WB
Great picture Jim! It hurts my head but
Thursday, October 17, 2024, 08:43

if you want to remember all the specifics... Pre-1955 S&W M&P models were classified in slang terms as "5-screw" long actions. The hammer falls were longer than later K models. However only "4" of the screws were readily visible. From 1955-61 the top screw was done away with making them legitimate "4" screws although the name didn't really stick as reference. Truly you could only see three of them anyway. But a noteworthy historical footnote. Then in 1961 they dropped the trigger guard screw. No one seemed interested in the math anymore.

I personally think they should not call the pre-1950's guns
K-frames but M&P. Most gun guys mix the nomenclature, based on physical size, and rightfully so, and claim K-frame origins to 1899! But the K designation and "short action" version actually didn't start until much later. The K-22 and K-38's were the first in my memory, dating to the early 1950's. A decade before I came on the scene.

I have examples of both. A 4" Victory military model and a 2" M&P rework, along with M66 and K-17 (later version of the K-22). I do find the earlier guns very slick, telling of the craftsmanship of an earlier time. But the later guns have a fast lock time and seem to fit my hand much better. FWIW.