[jdsenior]

Or at least I believe it's a CTG. Not stamped other then CAL 38 SPECIAL. Serial # 964393. Back strap stamped "N^Z" with the number 9672 below. Thanks

[rcmodel]

CTG is the abbreviation for Cartridge.
As in Cal .38 Special cartridge.

The actual serial number is the one stamped on the bottom of the steel grip frame.

But you would have to provide more info on the gun before a serial number would be of any help.

Read the Sticky at the top of this forum for more info on the info needed.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=372213

rcmodel

[jdsenior]

Thanks for the guidance. 964393 is the # stamped on the bottom of the frame. The S&W is pinned, fixed sights, original style cylinder stop, 5 screw,square butt and long action. I also believe the barrel has been shortened to 2", obliterating any barrel stampings. Thanks again.

[SaxonPig]

That serial would be from the early part of WW II. If the barrel is FACTORY stamped 38 SPECIAL then that's the correct caliber. Be aware that many of these were made for England in the 38 S&W caliber (not the same as 38 SPECIAL) and after the war many were bored out for the longer 38 SPECIAL and restamped. The Special cartridges will not work right in such a gun and it shouldn't be fired.

If the barrel has been cut back so far as to eliminate the lug that retains the front of the ejector rod, the gun is unreliable for shooting and the barrel should be replaced (which might cost more than the gun is worth, unfortunately).

The chopped barrel makes me suspect it was a 38 S&W gun modified (re: ruined) after the war.

PS: That NZ may be for New Zealand (part of the British Empire) and that would almost guarantee the gun is a 38 S&W improperly bored out. You can still shoot 38 S&W ammo in it, but this ammo is very pricey if you don't reload your own.

[Jim K]

That gun was originally made in .38 S&W caliber either for shipment to England (or to New Zealand directly) under Lend-Lease, or under a direct British contract. (Lend Lease guns were stamped "U.S. Property".)

It was in fact one of the last guns made before the start of the "V" Model. The S&W numbering machine only went to six digits, so when they approached 1 million, they decided to add a prefix letter; "V" was selected since "V for Victory" was a common slogan at the time.

After the war, importers had many of the revolvers chambered for .38 S&W modified to use .38 Special. Since that was the caliber the revolver was designed for, there is no real reason not to use .38 Special; the only adverse result will be a slight swelling of the cartridge case.

Jim

[jdsenior]

Thanks for the information. One last question, what model catagory does this fall in? I'm in need of a replacement trigger and not certain which ones will fit.

[machinisttx]

For the question above:

Military and Police Model of 1905 most likely.

[jdsenior]

So what/where is the best source for a replacement trigger?

[Old Fuff]

Try www.e-gunparts.com

Fortunately triggers were not changed when Smith & Wesson created the "short-action" revolvers. Therefore both Military & Police (1905 Hand Ejector, 4th Change or Model 10 triggers will work. If you order a trigger from the above link, include the revolver's serial number (use xx for the last two numbers) and if you want the internal parts order a trigger assembly. Otherwise you will get a stripped hammer.