38 ( not Special) S&W 5 shot D.A. Top Break

[jhuteson]

I have a old 38 S&W , it is a top break, no safety, all shells eject together as gun breaks open, it doesnt use 38 special , not enough clearance, but fires the 38 shells I purchased for it fine,Remington 38 S&W 145 grain lead #R36SW High Velocity Centerfire cartridges. On top of barrel it says SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETS USA Patd Jan 17 65 ,July 11 65,Aug 24 69,Dec 9 79, May 11,25,1880. Then at base of grip on the metal frame it has # 79823 . it is double action, 3 inch barrel,7 1/4 " overall,nickel plated or chrome, there is a pistol for sale on GUNS AMERICA ,listing #976901900 that looks just like it except it has no trigger guard and different trigger, can you tell from the serial #79983 what year my 38 S&W is ? any info appreciated

 

[Jim Watson]

If yours is a DOUBLE ACTION and lacks a trigger guard, then it is incomplete; it should have a trigger guard as shown in the GunsAmerica ad you give.

If it IS double action, it looks like you have a Smith & Wesson Double Action .38 Second Model revolver, as made between 1880 and 1884. I don't have the all-S&W reference book and can't tell the exact year.

I don't know why you show two serial numbers, 79823 and 79983, unless it is a parts gun assembled from two different revolvers.

You have the correct CALIBER ammunition, but any smokeless load will be hard on that 125 year old gun. If it has lost its trigger guard and has a replacement barrel or cylinder, I would not consider it a shooter.

 

[mainmech48]

Jim, is it possible that what he has is an early "Baby Russian" ? IIRC, they had a spur trigger. If so, I heartlily agree about shooting it with anything but BP and not even that if it's a cobble job.

 

[Old Fuff]

Judging from the serial number and patent dates, you have a Smith & Wesson .38 Double Action, 2nd Model.

These were made between 1880 and 1884, within a serial number range running from 4,001 to approximately 119,000. The 5-shot cylinder was chambered to use the .38 S&W cartridge. Standard barrel lengths were 3 1/4, 4, 5, and 6 inches (measure from the front of the cylinder to the end of the muzzle). Cataloged finishes were blue, or nickel plated with a blued trigger guard and barrel latch. The hammer and trigger were color case-hardened. Stocks were usually black hard rubber.

These revolvers were intended to be used with black powder cartridges, and while current smokeless powder rounds will fit in the chambers, it is strongly suggested that they not be fired in a revolver as old as this one.

If you want more specific information you can have Smith & Wesson research their original records. This is how to go about it.

To do so you will need a snapshot of the gun, a full description including the serial number on the butt, and a check in the amount of $50.00 made out to Smith & Wesson. In exchange the company's historian, Roy G. Jinks, will research the original records (which are not computerized by the way) and send you a letter containing the details of what he finds.

This comprehensive document will contain an overview of the model’s history, followed by the details of your particular gun. This usually includes the caliber, barrel length, finish, and the exact date it was shipped from the factory, and to what distributor or dealer. If there are any special features they will be listed too. This information is often invaluable to both you and future generations.

Additional information on a historical letter will be found at the Smith & Wesson company website at:

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...catalogId=11101&content=25301&sectionId=10504