bluetopper
Member
I’m the new caretaker of this S&W 38 M&P target model. Serial dates it to around 1921 to 1923. It’s the first pre war and 5 screw I’ve ever added to my stable. Pic taken on my way home with it.
38 pre war target
- Thread starter bluetopper
- Start date
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Riomouse911
Member
Nice! I like those older S&W revolvers, and that’s a good looking one there.
Stay safe.
Stay safe.
I know that look. Great looking revolver, and great shooters as well.
NIGHTLORD40K
Member
Wow, great condition and nice score! What did that run you, if I may ask?
OP
OP
bluetopper
Member
Sent you a message in reply sir. I’m debating on whether to send the $100 off for a factory letter. We’ll see how it performs this weekend with some mild wadcutters at 25 yards.
Pat Riot
Contributing Member
Very nice. I am envious. 
Driftwood Johnson
Member
Howdy
That one looks to be in very nice condition. That style of service grips was generally used from about 1920 to about 1929. The one I can see looks to be in beautiful condition.
I have two of them, both of which shipped around 1917. Notice the different style grips, this style with recessed 'gold' medallions was used from about 1910 to about 1920. I can't quite tell from your photo, does yours have the large 'mushroom shaped' cap on the ejector rod like mine? If you take off the grips carefully, you should find the serial number penciled onto the underside of one of them. I always forget which grip, I think it is the right grip.
This is a comparison photo of a K-38 from 1950 and one of my 38 M&P Targets. Notice the tiny little adjustment screws for windage on the rear sight. You need a tiny screwdriver. You back one screw out, then use the other screw to shove the blade the direction you want it to go. Then you snug up the first screw. They are delicate, don't over tighten. The modern 'micro-click' rear sight first appeared in 1940 on the rare, pre-war K-22 Masterpiece. First used on the K-38 in 1946.
$100 for a factory letter?
Ouch. Don't hate me but I remember when they were $30.
Frankly, I don't bother to letter a S&W, particularly at those prices, unless it is something unusual.
That one looks to be in very nice condition. That style of service grips was generally used from about 1920 to about 1929. The one I can see looks to be in beautiful condition.
I have two of them, both of which shipped around 1917. Notice the different style grips, this style with recessed 'gold' medallions was used from about 1910 to about 1920. I can't quite tell from your photo, does yours have the large 'mushroom shaped' cap on the ejector rod like mine? If you take off the grips carefully, you should find the serial number penciled onto the underside of one of them. I always forget which grip, I think it is the right grip.
This is a comparison photo of a K-38 from 1950 and one of my 38 M&P Targets. Notice the tiny little adjustment screws for windage on the rear sight. You need a tiny screwdriver. You back one screw out, then use the other screw to shove the blade the direction you want it to go. Then you snug up the first screw. They are delicate, don't over tighten. The modern 'micro-click' rear sight first appeared in 1940 on the rare, pre-war K-22 Masterpiece. First used on the K-38 in 1946.
$100 for a factory letter?
Ouch. Don't hate me but I remember when they were $30.
Frankly, I don't bother to letter a S&W, particularly at those prices, unless it is something unusual.
OP
OP
bluetopper
Member
Yes mine has the mushroom end ejector rod. They discontinued those in 1927.
Very nice examples you have.
We are just caretakers of them while we have them.
Very nice examples you have.
We are just caretakers of them while we have them.
Driftwood Johnson
Member
horsemen61
Member
- Joined
- Oct 20, 2011
- Messages
- 6,755
Nice guns fellas
Instead of paying for the factory letter, ask on the S&W forum, there is a good chance that the members there have a gun in that serial number range and can give you a lot of info but not the the ship-to address.
I went piggy-back and got a copy of a factory letter on the rare S&W 19-3 Raymond Sassia and 19-P Peruvian models with fixed sights. That money saved is best invested in lead.
I went piggy-back and got a copy of a factory letter on the rare S&W 19-3 Raymond Sassia and 19-P Peruvian models with fixed sights. That money saved is best invested in lead
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bannockburn
Member
- Joined
- Apr 24, 2007
- Messages
- 26,297
Walkalong
Wow! That looks to be in excellent shape!
Wow! That looks to be in excellent shape!
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