S&W info needed

[elbruceo]

Hello
I have a S&W 38 with "38 S&W Special CTG" on the barrel with S# 3969XX on the butt I would like some info on how old it may be. Also the barrel may be bent can this be repaired and would it be worth repairing or used as parts

 

[Ron James]

So little information, however if it is a S&W that serial number was used between 1915 and 1941 ( probably in the 1930's. S&W had a fire which destroyed some manufacturing records so a serial number can only come up with 1915/1941. However for 50 dollars they can send you the shipping records of when and where it was shipped. Not cost effective in your case, JMHO Sounds like a typical Military and Police 38 Special ( CTG is simply short for cartridge ). Nothing unique or scarce about it. So if it has a bent barrel along with other issues it would be cost effective only if you were able to do the work your self. There are complete kits on the market ( J&G sales did have them ) the kit is minus the barrel and frame. I've seen a lot of posts of individuals having one of these kits and looking for a frame. There is a market for the parts and frame. Be advised that the frame is considered the firearm and if you contemplate mailing it you would have to comply with current rules from your state and ATF. That's about all the advise I can give you with out having the gun in my hot little hands. Perhaps some one else has more information.

 

[Oro]

If it is an S&W M&P model, that s/n would date to somewhere about 1924 to 1927 I believe.

Installing a new barrel on an S&W hand ejector type revolver is not a small job. It takes machining equipment as well as knowledge and skill. If the gun is in otherwise excellent condition, it might make sense to try to find a period correct barrel (pre-1930; there was a small design change about then) and have a gunsmith install it if you have one locally who can do it for a modest price (probably about an hour or a little more of shop/bench time would be the charge). So if you are patient and spend time connecting all the dots, you could perhaps get it done for $150, and the gun would be worth perhaps $250 assuming it's otherwise nice with the correct grips. The barrels were s/n to the gun, so it will always be obvious it was re-barreled. If you do not have the patience to do all that, then parting it out or selling it to a gunsmith or old collector like me is a better bet.