Hand-me down S&W 38 age?

[Patrolman971]

Hi,
My dad recently gave me S&W 38 that he got used in the mid 60's. It only has 6 digits in the sn. The sn is 370*** with no other characters. There isn't a model number on the weapon anywhere that I can find, I've disassembled it completely for cleaning.The patent dates are on the top of the barrel. The front sight is shaped like a half moon. The rear sight is just a notch.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Patrolman971

 

[rcmodel]

.38 S&W, or .38 S&W Special?
5 shot, or 6 shot?
Top break, or side swing cylinder?

A picture sure would help as well.


rcmodel

 

[Patrolman971]

38 special 6 shot side swing
I'll try to post a pix soon.
Thank you very much.
Patrolman971

 

[Sistema1927]

Patrolman,

Rather than opening another thread, you really should update the original thread with the information that you provided to me in a PM. I think that XavierBreath has posted some important information there for you.

 

[CU74]

Assuming Xavier is correct (a safe assumption in my opinion) that you have an old M&P, the SCSW shows serial numbers in the range 214704-700000 to have been manufactured between 1915 and 1942. Perhaps someone else has another serial number reference source that can narrow that down.

Another option is to call Smith&Wesson and ask them 1-800-331-0852.