Trying to ID a S&W

[trimatic]

Hello all I am trying to ID a Smith and Wesson revolver I just bought it is a 2 inch barrel six shot 38spc fixed sights nickel finish. I have several Smiths but not one without a model number. The serial number is on the frame,cylender and the underside of the barrel.

serial # c 1566xx

any info would be greatly appreciated

 

[Jim Watson]

Smith and Wesson did not start applying model numbers until 1957.
You have a Military and Police which came out in 1899 which leaves room for a lot of guns without model numbers applied.

Show pictures.
A 2" nickel .38 can be a jewel or a lemon and nobody here can tell without seeing it.

 

[trimatic]

yes sir I am trying to find my camera which I belive one of my children has absconded with will post pics as soon as i find mine or buy a new one

 

[Jim Watson]

Maybe Junior will take pictures for you.
I can take pictures ok but internetting them is going to be a New Adventure.

 

[Old Fuff]

Going by the serial number, it could be a:

Pre-model 10 .38 Special Military & Police. (steel frame)
Pre-model 11 .38 S&W Military & Police .38-200 (very rare)
Pre-model 12 .38 Special Military & Police Airweight (aluminum frame)
Pre-model 45 Military & Police .22 LR.

... made during 1948. Of the models listed above, only the pre-models 10 and 12 were chambered in .38 Special.

 

[Oyeboten]

Images?

 

[Jim K]

Before the J frame came out, the 2" barrel M&P was the second most common gun used by plain clothes police (first was the Colt Detective Special and variations). S&W's other small .38 revolver, the Terrier, was in .38 S&W and not compatible with department issue .38 Special ammnition. Many were nickeled because before stainless steel that was the best way to protect a gun in a shoulder holster from being attacked by perspriation.

Today, they are uncommon and some folks don't even believe there was such a thing as a 2" barrel M&P.

Jim