[harleyreg]

I picked up an old S&W 38 "CTG" plated 5 shot S&W pistol at a yard sale. Instead of the cylinder swinging out it breaks down from the top. It has fixed sights, a short (3') barrell, serial number #218839.

Anyone know anything about this style handgun? I am interested in selling it. Best to reach me at 678-488-5461 as I have limited access to my computer.

Reggie Martin/Atlanta

[Ron James]

38 S&W CTG simply means it is chambered for the 38 S&W cartridge not the manufacturer's name or model. From your description it could be a S&W or one of several other manufacturers. Does it read S&W on the barrel and have their monogram on the grips? Is it single or double action meaning , do you have pull the hammer back to cock it or can you use the trigger to cycle the gun? Does it have a grip safety? What are all the markings ? Just a little more information please .:)

[Jim Watson]

If it has an exposed hammer, it is a .38 Double Action Third Model, made between 1884 and 1895. Dollar value is low unless it looks new, they made a lot of them and they were not a real sturdy design. A S&W collector said they were Smith's equivalent of the fragile Colt Lightning.

If it does NOT have an exposed hammer and does have a grip safety, it is a .38 Safety DA Revolver, either Fourth or Fifth Model, the serial numbers overlap, made maybe 1898 or 1900. Put up a picture and detailed description and we can tell which. Worth a few hundred bucks in good condition.

David Chicoine, a leading S&W gunsmith, says of those possibilities, only the Fifth Model Safety hammerless is strong enough for smokeless powder; the others are black powder era guns.