[dmyhill]

I have tried to research this a bit, but maybe just asking the question would work best:

This is my first S&W

Questions:
1. Can I shoot .38 +P in this handgun?
2. What does the CTG at the end of "38 S&W Special CTG" mean?
3. What year was this manufactured?
4. Is there any extra value to this firearm? (It is not in very perfect condition. It has some bluing wear, some bits of rust on a couple of screws. It wasn't stored well before I ended up with it.)
5. Can I open this thing up and clean it without ending up at a gunsmith with a bag of parts?


The info:
On the but: J467XX
On the right side of the barrel: 38 S&W SPECIAL CTG
On the right, below cylinder:
MADE IN USA
MARCAS REGISTRADAS
SMITH & WESSON
SPRINGFIELD, MASS.
On the left side of the barrel: SMITH & WESSON
On the left side, in front of the grip: (the smith trademark)
On the left side under the cylinder swing arm: MOD. 36

This is a small framed revolver with a 3" barrel and fixed sights.


Any help with these questions would be greatly appreciated.

[rcmodel]

CTG = Cartridge.
As in 38 S&W SPECIAL CARTRIDGE.

Your serial # dates to 1969-70 production.

There was no such thing as +P ammo then, so it is not +P rated.

But there was hotter ammo then, then todays +P, so a limited amount is not going to hurt anything.

It will tend to shake things loose faster then standard pressure stuff, so practice with that and carry +P for CCW.

You can remove the sideplate and clean it, but I would not recommend it without more instructions then I am willing to type right now. It is possible to do way more damage then good if you don't have the proper screwdrivers and knowledge.

I'd take the grips off and hose it out good with some Remington Rem-Oil spray, drip dry, and blow out the excess with an air hose.

In the mean time, you can read up on gunsmithing the S&W and know what you need to know to do it without harming anything.

In the condition you describe, it is worth no more or less then any other Model 36 of that vintage in that condition.

rcmodel

[dmyhill]

That's hillarious! CTG = cartridge. The hillarious thing is: how many people are out there selling smiths with the title "limited edition CTG model."

LOL!!!

[rcmodel]

Yep!

Seems there are several threads a month here wanting to know more about dad's old S&W CTG revolver too!

We all try to help the best we can! :D

rcmodel

[dmyhill]

The handgun is basically a loan from my father, so having it not be any sort of an antique is a good thing for me, since I can carry it, and not worry about a scratch here and there.

Eastern KS...I just had some family visit from Cherryvale

Anyway, thanks!