The S&W M&P K-Frame – A Classic Six Gun

Estimated studying time: 8 minutes

Is there something extra American than the basic S&W M&P Ok-frame in .38 Particular? Okay, arguably, some weapons are at the very least equally American, the M1911, the pump shotgun, the AR-15, however the Ok-frame in .38 Particular sits mighty excessive within the American Corridor of Fame. Of those basic Ok frames, the Mannequin 10, aka the S&W M&P, aka the Victory Mannequin, aka the Smith & Wesson .38 Hand Ejector Mannequin of 1899, the Smith & Wesson Army & Police is for sure the unique gangster. 

S&W M&P Ok-Body Historical past

Since its first incarnation in 1899, the S&W M&P has had many names and several other adjustments. It’s solely improved, at the very least till they launched that silly lock system within the Nineties. S&W additionally produces the Mannequin 64, which is a Mannequin 10 in a stainless end. Because the gun has been produced since 1899, you possibly can guess your backside greenback there are tons and tons available on the market. 

The official complete is greater than six million. With so many of those weapons available on the market, they’ll usually be discovered for a discount. I picked up the S&W M&P on this article for 180 {dollars}. For 180 {dollars}, I count on a beat-up end, crappy grips, and related issues. But, right here we’re with a gun that’s in nice form. The unique grips have been swapped for a pair of outsized plastic grips. 

I definitely received a deal, nevertheless it’s not that massive of a deal. It looks as if the varied S&W M&P variants are pretty inexpensive. They have a tendency to get dear when in extraordinarily good condition or if they’ve some type of wartime provenance. If it’s only a regular Mannequin 10 or M&P, there are good offers available. 

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Breaking Down the Traditional S&W M&P Ok Body 

You possibly can take a look at this revolver and determine nearly all the things it’s good to know. Usually, it could have wooden grip panels, which might be significantly smaller. Many apt shooters within the period of the S&W M&P would have outfitted these grips with grip adapters to make them extra hand-filling. 

The Pachmayr rubber grips do the identical. They’re large, broad, and supply an important grip. These grips look odd as a result of their giant measurement, however they’re usually higher. I’d desire the unique, however for 180 {dollars}, I received’t complain. The gun holds six rounds, and this mannequin lacks the switch bar of extra fashionable weapons. 

The M&P sights are a easy entrance half-moon with a rear trench sight. It’s so simple as it will get. It’s not fancy, nevertheless it’s useful. That describes all the revolver fairly properly. 

The S&W M&P – Extra Than a Collectible 

Admittedly, you see an previous gun, and also you assume that’s a collectible. Positive, it’s previous, and so they ain’t making them anymore, but when I wanted a defensive firearm and had lower than 200 {dollars}, I’d be in luck. This gun laid the groundwork for many fashionable defensive and responsibility revolvers. Not a lot has modified in revolver tech for the reason that M&P in .38 Particular premiered. 

You most likely shouldn’t use +P ammo on this previous warhorse, however you possibly can feed it a gentle weight-reduction plan of ordinary stress .38 Particular with out fail. There are many succesful defensive .38 Particular masses in customary stress cartridges. From the 4-inch barrel, you’ll see the rate it’s good to drive these .38 caliber (technically .357) drugs deep and assist them increase. 

Six pictures of .38 Particular don’t seem to be a lot within the days of marvel nines, nevertheless it received the job executed for many years. For the typical citizen, it may not seem to be a lot, nevertheless it’s unlikely you’ll fireplace greater than six rounds in your typical defensive state of affairs. 

Whereas it wouldn’t be my first selection for a defensive firearm, it could be removed from my final. There are plenty of useless criminals from a number of the roughest intervals of American historical past as a result of weapons similar to the M&P. 

To the Vary With the M&P 

I lately got here into possession of some bins of M-41 .38 Particular. The USA navy used this load within the period of the M&P sequence .38 Particular. The cartridge is pretty customary for a .38 Particular. It’s a 130-grain projectile transferring at about 950 toes per second. I’ve a half field I’m prepared to shoot for science’s sake, however the remainder will stay as a collector’s merchandise. 

That half-box delivered a pleasing taking pictures expertise. The large grips absorb recoil, and the truth that it’s a reasonably large revolver helps. Capturing the previous M-41 by the M&P was a really pleasurable expertise. I suck with any such revolver sights, so my rounds weren’t the place I needed them, however they have been all grouped collectively. 

The M&P is a lot correct, however the consumer behind it wasn’t doing the perfect job aiming the gun. I had some regular stress, extra fashionable Sellier and Bellot 158-grain rounds. That stuff had barely extra recoil however was nonetheless in that realm of controllable and simple taking pictures. 

Did S&W make higher triggers within the age of the M&P, or has time smoothed out the internals that make any set off grit by its press? I’m not the knowledgeable to reply that query, however this M&P has a remarkably easy set off. It feels just like the type of set off you pay additional to acquire. It glides rearward, and whereas it has the double-action weight you count on, the pull is easy and clear. 

Going Quick 

As a revolver novice, I’ve begun studying the way to work the double-action set off shortly. The M&P turned out to be an important gun to study these sorts of issues. The sleek set off and large grips became simple double faucets. My pictures weren’t the place I needed them on a regular basis, however they have been at all times shut collectively. 

READ MORE ABOUT REVOLVERS: Selecting Between Semi-Automated and Revolvers

If I backed as much as 25 yards and cocked the hammer to single motion, I might hit a 10-inch gong repeatedly. It’s fairly amusing to go from barely with the ability to shoot a revolver to hitting a gong with each set off press. A superb shot would do this with a double-action set off, however I’m not an excellent revolver shot. But. 

The gun at all times fired after I requested. It carried out fairly properly for a gun that’s seemingly older than my dad. I might hesitate to defend my dwelling and household with a gun if want be. 

The Army and Police – A Legend 

This gun appears boring. A medium body .38 Particular six-shot isn’t thrilling. What’s necessary to understand is that that is the gun that units that customary. This configuration is boring as a result of it’s so profitable and excellent. The S&W M&P, the Mannequin 10, the Victory Mannequin, the Ok-frame, and all the opposite names for this gun are all wonderful buys and essential for critical firearms collectors. 

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Travis Pike is a devoted firearms author, a Second Modification Advocate, and a topic fanatic for all issues firearms. He’s an novice competitor with goals of sooner or later not coming in 4th place at an area defensive match. If he’s not placing textual content to phrase processor, he’s seemingly spending time with household, having fun with Florida’s Nature Coast, or consuming hipster beer. Because the resident Florida man he has a desire for obscure weapons and calibers.

Expertise 

Hunter – Very long time deer and hog hunter within the swamps of Florida Teacher – Volunteers to show primary firearm security lessons to youngsters, adults, and cats Wannabe Competitor – Has lately dipped his toes into aggressive taking pictures and has fortunately found an costly interest. Marine – Served 5 years with the infantry earlier than transferring to the First Civ Div.