Need some help, I.D. this pistol.

[coyotebait]

My aunt has it, her friend wants to buy it but doesn't know much about. It's a S&W 38 special. Don't know model number or approximate value. Any info would be great, thanks.

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[littlejake]

All I can tell you is, it's a pre 1980 Smith and Wesson with a 4 inch barrel. The cross pin in the frame that holds the barrel locked in a rotational sense is the "tell" for pre 1980. It's a "square-butt." And appears to be a K frame. Can you give the first 3 of the serial number -- might help.

[coyotebait]

She says it's a police issue from the 60's. I'm trying to get more info from her on it.

[PEZHEAD265]

It looks like a model 10.

[littlejake]

I can believe it was a 1960's police issue. And it very well could be a model 10.

[coyotebait]

Any ideas on an approximate value? Looking on gunbroker, some similar to it seem to be about $300-$400, seem about right?

[littlejake]

I'm looking in The Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson. The front sight blade suggests it's earlier than the model 10. Perhaps in the series known as Hand Ejectors and a part of a series known as the M&P. Depending on condition -- need to check timing and wear on the ratchet... I'd say it's in the $400 to $500 range. Large S&W logo on the side plate is also suggestive.

The real S&W experts are over at http://smith-wessonforum.com/forum.php

Probably can tell you much more about it. One can get a letter of authenticity from Roy Jinks.

[redcliff]

I was looking for a pistol to help identify but only saw the picture of the revolver.

It is a Smith & Wesson Military and Police (pre-model 10) 5 screw produced prior to 1958. Hard to tell value from the pictures and I'm not current on their values as its not a revolver I collect.

[Oldnoob]

If it is a Model 10, $250~300 sounds about right for PPT (if you have paper/box). In store, sale tag will be close to $400, that means shop will give you $150~200.

[CSACANNONEER]

I was looking for a pistol to help identify but only saw the picture of the revolver.

It is a Smith & Wesson Military and Police (pre-model 10) 5 screw produced prior to 1958. Hard to tell value from the pictures and I'm not current on their values as its not a revolver I collect.

Define "pistol" then. I bet I can poke holes in your definition if it doesn't include revolvers.

[redcliff]

Define "pistol" then. I bet I can poke holes in your definition if it doesn't include revolvers.

The firearms industry standard nowdays is that a revolver is not a pistol, as pistols have chambers integral with the barrel; they are listed in seperate sections on websites of manufacturers that make both for a reason.

I know all about Sam Colt trying to market his new revolver and calling it a revolving pistol; times have changed and its precisely because there are revolvers now that we differentiate between the two by using the proper terms. Use handgun if you want a blanket term, or keep using the non-industry standard term if you prefer.