Do you think my old Smith 38 S&W is...
- Thread starter hhersh
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Kenneth Lew
Member
- Joined
- Jan 26, 2003
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- 534
Do not take any advice on the internet over a firearm with one can not physically inspect.
Take the pistol to a local competent gunsmith for an inspection.
Take the pistol to a local competent gunsmith for an inspection.
hexidismal
Member
Well, that's not so easy for anyone to answer. It all depends on the mechanical and physical condition of the firearm. Assuming everything is up to par, and you're shooting ammunition of the proper caliber and loaded at pressures that the gun was designed for, then I don't see why not. Specific model info and ammunition info would certainly help, otherwise.. well, then this is a pretty useless thread.. hehe
Also , I do agree with the above poster that it should be first inspected personally by a gunsmith.
Also , I do agree with the above poster that it should be first inspected personally by a gunsmith.
machinisttx
Member
I wouldn't shoot it even if a gunsmith deemed it to be safe. They aren't overly strong.
contenderman
Member
First thing is have it inspected by a competent gunsmith. Second thing is to have an appropriate load if the gun checks out OK.
Don't buy some outfit's or guy's hand loads at a gun show, buy a box of commercial ammo. The bigger retailers and specialty operations will carry them. Often times you can even find commercial loads at a gun show.
The commercial folks recognize that there is a wide range of guns out there that are chambered in 38 S&W (called 38-200 for the British guns) and you can bet that their loads are ultra conservative.
If your a reloader ... roll your own ... then you know exactly what your putting in the little boomer.
Don't buy some outfit's or guy's hand loads at a gun show, buy a box of commercial ammo. The bigger retailers and specialty operations will carry them. Often times you can even find commercial loads at a gun show.
The commercial folks recognize that there is a wide range of guns out there that are chambered in 38 S&W (called 38-200 for the British guns) and you can bet that their loads are ultra conservative.
If your a reloader ... roll your own ... then you know exactly what your putting in the little boomer.
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
If the gun locks up tight, and the overall condition & timing is good, there is no reason you can't shoot it with factory loaded .38 S&W ammo.
As already noted by contenderman, .38 S&W ammo is loaded to very low pressure / velocity in difference to the zillions of lesser quality guns still around.
The S&W is the Cadillac of top-break revolvers of the caliber, and is stronger then most.
On the otherhand, if you break it shooting it, you won't find spare parts at WallyWorld, or anywhere else for that matter!
rcmodel
As already noted by contenderman, .38 S&W ammo is loaded to very low pressure / velocity in difference to the zillions of lesser quality guns still around.
The S&W is the Cadillac of top-break revolvers of the caliber, and is stronger then most.
On the otherhand, if you break it shooting it, you won't find spare parts at WallyWorld, or anywhere else for that matter!
rcmodel
Farnorthdan
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- Feb 27, 2008
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- 217
Webley 38 S&W
I have a Webley in 38 S&W and it shoots great. Agreed, have a good smith look at it before shooting.
The .38S&W factory stuff I have is rather anemic (low pressure, soft shooting). I bought a couple of boxes to shoot for the brass and reload my own now. I use a 148grn wad cutter over 3 grains of universal, heres the kicker, I use my 9mm dies to reload it.
DS
I have a Webley in 38 S&W and it shoots great. Agreed, have a good smith look at it before shooting.
The .38S&W factory stuff I have is rather anemic (low pressure, soft shooting). I bought a couple of boxes to shoot for the brass and reload my own now. I use a 148grn wad cutter over 3 grains of universal, heres the kicker, I use my 9mm dies to reload it.
DS
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