In House Shipping:
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: .38 Military & Police, First Post War Series, Five Screw, M&P Pre-Model 10
Serial Number: S 965653
Year of Manufacture: 1947 December, C&R (Reference S&W Letter)
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: Double / Single Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON” /“38 S.&W. SPC CTG.”. The yoke cut and crane are marked “50875”. The butt is marked with the serial number. The right sideplate has a trademark S&W logo and the frame’s right side is marked with “Made In USA”. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “S 965653”.The bottom of the barrel is marked “S 965653” above the ejector rod . The interior of the right grip panel is stamped with the serial number, showing us the grips are original.
Barrel Length: 2 inches, Pinned.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a round blade integral to a base forged to the barrel. The rear sight is a trough cut into the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut stocks with smooth borders, and smooth diamonds around the grip screw escutcheons. There are no notable defects. The checking is strong. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition as C&R
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is strong. There is no erosion in the bore. 10/10 bore rating in this writer’s opinion.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 100% of its metal finish. The cylinder has no turnline. There are some handling marks from storage. The screw heads are lightly sharp serviceable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up well on each chamber with barely perceptible movement. The single action trigger is crisp and the double action is smooth. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver is accompanied by a copy of the letter from S&W and a Gold and Blue box that is appropriate for the age of the gun.
Our Assessment: This 2 inch pre-model 10 is in excellent condition with about 100% of its metal finish, a bright bore, and strong mechanics. This is a post-war .38 Military & Police 38 Hand Ejector M&P Pre Model 10 revolver. It has a pinned 2 inch barrel, original stocks, and blued finish. It has all of its original finish remaining. Collectors please pay attention to this one. This is still a K-frame .38, perhaps the benchmark for a .38 duty or defense revolver and will certainly serve faithfully for lifetimes to come. But in this writer’s opinion it should stay a safe queen.