My S&W 4 inch .38

[Chris Oxford]

I've got a nice 4 inch Smith .38 K frame that's in color. Not sure if it's nickel plated or an aluminum alloy frame. It looks just like my blue model 10-5 four inch. I can't find a model number where they usually are on my Smith revolvers. Just the serial number. I think it's a model 12. Am I wrong? Also on the bottom of the grip frame it reads Georgia Game and Fish. I suppose it was a game wardens carry gun in the past. It's a beautiful specimen. Anyone know what model it might be? Thanks

 

[Old Dog]

If you open the cylinder, the model number should be clearly displayed (with the dash number). If it's nickel-plated, but lighter than a Model 10, it's a Model 12.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Could be an early stainless "pencil barrel" M64.

But ya, need pics.

 

[Pat Riot]

The photo in this link shows where the Model Number location should be.
https://www.smith-wesson.com/safety/recalls/performance-center-model-329-safety-recall

 

[GooseGestapo]

It’s possibly either a Model 10 Nk or Model 12.
If it’s a M-12, it was issued to a staff level officer (admin.Sgt, Lt, Capt. Major, Lt.Col or Col.).
That would explain the near unfired condition.

When I was hired in 1982, we we’re issued M65’s, with staff wearing M60 2”. However, some of the “gray heads” were allowed to carry previous issues that they were allowed to purchase from distributors (GT Distributors, Rossville, Ga). I remember one of the admin Sgts wearing his when shooting night qualifications and working night details.
I didn’t buy either my M65 or M686 as I considered them both “junk” *
However I did buy back my Glock M22 as it had my badge# as when it was issued.

Nice acquisition!
The general consensus was that the earlier Bangor-Punta guns were much superior to the late ‘70’s Lear-Sigler produced guns.
My M65 had the “reverse” internal gas ring cylinder and would foul and start binding after 20-30rounds.
PM me if you ever decide to part with it.

BTW; a few of those guns got away from Smith without the Model # stamps on the frame inside the yoke cut.
Pics please!

 

[Chris Oxford]

It’s possibly either a Model 10 Nk or Model 12.
If it’s a M-12, it was issued to a staff level officer (admin.Sgt, Lt, Capt. Major, Lt.Col or Col.).
That would explain the near unfired condition.

When I was hired in 1982, we we’re issued M65’s, with staff wearing M60 2”. However, some of the “gray heads” were allowed to carry previous issues that they were allowed to purchase from distributors (GT Distributors, Rossville, Ga). I remember one of the admin Sgts wearing his when shooting night qualifications and working night details.
I didn’t buy either my M65 or M686 as I considered them both “junk” *
However I did buy back my Glock M22 as it had my badge# as when it was issued.

Nice acquisition!
The general consensus was that the earlier Bangor-Punta guns were much superior to the late ‘70’s Lear-Sigler produced guns.
My M65 had the “reverse” internal gas ring cylinder and would foul and start binding after 20-30rounds.
PM me if you ever decide to part with it.

BTW; a few of those guns got away from Smith without the Model # stamps on the frame inside the yoke cut.
Pics please!

I'll put some pics on here. I did find out that it's is a Model 12. And yes it got away from the factory with no model number at all stamped on the yoke cut out. There's letter above 225x3 then below that looks like another letter. The finish is really nice on the metal.

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

Howdy

Everybody needs to remember if it was made before 1957, when S&W changed over to the model number system, there will not be a Model number stamped on the frame under the cylinder yoke (hinge).

Identification is still possible, but good, well focused, clear photos would be a big help.

 

[Jim Watson]

Before 1957 Smith and Wessons had names, not numbers.
You describe a Military and Police .38 Airweight. Which ought to be written right on the barrel.

 

[Chris Oxford]

Before 1957 Smith and Wessons had names, not numbers.
You describe a Military and Police .38 Airweight. Which ought to be written right on the barrel.

I'll get some pics together. But Nothing saying Military and Police is in the revolver anywhere.

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

I have bunches of old Military and Police Smiths. None of them says Military and Police on them.

Just supply the best photos you can.

A photo of the frame under the yoke would not hurt either.

 

[Jim Watson]

I was imprecise.
There should be an Airweight stamp on the barrel.
Model names used to be well known.

 

[Jonesy814]

S&W did not stamp the name on most revolvers prior to or after 1957 and model numbers were stamped from 58 on.
One of the few with a name stamp was the Highway Patrolman, with that being rollmarks on the right side of the barrel. The Military & Police and most others had the name on the box, but not the gun

 

[ArchAngelCD]

You can also tell by the weight of the revolver.
The 4" M10 or pre-M10 will weigh around 33oz.
The 4" M12 or pre-M12 will weight 20oz or a little more since the 2" weighs 14.5oz with an alloy cylinder and 18oz with a steel cylinder. (early Airweight)

Hope that helps a bit.