Old 38 S&W revolver

[Hardtimes]

I was wondering if anyone could help me out with some info on a old S&W 38 revolver I bought this week. Was mainly wondering how old it is. Someones replaced the original grips with what looks to be handmade ones. If I can find out the year, I would like to see if I could find original ones. On the barrel it has "38 S&W ctce and the serial # is 142621 Thanks

 

[Old Fuff]

Well you got a start, but there isn't near enough information to identify what you have. The marking on the side of the barrel, ".38 S&W Ctg." does not have anything to do with the model, it simply identifies what cartridge the gun is supposed to use. They also frequently used the same serial number on different models. So....

Is your revolver a top-break (tip the barrel down to load it), or a hand-ejector (swing the cylinder out to the left to load it)?

Are there patent dates stamped on the top of the barrel? (Or maybe the side). If so, what are the last 3 dates?

Is this a 5 or 6 shot revolver?

How long is the barrel? (Measure from the front face of the cylinder to the end of the muzzle).

Does this revolver have an enclosed hammer and a grip safety bar on the back of the handle? Or does it have a conventional hammer that you can cock with your thumb, and no safety?

Come back with the necessary information and we'll see what we can do.

 

[Hardtimes]

38 s&w

Thanks for the help. Here's what I've got the barrel is 2 and a half inches. The cylinder is what I think they call a drop out cylinder. If you pull the pin out in front, the cylinder falls all the way out. Its a 5 shot and its double action. Theres no safety. And it has a conventional hammer.Its got some more info stamped on it but its pretty worn. Here's what I can make out. On the top above the cylinder it looks like it says HR American And on the side of the barrel it looks like it says Worchester Mass. I hope this will help. Also I'm looking to buy some ammo for it. Can you tell me what would be the best ammo to shoot in it. I know there are some that I shouldnt use! Thank you

 

[Old Fuff]

Without a picture I can't be sure, but I think you have a Harrington & Richardson American Model .38 Revvolver. These are sometimes called "pull-pin" guns, and represent the most inexpensive construction that's possible. Be that as it may, some 850,000 were made between 1883 and 1940.

It is likely chambered to use the .38 S&W cartridge, which is still available. However I suggest that you not shoot it because I cannot determine the age, the ammunition is expensive and difficult to find, and the revolver is not particularly accurate beyond point-blank range.

Parts, including replacement stocks, may be found at www.e-gunparts.com

Be aware that with the possible exception of replacement stocks, any parts they have will be used ones.

 

[Ron James]

A Smith and Wesson it is not, you have a Harrington & Richarson American Double Action Revolver. It is listed as being made from 1883 untill 1940, from the black powder era to smokeless powder era. I have no ideal when yours was made but with that high a serial number I would guess the 1920s/1930s. The only ammo that would be proper for it is the 38 S&W, NOT the 38 Special.

 

[Hardtimes]

Thanks guys I appreciate the help. I didnt think I had much here, but I didnt pay much for it. Thanks again for the quick response!

 

[Old Fuff]

I would guess the 1920s/1930s.

I don't think so. They made over 850,000, and the greater bulk were made before World War One. There was some up-tick during the Great Depression because they were the least expensive revolver one could buy, but I'd date #142,xxx as having been made during the late 1880's or early 1890's. At the turn of the 20th Century, H&R's production outstriped both Colt and S&W combined.

 

[Old Fuff]

I should have pointed out that after World War Two, Harrington & Richardson continued to make a line of "pull-pin" revolvers. However they were much better then those made before the war, and today they are sometimes found for sale around $100-$150, and if in excellent shape (as they often are) they represent a good buy for someone looking for an inexpensive revolver intended for light duty use.