Identity and Date of Manufacture of S&W Revolvers

[jshrop6004]

Model 638-3

Radagast,

Here is one that might present a challenge:

a) .38 spec
b) 2-1/2"
c) round
d) 5 shot
e) fixed
f) CNS75xx
g) 638-3

Do not claim to be an authority but have never seen a 638 with a 2-1/2" barrel, with the standard being 1-7/8. I have the Standard Catalog & the serial number listings skip the CNS prefix. The Julian date code on the box is 0098, so I assume a January 2008 build date. Any info would be appreciated.

Joel S

 

[Jim K]

We need the full serial number; if you want you can use X's for the last two digits, but we need the number of digits to even make a guess at the date of manufacture. If you want an estimate of value, we also need good, clear pictures of both sides.

Jim

 

[mnrivrat]

The safety hammerless also came in two calibers. .32S&W and the .38S&W

 

[cartwrightbj]

It is a .38 S & W. Serial number 1518XX.

 

[ugaarguy]

cartwrightbj, I've moved your thread and the replies here to our "Identity and Date of Manufacture of S&W Revolvers" thread in our "Handguns: Revolvers" forum. I think you'll get more eyes looking from here . And, welcome to THR!

 

[Radagast]

cartwrightbj:
Your .38 S&W Safety Hammerless 4th Model was manufactured some time between 1998 (serial number 116003) & 1904 (serial number 1684xx). Average production over the life of that model was 10,400 guns per year, so it probably falls in the years 1902-1903.
Be aware that it is a black powder only firearm. Modern smokeless ammo is loaded to the same maximum pressures, but does have a different pressure curve which will cause thew gun to wear out faster. If you want to shoot it regularly, then blackpowder or blackpowder substitute handloads would be a good idea.
The hammerless design makes it safe to load all five chambers, unlike some early guns.
Mother of pearl grips were a factory option. They were usually hand fitted to the gun. 3.25 inches was a standard barrel length.
Spare parts can only be had by stripping them from another gun. There are few gunsmiths willing to work on these older weapons, so treat it with some care.

 

[Radagast]

jshrop6004:
The Model 638-3 with 2.5 inch barrel was introduced in 2010, IIRC and is now discontinued. That serial number should fall in the first half of 2010, per a list provided by THR member Kernel. The SCSW only covers serial numbers to 2004ish.

 

[jshrop6004]

Thanks Rad, You always come through!

 

[Citadel99]

How about a Model 29, 6" barrel, with SN AV16687

Mark

 

[Radagast]

Assuming the serial number is AVI6687, then that gun dates to 1987 and should be a Model 29-3 or Model 29-3E.
The 3E is the 'endurance package' of engineering changes, intended to stop guns going out of time with hard use.

 

[tom-j]

a) caliber 38 Special
b) bbl length (from cylinder to muzzle) 5"
c) grips shape (round or square) Round
d) number of shots/cylinder bores 6
e) type of sights. Fixed
f) serial number 135xxx
g) Model number if it is under the crane None

 

[Radagast]

tom-j:
You have a .38 Military & Police Model of 1905 2nd Change manufactured between 1906 & 1909 in the serial range 73251 to 146899.
This gun predates heat treatment of cylinders, I recommend sticking to standard pressure lead only rounds, no jacketed or PlusP.
It also predates the positive internal hammer block safety introduced after a fatality with a dropped gun in 1944. It would be prudent to treat it as a 5 shooter, leaving the chamber under the hammer empty.

 

[tom-j]

Thank you Radagast.

 

[Citadel99]

One more for you. Model 10. 3 screw pinned barrel. SN D8670XX.

Mark

 

[Radagast]

Citadel99: 1976. If tapered barrel it should be a 10-5, if heavy barrel a 10-6.

 

[Citadel99]

Tapered barrel 10-5. Thanks once again.

Mark

 

[Gun Master]

Two M&P .38Spl. - Need Date of Mfr.

I have an older M&P (Pre-Model 10), and a Model 10-6. Both sq. butt, fixed sights, and checkered wooden grips.

The older M&P has a 5" tapered barrel with rounded front sight, blued with butt serial #S 849xxx.

The 10-6 has a 4" heavy (bull) barrel with ramp front sight and butt serial # D485xxx.

Thanks.

 

[Radagast]

Gun Master:
Your .38 Military & Police Post War was manufactured in 1945 or 1946. It is considered a transitional model as it has the pre-war 'long action' (replaced in 1948 with the current 'short action') and the wartime developed positive hammer block safety that was subsequently integrated on all S&W revolvers. A mix of the old and the new, but not the final form. Hence a transitional model.
Your Model 10-6 .38 Military & Police Heavy Barrel was manufactured in 1973.

 

[Gun Master]

Many thanks, Radagast .

 

[mesinge2]

I know its not a revolver but it is a S&W

a) 9mm
b) 4"
c) Pistol
d) 14 round magazine
e) Adjustable
f)
g) 459

 

[YJake]

.38 Special

4" tapered barrel

Revolver Pre-10

S# 910XXX

Model under crane 56802

Thank You,

-Jake

 

[Laurie Cowan]

s & w ctg

38 S & W CTG..Nickel plate....

 

[Gun Master]

Two Chief's Specials - When Mfg. ?

Radagast, I have an older model Chief's Special (pre-model numbering) blued, 2" barrel, round butt, serial # 244xxx.

The 2nd may also be pre-model numbering or a Model 36. It is blued, 3'' barrel, square butt, serial # 738xxx.

I'd like to know when both were made.

Thanks again.

GM ><>

 

[Radagast]

mesinge2:
1983 for that one.

YJake:

Your .38 Military & Police Post War was manufactured between September 1945 (serial number S811120) & March 1948 (serial number S978924). My guesstimate is late 1946 or early 1947.
It is considered a transitional model as it has the pre-war 'long action' (replaced in 1948 with the current 'short action') and the wartime developed positive hammer block safety that was subsequently integrated on all S&W revolvers. A mix of the old and the new, but not the final form. Hence a transitional model.

Laurie Cowan:
That isn't enough info. S&W made 5 different models of revolvers chambered in .38 S&W.
Is it 5 shot or 6 shot?
Does it have an external hammer, or is it enclosed by a hump in the back of the frame?
Does the cylinder swing out to the side, or does the barrel swing down at the front and the cylinder swing up?
Does it have a normal trigger with trigger guard, or does it have a small trigger recessed into a spur of metal at the bottom of the frame?
What is the serial number, found on the bottom of frame, between the grips?

Get back to me with the above and I can ID and date it.

 

[Radagast]

Gun Master:
Serial number 244xxx is a Model 36 Chiefs Special manufactured between 1957 (serial number 125000) & 1962 (serial number 295000). Assuming a fairly constant production rate, that gun should date to 1960.

Serial number 738xxx is a Model 36 .38 Chiefs Special manufactured in 1967 or 1968.
If a tapered 3 inch barrel, then its a Model 36. If a straight sided heavy barrel, its a Model 36-1.