Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: Pre-Model 10

Serial Number: S 951975

Year of Manufacture: 1947-1948

Caliber: .38 Special

Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver (SA/DA) with Swing Out Cylinder

Markings: The butt is marked “S 951975”. The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON/ 38 S&W SPL CTG.”. The yoke cut is marked “23558” and the yoke is marked “23558”. The right side of the frame is marked with MADE IN USA. The side plate is marked with the S&W monogram logo. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “S 951975” as is the barrel flat above the ejector rod. The inside of the right grip panel is marked “S2” with an “H”. The left panel is marked “S1”, “A” and “138”. The outside of the grips is marked “MH”.

Barrel Length: Nominal 2” measures 1 7/8″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a round blade integral to a rise in the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch in the top strap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: Rarely seen in the wild, these Flat butt grips are aluminum. They are colloquially known as a “Bridgeport Rig”. The 'Bridgeport Rig' was a special holster developed in 1882 for the Colt Model 1873 Single Action Army. A special screw was added to the pistol, which fitted into the swivel clip. This allowed the user to point and fire quickly without having to remove the gun from the rig. There is light scuffing throughout. There is no notable wear or damage to the grips other than light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The grips both rate in about Excellent overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: All Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. The bore rates at 9.5/10 in this writer’s opinion.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. There is thinning at all edges, heaviest to the left and right of the muzzle. The cylinder has a turnline and very light surface oxidation. There is a dent near the muzzle and a tad of erosion on the hammer. The screw heads show responsible tool use and have strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine 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 Pre-Model 10 is a revolver of worldwide popularity. In production for decades, some 6,000,000 of the type have been produced over the years, making it the most popular centerfire revolver of the 20th century. But this blue 2″ pre-model 10 is about as rare as they come and is in about Fine condition with about 90% 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” barrel, Bridgeport stocks. The 'Bridgeport Rig' was a special holster developed in 1882 for the Colt Model 1873 Single Action Army. A special screw was added to the pistol, which fitted into the swivel clip. This allowed the user to point and fire quickly without having to remove the gun from the rig. If the collectors don’t pay enough attention it might slip away. 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.