Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: Military & Police

Serial Number: 280046 with a “star”. The “star” denotes a “factory rework” gun, which could have been anything as minor as a trigger or hammer replacement to something major like a barrel replacement, mechanism exchange, reblue, etc.

Year of Manufacture: 1915-1942 (Trigger guard screw present)

Caliber: .38 Special

Action Type: Single / Double Action, Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder With Hand Ejector Revolver

Barrel Length: 4” Pinned

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a half circle blade machined into the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch channel machined into the top of the frame.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut Service panels with “deep dish” S&W medallions at their tops and “smooth diamonds” around the grip screw escutcheons. The checkering is semi-sharp and beginning to smooth in places. The grips have no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good Condition.

Type of Finish: Blue. Case Hardened trigger and hammer

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is defined. There is scattered light erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8/10.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 80% of its metal finish. The trigger guard has some light scuffs and thinning of the finish. The leading edges are thinning their finish. The top strap has missing finish from prior corrosion being cleaned away. The muzzle is missing finish as well. The backstrap shows evidence of heavy use, as oxidation and corrosion have patinated the majority of its finish. The cylinder has a visible turn line. The screw heads are sharp, the markings are clear. The trigger serrations are sharp. The hammer spur checkering is defined. The checkering in the cylinder release is sharp. Overall this pistol is in Very Good Condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up well on each chamber with very little side-to-side play. The single-action trigger is crisp and the double action is smooth. We did not fire this handgun. As with all previously owned firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment:The name Smith & Wesson has been synonymous with finely crafted American made firearms since 1852. In 1899, Smith & Wesson introduced what would become the quintessential police handgun of the twentieth century, the K frame Military & Police chambered in .38 Special. With its solid frame carbon steel construction and 6-round capacity, it emerged as a symbol of simplicity, reliability, durability, and accuracy. Small improvements were made over the ensuing century, though the basic design remained much the same, and it’s still considered by many to be among the finest personal defense or police handguns ever made.

This Smith & Wesson .38 Military & Police Model of 1905 4th Change was made between 1915-1942 and is in Very Good Condition. It’s a “factory rework” gun, as distinguished by the “star” after the serial number. It features a 4” barrel, 80% of its original blued finish, elegant two-piece checkered walnut Service grips with “deep dish” S&W medallions at their tops and “smooth diamonds” around the grip screw escutcheons, and a bright bore with defined rifling and scattered light erosion. This Smith & Wesson revolver has been well loved over the years, and hopefully you can be the next to enjoy this piece of history.