S&W 38 special revolver question

Status
Not open for further replies.
I have a couple S&W .357 Magnum revolvers from 1935. And, they work fine. Trust me, unless there is a hidden problem with that gun, it's as good a revolver as you can find.

And, I seriously doubt there is any problem with it. Remember, that was the mainstay in policemen's holsters for 80 years. Rained on, smacked into door frames, not cleaned regularly, heck, sometimes a resisting suspect even bumped their head into one.

I too am older than that gun and I still work dang near as well as I ever did.
 
Do any other oldies find it amusing that a revolver made in 1960 should be considered too old and delicate to be fired?
Come on guys. The OP is new and trying to learn. We’ve all been there at some point in our lives.

But it is amusing.
 
I appreciate the feedback! It says Model-10, no dash. I took the grip off and it is the original with the same serial number 452xxx stamped on the wood. I attached another pic of the Model-10 stamp. Any suggestions on what I should use to clean and preserve the grip wood?
 

Attachments

  • image.jpg
    image.jpg
    159.9 KB · Views: 43
I appreciate the feedback! It says Model-10, no dash. I took the grip off and it is the original with the same serial number 452xxx stamped on the wood. I attached another pic of the Model-10 stamp. Any suggestions on what I should use to clean and preserve the grip wood?
I would NOT let that gun leave my home! That is a gun to keep! They are very hard to come by. GOOD LUCK
 
I'm no S&W expert like many on here.

What I am, though, is the caretaker of my grandfather's S&W .38, the one that he once fatally shot a charging wild boar with while he was mounted on horseback.

It is from 1950 or earlier. I shoot it all the time. To the best of my knowledge, no part has ever needed replacement. The firing pin on the hammer also has a little "jiggle" in it.

If your barrel is free of obstructions, if the cylinders lock up and the hammer snaps - I would shoot it without hesitation.
 
cmozena

Congrats on getting the Model 10! The 4" heavy barrel has always been one of my favorites along with the .357 version Model 13. Enjoy your new addition to go along with your Beretta PX4 Storm.
 
Do any other oldies find it amusing that a revolver made in 1960 should be considered too old and delicate to be fired?

I have three M&P's that I still shoot. One is the first model 1899, and one is the Model 1902 version. The other is a 1905 version in 32-20 .

Yes - I do find it amusing. The first Model 10 I purchased was when I was still a teenager as I recall (they didn't ask my age). It was a local PD sell off of their old duty guns. My brother and I went to the city facilities and he bought a light weight (alloy frame if I recall correctly) Colt, and I bought a S&W model 10. Well used guns but affordable at $15 for choice. Cash and walk from the Police Dept ! Now THAT'S amusing.
 
Now that's a nice Model 10. I REALLY like the diamond grips myself. The Model 10 is "everyman's gun." Everything you really need, boiled down to the basics. Enjoy it.

I wouldn't worry about what kind of ammo to shoot in it. If it says 38 Special on the box and the cartridge case, it'll be OK. I wouldn't bother to shoot P+ or any of that sillyness, simply because that stuff cost more and doesn't punch a hole in paper any better than plain old round nose practice ammo.

Now if you do happen to want to use it for self/home defense, then get a box of P+ hollow points. What kind really doesn't matter much IMHO. Shoot a few. You'll probably say "Not really much difference." There isn't but you'll have a few.
 
Old by 60's standards? Nah, I've got a #14 in 38 spl, and a #17 in .22 cal., both made in '51, both of them are 95% or better. They both shoot fantastic, the #17 shoots a lot better than I can, smooth as butter actions.
 
Mod 10

When I went to Nam I was issued a S&W Mod 10 with 4" barrel. Shot many a round through it. Over there ammo was free so I would load up about a 1000 rounds a month. Never failed me. Still have it today, but mostly shoot it on weekends when I can. I reload my own with 158 gr. round nose rounds from Oregon trail. This gun still hits the 10 ring at 25 yards.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top