Historical Guns: Smith & Wesson .38 M&P | Guns & Gear

Published on April 18, 2024
Duration: 2:21

This video delves into the history and significance of the original Smith & Wesson .38 Military and Police revolver, introduced in 1899. Mike Helms, a Smith & Wesson historian, highlights its role as the genesis of the K-frame and the .38 Special cartridge. The discussion emphasizes the revolver's innovative hand-ejector design, which greatly improved loading and unloading efficiency compared to top-break models.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson .38 Military and Police revolver, introduced in 1899, is a landmark firearm that originated the K-frame and the iconic .38 Special cartridge. Its innovative hand-ejector design, allowing the cylinder to swing out for easier loading, set a new standard for revolvers.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Introduction with Mike Helms
  2. 00:11Original .38 Military and Police Model of 1899
  3. 00:15The K-Frame and .38 Special Origins
  4. 00:35Innovations of the M&P Revolver
  5. 00:43Hand Ejector Design Explained
  6. 01:01.38 Special Cartridge Significance
  7. 01:17Duty Sized Weapon and Longevity
  8. 01:30Design Continuity with Modern Models
  9. 01:50Conclusion: M&P Legacy

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Smith & Wesson .38 Military and Police revolver of 1899 historically significant?

The 1899 Smith & Wesson .38 Military and Police revolver is historically significant as it marked the beginning of the K-frame and introduced the highly influential .38 Special cartridge, a round that remains a standard today.

What was the key innovation of the Smith & Wesson M&P revolver?

The primary innovation of the Smith & Wesson M&P revolver was its 'hand ejector' design, which featured a cylinder that swung out to the side. This design significantly improved the ease and speed of loading and unloading compared to older top-break revolvers.

How does the original Smith & Wesson M&P compare to modern revolvers?

The fundamental design of the Smith & Wesson M&P has proven so effective that it remains largely unchanged in modern revolvers like the Model 10. For instance, grips from a modern Model 10 with a round butt can fit directly onto the original 1899 model.

When was the Smith & Wesson .38 Military and Police revolver introduced?

The Smith & Wesson .38 Military and Police revolver was introduced in 1899. It was a pivotal firearm that established the K-frame and the enduring .38 Special cartridge.

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