Smith & Wesson .38 Military & Police, Model of 1905 4th Change, .38 Special, 4 inch DA/SA Prewar K-Frame Revolver
This prewar Smith & Wesson .38 Military & Police, Model of 1905 4th Change, represents the classic K-frame service revolver from the 1930s–1940s. It features the long-action lockwork, a 4 inch tapered barrel, and round-butt configuration with Magna service stocks, with a black molded grip adapter installed. Clear rollmarks and factory frame markings are present, underscoring its place as a direct ancestor to the later Model 10.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The revolver shows heavy rusting and pitting throughout. Finish wear and scratches are present. The bore is clean and in decent shape.
What’s Included
- Smith & Wesson .38 Military & Police, Model of 1905 4th Change revolver
- Aftermarket black molded grip adapter (installed)
The Model of 1905 4th Change is a significant prewar iteration of the S&W M&P line, produced in the 1930s–1940s and built on the round-butt K-frame. It uses the prewar long-action lockwork valued by many enthusiasts and stands as the direct forerunner to the later Model 10.
Chambered in .38 Special, this revolver has a 4 inch tapered barrel and a six-shot fluted cylinder. Sight regulation is traditional, with a half-moon front blade and a square-notch rear milled into the topstrap, offering a clean, fixed-sight picture appropriate to the period.
The construction is blued carbon steel, with a smooth trigger and an exposed hammer featuring a checkered spur. The hammer and trigger exhibit color casehardening consistent with prewar S&W finishing practices. The ejector rod is unshrouded with a knurled mushroom tip and a front lock under the barrel.
Factory stocks are checkered walnut Magna service grips with silver S&W medallions and a diamond around the grip screw, fitted to the round-butt frame. An aftermarket black molded grip adapter is fitted between the stocks and frame, wrapping the frontstrap/trigger-guard area. Rollmarks and trademarks include the S&W logo on the right sideplate, MADE IN U.S.A. on the frame, a barrel-top address/patent line, SMITH & WESSON on the left barrel, and .38 S.&W. SPECIAL CTG.
on the right. No lanyard swivel is present.