S&W .38 specia CTGl, police issue? or.....

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Knoxville

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I'm hoping to get some help identifying a gun i just bought.
S&W .38 special ctg, it's a 4" barrel, has SN 641048 stamped on the butt, and 2 other places.
Under the unloader rod, the number has a "B" stamped well in front of it.

It also has stampings on top of the barrel,
"Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass USA"
"Patented FEB.6.06.SEPT.14.09.DEC.29.14"

It's a clean gun, a little worn around the edges, holster wear possibly, got it for $200
I was told it could be a Police Issue, and information would be GREATLY Appreciated, Thanks
 
Just read the sticky at the top of the forum,

It's a 6-shot barrel,
non-adjustable sights
grip is rounded at the top

Thanks for any info!
 
Going by the serial number and no picture, it is a 38 Special Hand Ejector, AKA the Military and Police Model. Manufactured between 1915 and 1943, based on the serial number I would say 1940/41. Police use? maybe, maybe not. With out Police prop, markings it would be impossible to say. I would say the odds are against it because on the barrel length, 4 inch barrels are/were the norm for police carry. However that's not to say that some small town police officer may have carried it. The M&P were made by the millions and used by the police, military and civilians for over a hundred year. They are not uncommon
 
.38 Military & Police Model of 1905 4th Change, manufactured 1930-1934. Serial numbers in the 630000 range shipped in 1930, 642xxx to 648xxx in 1934.

Your gun has a heat treated cylinder, so it should be safe with any modern standard or PlusP pressure ammunition. Avoid +P+ as there is no industry pressure standard for it.

Your gun lacks the positive internal hammer block safety introduced in 1944, if dropped it could potentially fire. If kept loaded or carried it would be prudent to leave the chamber under the hammer empty.

In 2006 the Standard Catalog of S&W gave a value of $200 in good condition, $250 in very good condition, so you did not over pay.

The pre-war and some post war M&Ps have what is called the long action, which is a lot smoother than the current short action. Assuming there is nothing wrong with it mechanically it should be a pleasure to shoot.

The sights should be regulated for 158 grain lead round nose ammo, which was pretty much the only one available at the time.
 
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That's great! Thanks for the info, it's much appreciated, i can't wait to shoot it.
 
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