Smith & Wesson .38 Military & Police 2nd Model (1902) – Rare Round-Butt 4" DA/SA Revolver in .38 Special
This Smith & Wesson .38 Military & Police 2nd Model is an early five-screw K-frame revolver produced in 1902–1903, with production limited to roughly 12,800 units. Its round-butt configuration, under-barrel ejector-rod locking lug, and absence of the “Made in USA” roll mark identify it as a true transitional piece leading to the later Model 10 lineage. Matching serial numbers on the frame, barrel, and cylinder add collector confidence, while the 4" carbon-steel barrel keeps the classic balance that made these service revolvers popular with early 20th-century police forces.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair – Shows extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Fair – Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Bore Fouling: Moderate Fouling – Lead or copper fouling with noticeable buildup.
Bore Rifling: Fair Rifling – Worn rifling, slight loss of definition.
Specific Condition Notes: The exterior displays extreme surface rust, heavy corrosion, and significant finish loss across the frame, cylinder, and barrel. No structural cracks are noted.
What’s Included
- Smith & Wesson .38 Military & Police 2nd Model revolver
Introduced as the Model of 1902, the 2nd Model refined S&W’s early hand-ejector design with a sturdier ejector-rod lug. This feature, visible under the barrel, became a hallmark of later K-frames.
The round-butt grip frame sets this variant apart from the square-butt service models that followed. Checkered walnut service stocks with diamond escutcheons remain in place, preserving the revolver’s period-correct appearance.
All major components—frame, barrel, and cylinder—share serial number 22029, confirming factory originality and enhancing collectibility.
Mechanically, the revolver retains its double-action/single-action operation with a smooth trigger and external spur hammer. Fixed sights consist of a pinned half-moon front blade and a square-notch rear milled into the topstrap, typical of pre-WWI S&W service guns.