Is a nearly 100 year old revolver any good? Smith and Wesson Military and Police .38 special

Published on April 18, 2022
Duration: 9:43

This review covers a 1926-1927 Smith & Wesson Military and Police .38 Special revolver. The presenter highlights its history as a retired police officer's handgun, its refinished parkerized condition, and its matching numbers. Despite not being a collector's piece due to the refinish, its provenance and shooting characteristics are praised. The review includes first-shot impressions with both 148-grain wadcutters and 130-grain factory ammunition, noting the revolver's smooth action and accuracy.

Quick Summary

A 1926-1927 Smith & Wesson Military and Police .38 Special revolver, even with a refinished parkerized finish, can be a great purchase if it has a documented history, such as being a retired police officer's handgun. These K-frame revolvers are known for their smooth actions and enjoyable shooting characteristics.

Chapters

  1. 00:50Introduction to Cranky Gun Reviews
  2. 01:03Introducing the 1926-1927 S&W M&P .38 Special
  3. 01:20Barrel and Sight Modifications
  4. 01:36Refinish and Matching Numbers
  5. 01:45Provenance: Retired Police Officer's Handgun
  6. 02:06Historical Context of the 1920s
  7. 02:13Northbridge Police Department Firearm
  8. 02:20Price Comparison with Other K-Frames
  9. 02:35Precursor to the Model 10
  10. 02:45Hammer Checkering and Sights
  11. 02:58First Shots Preparation
  12. 03:04Ammunition Selection: Wadcutters and Factory
  13. 03:38First Shots with Wadcutters
  14. 04:10Switching to Factory Ammunition
  15. 04:15Shooting in Double Action
  16. 06:01Initial Impressions: Sweetest Feeling Revolver
  17. 06:15Comparison with Model 15 Trigger
  18. 06:22Grip Modifications
  19. 06:36Amazing Sights and Shooting Experience
  20. 07:27More Shots at 10 Yards
  21. 07:36Double Action with Wadcutters
  22. 08:01Value for Money and Happiness
  23. 08:10Historical Context: Victory Model
  24. 08:21US-Made Military and Police
  25. 08:28Overall Satisfaction with the Gun
  26. 08:41Barrel Profile and Weight Comparison
  27. 08:50Smooth Action and Great Sights
  28. 09:08Conclusion and Thanks
  29. 09:11Final Thoughts on the M&P .38 Special
  30. 09:15Retired Police Officer's Gun from Northbridge PD
  31. 09:20Great Purchase and Cherishing the Firearm
  32. 09:30Closing Remarks and Support for Rights

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Smith & Wesson Military and Police .38 Special from the 1920s?

A Smith & Wesson Military and Police .38 Special from the 1920s, like the 1926-1927 model reviewed, is a K-frame revolver that predates the official 'Model 10' designation. These revolvers were often used by law enforcement and are known for their robust construction and smooth actions.

Is a refinished vintage revolver still valuable?

A refinished vintage revolver's value depends on the reason for refinishing and its original condition. While refinishing typically reduces collector value, a documented provenance, such as being a retired police officer's firearm, can add significant historical appeal and justify its purchase for shooters.

How does a 1920s S&W M&P .38 Special shoot?

The 1926-1927 Smith & Wesson Military and Police .38 Special reviewed shoots exceptionally well, described as having a 'buttery smooth' action and being a pleasure to fire. The 5-inch tapered barrel and improved sights contribute to its accuracy and handling.

What ammunition was used to test the vintage S&W revolver?

The vintage Smith & Wesson Military and Police .38 Special was tested with two types of ammunition: 148-grain copper-plated wad cutter lead bullets and Remington UMC 130-grain factory ammunition. Both types performed well, contributing to the positive shooting experience.

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from Cranky Gun Reviews

View all →