Smith & Wesson Model 1905

The .38 Smith & Wesson Military & Police Model of 1905 is the third of Smith & Wesson's .38 Hand Ejector models.^[1] Later models in this series include the .38 Military & Police Victory Model^[2] and the S&W Model 10.^[3] The Model 1905, as with the other .38 Hand Ejector models, is a six-shot revolver built on the Smith and Wesson K frame, with a swing-out cylinder chambered in .38 Special.^[4] At various times throughout its production, it was offered with a round or square butt grip frame; checkered walnut or hard rubber grip stocks; with or without a lanyard ring on the butt; blue, nickel, or chrome (produced in very small quantities) finish; and a barrel length of 2", 4", 5", 6", or 6.5".^[5] This model had a "five screw" frame, with four screws holding the side plate and one screw at the front of the trigger guard.^[6]

Smith & Wesson Military & Police Model of 1905
Type	Revolver
Place of origin	United States
Service history
In service	1905 - Present
Production history
Designed	1905
Manufacturer	Smith & Wesson
Produced	1905 - 1942
No. built	937,000+
Specifications
Mass	28 oz. (6.5" bbl)
Length	8.75" (4" bbl), 11.25" (6.5" bbl)
Width	1.4375" (1 7/16") - cylinder
Height	4.75"
Cartridge	.38 Special
Caliber	.357 in (9.1 mm)
Barrels	2", 4", 5", 6", or 6.5"
Action	Double action
Feed system	Six-round fluted cylinder
Sights	Fixed or adjustable

Variations

Four minor design changes were made during the production run of the Model 1905, with two, the 1st and 2nd changes, overlapping in manufacture. Additionally, at approximately serial number 316648, the factory began heat treating cylinders.^[7]

.38 Military & Police Model of 1905 - 10,800 manufactured c. 1905 - 1906
.38 Military & Police Model of 1905 1st and 2nd change - 73,648 manufactured c. 1906 - 1909
.38 Military & Police Model of 1905 3rd change - 94,803 manufactured c. 1909 - 1915
.38 Military & Police Model of 1905 4th Change - 758,296 manufactured c. 1915 - 1942

Users

 China: Indigenous copies chambered for .32 S&W Long^[8]