[hpm]

Greetings:

I have a S&W 39 SPL CTG Serial J239758. I would like to know more about it. It has a hammer shield and is an airweight.

Thanks.

[billhilly66]

Those 39 specials are pretty rare.

Seriously though, open the cylinder and the model # should be on the frame.

[Johnny Guest]

First, the obvious: You wrote, "S&W 39 SPL CTG." Due to the format, you probably copied this directly from the side of the barrel. Since there's no such cartridge as a "39" Special, I'm not sure if this is a simple typogralphical error, or if you misread the stamping. The actual caliber is .38 Special, the most common caliber for J-frame Smith & Wesson revolvers.

I'm assuming you have an S&W there, because most other manufacturers simply mark their products .38 Special or .38 SPL. If so, serial number J239758 was made in 1973 -- 1974, according to Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 2nd Edition.

With the "shielded hammer," it could be either a Model 38 Bodyguard or a Model 42 Centennial. The M38 has only the tip of the hammer spur exposed, and may be thumb cocked. The M42 has a totally enclosed hammer and is double action only - - that is, it cannot be manually cocked.

As already pointed out, these little five-shot revolvers are marked with model number on the frame below the barrel.

Best regards
Johnny

[Sistema1927]

hpm,

Welcome to the forum. Tell us a little bit more about your S&W J frame revolver. Is it bluish black in color or stainless? What length is the barrel (most are ~ 2", but you might have a rarer variant). Based upon your description it could be a body guard variant that allows single action cocking as well as double action, or it could be a Centennial variant allowing only double action use. Hopefully somebody will be along soon with access to a SCSW and give you an approximate birthdate based upon your serial number. For future reference it might be best to leave off the last two or three digits of the serial number instead of giving the whole thing (i.e. J2397xx).

Don't worry about the typo ("39" instead of "38"). If I had to put a dime in a jar every time that I contributed a typo to this forum I wouldn't be able to afford guns or ammo! Your misfortune was that you joined the "typo club" on your first post.

[XavierBreath]

Better yet hpm, is it shaped like the revolvers at this link (http://xavierthoughts.blogspot.com/2007/05/tale-of-two-bodyguards.html)?

[hpm]

Hi All:

I opened the cylinder and the frame is marked MOD 38. It is polished steel, very lightweight, five shot and, yes, a 38. Is there a place to find an approximate value?

[hpm]

Hi Xavier,

Yes, it is like the second photo with only one revolver

[XavierBreath]

hpm,
What you have is a S&W Model 38. This is arguably the finest pocket revolver ever manufactured. I paid $225 for the pristine nickel example in that photo a few weeks ago. That, however, is an extraordinary price.

Condition is everything when it comes to value on a gun. Supica's Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 3rd Edition (http://xavierthoughts.blogspot.com/2006/12/supicas-third-edition-is-out.html) lists the Model 38 at $400 ANIB, $325 in excellent condition, and $250 in very good condition. Nickel guns and pinned guns will have a slight premium. Original grips are important.

Your Model 38 sounds like a nickel version.

[hpm]

Thank you all!

I purchased it used from a friend in 1979 and have shot it infrequently. I have the original grips, and have pachmayr grips on it now.

[Sistema1927]

hpm,

Those are nice revolvers. I personally prefer the Centennial configuration, but would not turn down a nice Body Guard.

For self-defense, you might want to check out Buffalo Bore, they have some new standard pressure .38 loadings that are no slouch. I carry these in my 1980 vintage Model 37 Airweight. The Gold Dot 135 +P is a good round out of a 2" J frame, but I only use it in later weapons rated for +P. There are those who argue that a cylinder or so of +P won't cause any damage, but I like to practice with what I carry.

[Sistema1927]

Also, looks like 1973-74 for the birthday of your revolver, based upon my 2nd edition SCSW.