[KeithO]

just came across a s&w 38 ctg nickel revolver sn 114215 - marcas registrads? - brown handle..........looking for info as to year made; #made and type ammo to use........a novice looking to learn something about this one...........thanks

[Ron James]

It sounds like a really nice revolver Keith, I would like to know more about it also? :) . Other than the caliber, 38 Smith and Wesson, you gave no other information other than a serial number and that it's nickeled, it's a mystery, 38CTG simple means it chambered for the 38 S&W cartridge ( NOT 38 SPECIAL ), it is not a model designation. The serial number fits several S&W revolvers. Serial numbers are not unique to a single gun. Several different model of S&W revolvers have the same serial number. Read through some of the posts on the Firearm Research forum and you will seee what information is needed to help ID you firearm. The most important item is a picture if possible. Need at least , barrel lenght, number of holes in the cylinder, hammer or hammer less, type of frame, ( break open or swing out cylinder ) type and shape of grips and all if any other markings. With this someone may be able to help you. :) Also, single action or double action.

[SaxonPig]

5 or 6 shots?

Break action or swing out cylinder?

Is that number off the butt, that's where the serial is found. May have a letter prefix like C123456 if made after WW II.

Patent dates on barrel?

Exact caliber (there are two .38 calibers S&W revolvers are commonly found in).

Any model number on frame under cylinder crane (ie MOD 10-5)? Means it was made after 1957.

[Old Fuff]

Guys....

Be gentle. He's a brand new member, and admits he doesn't know anything about Smith & Wesson revolvers. SaxonPig has the right idea. Give him some guidance, and assurance that we will come up with answers if he answers our questions.

The Old Fuff stands ready... ;)

[KeithO]

Thanks to Ron James and SaxonPig: additional information......we have a 2" barrell; 5 shot swing out cylinder; double action; serial # is on the butt of the handle - no letter prefix; "mod 32-1" on crane; either "114215" or "1142f5" under barrell; either "14253" or "4253" on front part of cylinder support - attached to crane; handle grips are brown (wood?) with small middle part grids and a metal circle on each side with hard to distinguish s/w initials - circles about the size of the bottom of a 38 shell

[Old Fuff]

You have a .38/.32 Terrier (Model 32-1).

It is chambered in .38 S&W (not .38 S&W Special) and ammunition is available, although your dealer may have to order it.

Post-World War Two production started in 1948, and ended in 1974. The serial number range went from 54,474 to 122,678.

The Model 32-1 version was introduced in 1961. A new serial number series with an "R" prefix started in 1969. I would estimate that your revolver, #114,215 was made around 1965 to '67.

The stocks are made of checkered walnut (wood) probably original to the gun. If so, they were individually fitted to that frame, and will be serial numbered on the underside of one panel. Nickel finish is not rare, but scarce in this model.

[Ron James]

Gosh Old Fluff, I thought I was being nice :). Keith I also think your S&W is a J Frame. The Model number 32-1 is the Key, The J Frame is slightly larger then the original Terrier which used the old I Frame. The J-Frame went on to become the model 36, The Chiefs Special in 38 Special cambering. However the Terrier 32-1 was still being produced in 38 S&W even after introduction of the Model 36

[KeithO]

Ron James, Old Fuff, Saxon Pig: thanks guys....a .38/.32 Terrier.....you know your stuff....i'll continue to dig to find out a little more....will check the underside of panel - walnut sounds right based on looks....now, what is a .32?and what do you suppose is the significance of "Terrier"...i'm really showing my ignorance here but am interested in learning more.........

[Old Fuff]

In 1903 S&W introduced a small, 6-shot, .32 revolver. At a time when handguns didn't always gave cute names it was simply called the "Model 1903," or ".32 Hand Ejector." In 1917 they made a variant called the Regulation Police, which was nothing more or less then the .32 Hand Ejector with a lengthened stock that converted it to a square-butt configuration. However the Regulation Police could be ordered as either a 6-shot .32 or a 5-shot .38 S&W - a cartridge that went back to the 1870’s.

During the 1930’s the U.S. Post office inquired about the possibility of a small, light .38 revolver with a 2-inch barrel to arm postal clerks on trains – obviously worried that some modern Jesse James types might still be around.

So S&W took their basic .32 frame, used on the Regulation Police, fitted it up with round-butt stocks and a .38 cylinder, then added a new two-inch barrel. This revolver was introduced as a commercial product in 1936, and called the .32/38 Terrier, named after a feisty little dog. They also made a handful of Regulation Police .38 revolvers with the same 2-inch barrel, but it was never cataloged and put into regular production.

[KeithO]

Old Fuff.....you are the man.................thanks and keep on keeping us informed.........much appreciated