Shear_stress
Member
- Joined
- Apr 27, 2005
- Messages
- 2,728
Gave into temptation recently and got a five-inch barrel S&W M&P in 38 Special, serial number S837XXX. After referring to the Standard Catalog, the production date seems to be approximately 1946. As a result, it's got kind of an interesting combination of pre-war (long-action, "Made in the USA" stamp) and post-war features (improved hammer drop safety).
It's a handsome, rust-free gun. The finish on the barrel and cylinder has worn down to a smooth, brown patina, resulting in a nice "two-tone" effect. Must have spent a lot of time riding in a holster. In addition, it sports two strange engravings on either side of the frame, concealed by a pair of old Franzite grips. The engraving looks like three stylized initials (DGR??) that, together, resemble an image of a person (!?). Whatever it is, it is well-done. It also makes me wish this piece could talk.
Anyway, the action is very smooth and seems pretty tight. There is an acceptable b/c gap of nine to ten thousanths. However, I see two possible issues. One is that, when cocked very slowly in single action, the cylinder stop doesn't quite engage positively. It seems to happen where two cylinder notches are slightly peened. The second issue the forcing cone: there is an odd machined bevel on the right side, like someone ran an endmill across the the outside surface. Fortunately, the cut doesn't interfere with the inner diameter of the cone.
I am having a gunsmith inspect the M&P before I fire it. However, do any of these issues seem like serious safety risks?
Thanks!
It's a handsome, rust-free gun. The finish on the barrel and cylinder has worn down to a smooth, brown patina, resulting in a nice "two-tone" effect. Must have spent a lot of time riding in a holster. In addition, it sports two strange engravings on either side of the frame, concealed by a pair of old Franzite grips. The engraving looks like three stylized initials (DGR??) that, together, resemble an image of a person (!?). Whatever it is, it is well-done. It also makes me wish this piece could talk.
Anyway, the action is very smooth and seems pretty tight. There is an acceptable b/c gap of nine to ten thousanths. However, I see two possible issues. One is that, when cocked very slowly in single action, the cylinder stop doesn't quite engage positively. It seems to happen where two cylinder notches are slightly peened. The second issue the forcing cone: there is an odd machined bevel on the right side, like someone ran an endmill across the the outside surface. Fortunately, the cut doesn't interfere with the inner diameter of the cone.
I am having a gunsmith inspect the M&P before I fire it. However, do any of these issues seem like serious safety risks?
Thanks!