Smith & Wesson M&P
Smith & Wesson model M&P, 1958
Technical Information
Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson |
|
Model: Military and Police |
Total Weight with empty cylinder: 889g |
Country of Origin: United States of America |
Barrel Length: 5" (125mm) |
| Calibre: .38 Special | Length of revolver: 255 |
Action: Double Action |
Width of revolver: 36.7mm |
| Cylinder Capacity: 6 | Height of revolver: 120mm |
General Information
The Smith and Wesson model Military and Police (M&P) is arguably the most widely produced and used military sidearm used in the word, of all time. Production started 1899 and it's still in production. Various versions and calibres were produced but it still remained fairly true to the original K-frame double action revolver which is so successful. All Smith & Wesson models had a name change in 1958 and is now designated by a numeric number. The model M&P was changed to the model 10. From the model 10, the model number is now stamped on the yoke of the cylinder. My revolver does not have a model number stamped on the yoke, which implies it must have been one of the last models of the M&P's to be produced before the name change was implemented. It is otherwise identical to the first model 10-1's that was produced.
Ergonomics
The Smith & Wesson M&P is really easy to shoot. It is very accurate and easy to grip firmly. The trigger is smooth and breaks cleanly. When cocking the hammer for accurate shots, the trigger is very light and it becomes very easy to fire accurate long range shots. Sights are non-adjustable but very easy to get on target and easy to identify. Typical to most double action revolvers, there is a plate which prevents the hammer from contacting the primer of the cartridge unless the hammer if fully depressed, making it extremely safe to carry as a self-defence firearm. Simply dropping the revolver onto its hammer cannot make it fire accidently.
Reliability
The S&W M&P revolver is extremely reliable. Reliability of the trigger and action from S&W is synonymous with high quality and reliability.
Determining Year of Manufacture
The serial number can be traced back to the year of manufacture by doing a little bit of research. The serial number on my revolver is C420xxx and corresponds to the year 1958.
Accuracy and reloading
Targets coming soon.
My preferred reloaded round is a 158 grain semi-wad cutter which I cast myself from a RCBS duel cavity mold. The projectile is then resized in a lube-resizer with a .357" sizing die and lubed.
See table below:
| Bullet weight and type | Powder type | Powder charge | Velocity (ft/sec) |
158gr SWC |
MS200 |
2.9 |
561 |
158gr SWC |
MS200 |
3.1 |
594 |
158gr SWC |
MS200 |
3.4 |
720 |
158gr SWC |
MS200 |
3.6 |
800 |
158gr SWC |
MS200 |
4.2 |
922 |
The load I use is 3.6grains of MS200 and has very light recoil and is very accurate.
Information about the calibre
The .38 Special cartridge was first designed in 1898 as a black powder cartridge. A year later smokeless powder was introduced it became the most prolific revolver cartridge of all time. Below is a table of common bullet types for the .38Spl. The designation ".38" refers to the approximate diameter of the complete case, not of the bullet diameter which is in fact .357" (9.06mm). The .38 Special is not to be confused with the 38 S&W or 38/200. These calibers are not compatable with the .38 Special as the bullet diameter is .361" (9.5mm) and cannot be safely fired in the .38Spl.
Bullet weight (grains) |
Velocity (ft/sec) |
Energy (ft-lbs) |
110 |
980 |
235 |
130 |
810 |
189 |
148 |
690 |
156 |
158 |
770 |
208 |
158 PMP JSP |
870 |
266 |
200 |
679 |
204 |
Below is a picture for comparrison purpose.
- .22lr
- 9mmK (9x17, 9mm Short)
- 9mmP (9x19, 9mm Luger, 9mm Para)
- 7.62x25 Tokarev
- .45ACP
- .455 Webley (265gr)
- .38 Special
Overall Impression
The Smith and Wesson Military and Police revolver is a very robust and reliable firearm.
