Collecting .38 Special revolvers

[Archie]

This thought has occurred to me before, but a couple of current threads jogged my memory and I thought I'd share it.

Does anyone collect Smith & Wesson Model 10 revolvers? Consider...

The first in the series was the 1899 Military & Police .38 Hand Ejector, First Model.
Then the 1902 Second Model M&P .38 Hand Ejector.
1902 Second Model M&P .38 Hand Ejector, First Change.
1905 Third Model M&P .38 Hand Ejector.
1905 Third Model M&P .38 Hand Ejector, First Change.
1905 Third Model M&P .38 Hand Ejector, Second Change.
1905 Third Model M&P .38 Hand Ejector, Third Change.
1905 Third Model M&P .38 Hand Ejector, Fourth Change.

Then S&W started calling them by a number.
Model 10, with a 'dash number' to show changes. I believe they're up to "-12" or so.

So that is twenty different models of revolver just to have one each of every major model type. This does not include the various 'special order' guns, like the 1,000 Third Model Fourth Change revolvers sold to the Peruvian Navy with special Peruvian Crests on the side plate. Nor does it include some of the very early guns (Second Model) chambered in .38 Long Colt and sold to the U. S. Navy.

Did I mention some of these models could be had with either wood or rubber grips? Nearly all models were available in either blue or nickle finish. The earliest guns were all round butt, but later models were square and in some cases available either way. Barrel lengths for various models were 2", 3", 4", 5" or 6". Up until the end of the Fourth Change revolvers, one could order one in .32-20 as well as .38 Special. The Model 10s were offered in both 'heavy' barrel and original configuration.

One could end up with a large collection of NOTHING but the revolver called variously the .38 M&P or Model 10. And it would keep one out of the pool halls and busy in the gun shows.

Just a thought if you're bored and looking for a mission in life.

 

[Old Fuff]

The Old Fuff has always had a soft spot in his heart for Smith & Wesson's original K-frame revolver. Those made between 1899 and 1940 represent some of the finest fitting and handwork you'll find in any production revolvers, and when it comes to collecting there are few fields that offer "best quality," at reasonable prices, even though they are going up.

You can find some especially good deals on examples with 5 and 6 inch barrels because in this day and age they are no longer popular with most shooters - who have no idea what they are missing.

I hope you find your collecting/shooting experience to be as enjoyable as I have found mine.

 

[content]

Hello friends and neighbors // I can't say I collect them but if there is one at a fair price I do respect them enough to snag it.

The 1905 4th change I picked up for a couple hundred with a chopped 4" barrel, tilted front sight and poor nickle job is my best "sleeper" tack driver. (That old .38 thing, with those ugly plastic grips, a 1905 what ??? Or even better... A dressed up Barney Fife gun,,,Sure I'll bet ya)

There is a reason they were made for so long.

Enjoy the search.

 

[Iggy]

Can't forget the 38/44 Heavy Duty and the Outdoorsman, and all the target variations.

You can stay broke for a lifetime if you get real ambitious.

 

[beatledog7]

The popularity of .38SPL revolvers is partly diminished by the desire for the added versatility offered by .357s.

 

[Guillermo]

Archie,

While I cannot claim to collect them, I sure love my K frames (early and late models)

The earlier "long action" has a pretty amazing double action trigger pull.

(Old Fuff told me about them and I bought a 3rd change. He might not know much, but he knows is old revolvers!!! )

As mentioned, they are great values.

Also mentioned, do not overlook the 5 and 6 inch versions. Once upon a time I didn't like the longer barrels due to aesthetics. These days, when I am hiking, I am likely to have a 6" K22 on me. Or put another way, I learned my lesson.


Enjoy

 

[Frank V]

I don't think the .38 Special is going into the trash heap anytime soon! It's about the most powerful cartridge that can be put into a really small frame gun & still be shootable. I'm aware that the .357 is now offered in J frames I still think the .38 Special is a good choice in a small pocket gun & in the K frame,,,,, well there have been a lot of matches won with the S&W K .38 & Colt Officers Model Match.
As a small game gun I don't think they have any match. Maybe the .327, but I really don't think it's a overwelming advantage.

I don't collect them, but they have logged a lot of time & miles with me both as a backup gun & as a small game gun. They will still get the job done with proper ammo fitted to the task.
Thanks.
Frank

 

[Checkman]

Yep.

I have a 1899 Military & Police .38 Hand Ejector, First Model. 4" barrel
1905 Third Model M&P .38 Hand Ejector, Third Change. 6" barrel
Post WWII M&P Transitional. 5" barrel

I also have a 1937 Heavy Duty. 5" barrel
1953 Outdoorsman. 6.5" barrel

And finally a 4 screw K-38 Target Masterpiece with the 6" barrel.

Great revolvers - all of them. And I'm always looking for more. Okay the Heavy Duty and Outdoorsman were lucky breaks and of course they aren't K frames.