[QUICK_DRAW_McGRAW]

ok so im going to trade my grandpa my S&W sigma .40 for a revolver that he has. (he wants a auto any more since he has carried a revolver for many years and he like the .40sw cartridage)

anyways he has a smith-wesson .38spcl revolver, 6shot with a 2inch barrel. he is the orignal owner but cannot remember what model it is. he thinks its a 66 but he says he can't find the model number stamped on the gun.

now is there anything i can look at when he brings it over that will tell me the model number if its not stamped on the frame?

Thanks

[Old Fuff]

Smith & Wesson didn't start stamping model numbers on guns until 1957

If it has a model number it will be on the frame behind the yoke, and you will have to swing out the cylinder to see it. There may, or may not be a dash (-) number after the model number.

If it has fixed sights, a six-shot cylinder and a 2 inch barrel it is most likely a model 10 (Military & Police) or model 12 (Airweight Military & Police).

If there isn't a model number it was made before 1957 and we'll need to know the serial number stamped on the butt to further identify it.

[QUICK_DRAW_McGRAW]

wow thanks for the quick reply and the helpful information

now how do i tell the difference between the two, by weighing it?

also should it be ok to shoot the +p rounds through it or should i stick with the regular.38's?

he said he has only shot 6 rounds through it since he got it

[Old Fuff]

The odds are that it is a model 10, or pre-model 10 (possibly a pre-war Military & Police) that were all-steel construction. The model 12 or pre-model 12 had an aluminum frame that had a darker more black finish then the blued barrel and cylinder. Of course it is possible that they were nickel plated and looked the same - in which case you would have to go by weight.

Worry about the ammunition after you find out what the gun is... ;)

[earplug]

My Dad, 85 years old has a hard time working the slide of a semi auto.
Make sure you Grandpa can operate what ever you trade him with.
I have loaned Dad several revolvers.
He likes a four screw M 29 with mild reloads.

[QUICK_DRAW_McGRAW]

no my grandfather is still very strong, still lifts weights and keeps in great shape. if your not careful when you shake his hand he will squish yours.

but ya that is one thing we are gonna look at. when he comes up from kalifornia we are gonna go to the range and he is gonna put some rounds through it to see if he likes it.

anyways thanks again for all the help and information.

also couldn't i jus take a magnet to the frame to see if its alumiunum or steel?

[Boulder]

Is it blued or otherwise dark in color? Could be a model 64--the stainless steel version of the model 10/m&p. whether model 10/12/64, that's a great wheelgun. congratulations!

[QUICK_DRAW_McGRAW]

thanks, this is going to be a carry peice, he is also giving me his smith .357 with a 6inch barrell. and his police issue .38 with a 6inch barrell. its gonna be a few months before he get time to drive back from kalifornia to seattle and we can trade. i REALLY want a wheel gun ive always loved them.

[Old Fuff]

Yes, if you have one a magnet will work... :o