Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: .38 Military & Police, Pre-Model 10

Serial Number: C337448

Year of Manufacture: 1952-1955

Caliber: .38 Special

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

Barrel Length: 6″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated, ramped blade integral to a rectangular base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch in the end of a groove in the top of the frame.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut Magna stocks with smooth diamonds around the screw escutcheons and S&W medallions at their tops. The right panel is stamped with the serial number. The grips have light handling wear with each having a series of light nicks and scratches on their bottom face. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original, numbered parts match.

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is a small patch of light erosion and minor pitting in the top of the bore at the muzzle. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 8/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 85% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The grip areas show light handling wear and there is wear on each side of the barrel, mostly toward the muzzle-end. There is a small patch of wear on the topstrap toward the rear. There is some minor surface oxidation, most notable in the grip areas. There are a few light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear including a thin turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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: None

Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson .38 Hand Ejector Model of 1899, later known as the Smith & Wesson Model 10, the Smith & Wesson Military & Police or the Smith & Wesson Victory Model, is a revolver of worldwide popularity. It was the successor to the Smith & Wesson .32 Hand Ejector Model of 1896 and was the first Smith & Wesson revolver to feature a cylinder release latch on the left side of the frame like the Colt M1889. In production since 1899, it is a six-shot double-action revolver with fixed sights. Over its long production run it has been available with barrel lengths of 2"-6", blue or nickel finish, square or round butt frame. Some 6,000,000 of the type have been produced over the years, making it the most popular centerfire revolver of the 20th century. This 6" pre-model 10 is in Very Good condition with about 85% of its metal finish, a nice bore and strong mechanics. This is a great old six shooter from the heyday of Smith & Wesson revolvers and should make for a great shooter. Please see our pictures and good luck!