftmanship that went into them. But this limits me to no +P ammunition, or very little of it. You may want a "numbered model" (10, 10-1, 10-2, etc.). These are not finished as well as the older ones, but they are still good and will take more abuse. They can also be found for less then collector prices. Good luck.

[Vladimir Berkov]

Actually, I like the exact same ones you do. Pre-war, or early post war. If it doesn't have a half-moon front sight or a thin barrel I am not even interested!

My main want is a prewar M&P with a 4" barrel and the older style pre-war grips. If you see one available, please let me know. I would really appreciate it.

Also do you have any ideas on good places to look? I check auctionarms and gunbroker pretty regularly, and what with the local gun scene being pretty much pathetic, really the only place I am going to find one is on the internet.

[Mike Irwin]

Vlad,

Tip on how you can tell if a gun is a reblue...

If the bottoms of the pits are also blued, it's been refinished.

The second gun you posted has DEFINITELY been reblued.

How can a frigging gun with THAT many obvious pits be considered to be 95%?

Christ. :rolleyes:

[Old Fuff]

You may have noticed some people posting on S&W issues often quote out of a book "Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson." One of the authors is Jim Supica, who without question is a leading expert on Smith & Wesson handguns.

Jim also runs a business selling classic and antique firearms of all kinds, but he specializes in S&W. He is a very good person too do business with. I have bought a number of guns from him and never been disapointed. His descriptions concerning a item's condition are to say the least on the conservative side, and if he says a particular piece is a model such-and-such you can be sure it is.

You will find him at: http://www.armchairgunshow.com

I understand he has a big sale or auction (I forget which) coming up this fall that will feature S&W Hand Ejectors.

These are for the most part collector-grade guns, but you won't have to worry about reblue jobs or mis-matched grips - unless he tells you that up front.