jad0110
Member
Less than a year ago, I came up on a S&W K Frame Transitional .38 M&P (pre-model 10). These guns, having a s/n prefix of "S" ranging from S811338 - S99999 and were made from 1945 to 1948. These guns are referred to as transitional models because they were frequently equipped with both pre-war features (long actions, hole in the side of the frame for access to the lanyard ring lock pin and different style ejector rod knurling) and post war features (hammer block safety, modern ejector rod knurling, and short actions on guns made in late '48). The first M&P Transitional I found had a 6" barrel, long action, hammer block safety and was probably made in late '47 or early '48.
Well, I came upon another today. This one was likely produced in mid to late1945, judging by the s/n. It has a 5" barrel, older style ejector rod (used from 1930 - 1946) and no hammer block safety. Finish is very good, at about 85-90%, and appears to be original. It is in excellent mechanical condition (passed all the checks with flying colors). However, the walnut magna stocks do not have diamonds over the screw holes, so they are not original, and they are in fair condition.
The gun is priced at $275. I've not decided if I'm going to spring for this one yet, as there are other guns on my wish list, and I do have one M&P transitional already. But if I do, I want a very good deal if I decide to go for it. I'm considering offering $250 cash, maybe as low as $240.
The gun served as this gunshop's draw gun for decades, so they probably don't have a lot tied up in it.
Any thoughts?
Well, I came upon another today. This one was likely produced in mid to late1945, judging by the s/n. It has a 5" barrel, older style ejector rod (used from 1930 - 1946) and no hammer block safety. Finish is very good, at about 85-90%, and appears to be original. It is in excellent mechanical condition (passed all the checks with flying colors). However, the walnut magna stocks do not have diamonds over the screw holes, so they are not original, and they are in fair condition.
The gun is priced at $275. I've not decided if I'm going to spring for this one yet, as there are other guns on my wish list, and I do have one M&P transitional already. But if I do, I want a very good deal if I decide to go for it. I'm considering offering $250 cash, maybe as low as $240.
The gun served as this gunshop's draw gun for decades, so they probably don't have a lot tied up in it.
Any thoughts?
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