Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: .38 Military & Police Model of 1905 4th Change

Serial Number: 574916

Year of Manufacture: 1926-27 / C&R (Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 5th Edition)

Caliber: .38 Special

Action Type: Double / Single Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder

Barrel Length: 4"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a half moon blade integral to the barrel. The rear sight is a rectangular notch in the top strap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut Hand Ejector stocks with smooth borders, and smooth diamonds around the grip screw escutcheons. There is mild handling wear. The checkering is well defined with light peak wear. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition. The backside of the right grip is not numbered.

Type of Finish: Nickel

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is well-defined. There is some stubborn fouling along the grooves. There is no erosion. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 8/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 70% of its metal finish. The frame, cylinder, ejector star, and barrel have matching serial numbers. The bottom and left side of the grip frame are marked with "W.F. & Co." for Wells Fargo. There balance of the finish shows standard operational wear, intermittent oxidation, and finish loss along most of the leading edges. There is minor erosion on the muzzle. There are rust spots on the sides of the grip frame under the grips. The screw heads are sharp to lightly tool marked. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up well on each chamber with barely perceptible movement. The single action trigger is crisp and the double action is smooth. 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 .38 Military & Police Model of 1905 Fourth Change represents the mature prewar form of Smith & Wesson’s K-frame service revolver and was the longest-running variation of the Model of 1905, produced from 1915 through 1942. Its six-shot .38 Special cylinder, swing-out hand-ejector action, fixed sights, and practical 4" barrel established the pattern that continued through the wartime Victory Model and postwar Model 10.

This nickel-finished Wells Fargo marked example retains about 70% of its original metal finish and has matching-numbered frame, barrel, cylinder, and ejector star. It shows honest service wear, including edge loss, intermittent oxidation, and rust spotting beneath the grips, while retaining clear markings, a bright 8/10 bore, excellent lockup, and smooth double- and single-action operation. This will make a great addition to any Smith & Wesson or C&R revolver collection.