Smith & Wesson .38 Military & Police Model of 1905 4th Change, 2-Inch Blued “C”-Prefix Snub-Nose Revolver (1948-1951)
This factory 2-inch Smith & Wesson .38 Military & Police Model of 1905 4th Change is an early post-war “C”-prefix K-frame revolver built between 1948 and 1951. Combining five-screw construction with a short-throw, high-speed hammer, it represents the transitional design that led directly to the famed Model 10. Its compact size, pinned barrel, and original walnut service Magna grips make it a collectible example of S&W’s post-WWII craftsmanship.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good – shows visible but light evidence of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good – clean and well-maintained with minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good – lands and grooves remain well defined.
Specific Condition Notes: The revolver exhibits minor scratching, scuffing, and small blemishes on the blued finish.
What’s Included
- Smith & Wesson .38 Military & Police Model of 1905 4th Change revolver with factory 2-inch pinned barrel
- Original walnut service Magna grips with silver S&W medallions (installed)
This revolver is built on S&W’s classic five-screw K-frame, featuring four side-plate screws and a fifth in the trigger guard—details valued by collectors for their pre-1953 manufacturing pedigree. The carbon-steel frame, cylinder, and 2-inch pinned barrel wear the original post-war blue finish, complemented by checkered walnut Magna grips that retain the crisp silver medallions.
Chambered in .38 Special, the gun offers a six-round capacity and operates in traditional double-action/single-action mode. The short-throw, high-speed hammer and wide, smooth trigger provide the responsive handling associated with early “C”-prefix production.
Sights consist of a forged half-moon front blade and a square-notch rear milled into the top strap—typical of service revolvers of the era and set up for fast, snag-free target acquisition. The factory 2-inch barrel was produced in lower quantities than the standard 4-inch model, adding scarcity to this compact variant.
As a post-war revolver manufactured in Springfield, Massachusetts, this piece bridges the gap between wartime production and the modern Model 10. Its combination of early serial block, five-screw construction, and snub-nose configuration makes it a notable find for enthusiasts of classic Smith & Wesson wheel-guns.