s & w 38 special ctg

[rhino1121]

Thanks much for the info

I really thank you for the info as far as my small 38 is concerned I know its history well. I bought it 1989 when I was stationed at Fort Benning. It is a S&W I carried it as my back up for many years now. Thank much for the info on the model 14-3. I know when the times comes for me to pass it on to my son he will love knowing all there is to know about it. Thanks again.

 

[superjdub]

I was just given this 38 S&W special U.S service ctg by my Grandmother. It belonged to my Grandfather. Anything you can tell me will be greatly appriciated.Also I know he had this gun for long time and he died in 99. So why do they post date patent dates and why are there so many?last date reads JUL 7 03.Thats what those are right? serial # starts 996XX

 

[Ron James]

Your serial number falls with in 1905-1906, 38 Special Hand Ejector, Military and Police. Your revolver also has been refinished, either Nickle or it looks like chrome so I won't even guess at a value.

 

[rlash]

msprezz, open the cylinder and look on the yoke, you should see a model number, and the number will will tell you the Model , it willl look like this, Mod 14-3. With just the serial number I can only tell you it was made in 1970 and is chambered for the .38 Special. Untill we know the model there's not much else can be told about your firearm. The .38 Special was used by every police department in the U.S for close to a hundred years. With some of the more modern loads it is more than effective for self defence. I suppect you have a target pistol such as the Model 14. If so, you have a very accurate handgun that is highly regarded by people that value fine firearms.

I also have a S&W 38 special - inside yoke 017013 - other side 454 or 404 - hsrd to read - serial # is 4692 - I have my fathers safety registration paper from 1928 - any info you might be able to give me would be appreciated.

 

[Radagast]

rlash:
The numbers under the yoke are assembly numbers, used to track parts in the factory.
If the complete serial number from the bottom of the grip is 4692 then you have a .38 Military & Police Model 1st Model manufactured between 1899 & 1902.

Value varys greatly with condition, in 2006 the Standard Catalog of S&W gave a value of $150 in poor condition to $1200 for excellent+, with a premium of 50% to 100% for army or navy marked guns.

Some quality pics will help with confirming the ID.

Your gun lacks the modern hammer block safety, if dropped it could fire. For this reason the hammer should be left down on an empty chamber.

Your gun also predates heat treatment of cylinders. Only use lead standard velocity loads, no jacketed, semi jacketed, PlusP or +P+. Otherwise you risk a bulged or cracked cylinder.