S@W Model 38 Airweight

[Frank Cornholio]

Please tell me shipping date or any info you can, including value of:
S@W Model 38 Airweight (humpback) 5 shot, Seriel # J503xxx
Thank-you

 

[Cokeman]

Who are you asking?

 

[ArchAngelCD]

More info needed. Is the gun new? In a box? If not new how much wear? Does that M38 have a dash number denoting engineering changes? (It should not with that serial #)

That Serial # should be from 1977. I suggest you xxx out the last few numbers of that serial # for safety.

 

[Frank Cornholio]

More info needed. Is the gun new? In a box? If not new how much wear? Does that M38 have a dash number denoting engineering changes? (It should not with that serial #)

That Serial # should be from 1977. I suggest you xxx out the last few numbers of that serial # for safety.

## Thank-you very much for your quick reply! The "Mod.38" has a DOT between the "Mod" and "38".
I purchased it in 1976 or 1977. I thought it was used, but I'm not sure.

I carried it a few times on duty in Law Enforcement over the years.

Excellent condition, looks brand new, no scratches or marks.

Unknown on box location, so just the gun for now.

So you think it was manufactured in 1977, about the same year I purchased it (for $95.00)?

Thank you for your help and knowledge about this gun!

 

[ArchAngelCD]

The book I have says your gun falls in a serial number set for between 1976 & 1977. You're gun is at the end of the set so I'm guessing it is from 1977. I'm not good with prices but I'm sure you can get $300+ if you sell it but be sure you really don't want it because those are fine revolvers which are no longer made.

 

[cal44mag]

I have a Model 49 also from that time frame.

It's a steel version of the same design so heavier.

I'd love to have a aluminum M38 if I ever find one here in California.

If I were you, I'd keep it. It makes a good backup gun, or a main carry gun when your retire.

 

[Frank Cornholio]

I have a Model 49 also from that time frame.

It's a steel version of the same design so heavier.

I'd love to have a aluminum M38 if I ever find one here in California.

If I were you, I'd keep it. It makes a good backup gun, or a main carry gun when your retire.

Yes, mine looks just like that! I'm keeping it for sure. It is a great gun, and so light and small. Hardly carried it as a backup on duty and hardly at all off duty. But now, after retirement I carry it all the time because things are getting more crazy. I'd rather be the wolf than the sheep. Thank you all for your quick replies and vast knowledge.

 

[bannockburn]

Frank Cornholio

I had a nickel plated Model 38 back in the early '80s and it was truly a sweet pocket carry revolver. I currently have the stainless steel version, a Model 649, and a newer lightweight version, a Model 638. Both are great handguns and still in my concealed carry rotation.

 

[Frank Cornholio]

Frank Cornholio

I had a nickel plated Model 38 back in the early '80s and it was truly a sweet pocket carry revolver. I currently have the stainless steel version, a Model 649, and a newer lightweight version, a Model 638. Both are great handguns and still in my concealed carry rotation.


Those are two sweet handguns! Now I'm even more curious. I wish someone would post the history, with photos of this gun. The models, dates, etc.

 

[Coyote3855]

Frank,

No photos. This info is from the 4th Edition of the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson regarding the Model 38: Bodyguard Airweight. The revolver was introduced in 1955 and produced through 1999 although some may have shipped after the end date. It was later produced as the Model 438 and later still as the 638 with stainless steel cylinder and barrel. The Model 38 is chambered in .38 S&W Special, has a five shot fluted steel cylinder, alloy frame with 2" steel barrel. Early model barrels were pinned until 1982. The Bodyguard was unique in that the airweight version came before the steel framed version (Model 49 Bodyguard). The Catalog has a picture of a Model 38 that belonged to Clyde Tolson, J. Edgar Hoover's second in command and lifelong companion. The Bodyguard Airweight came in blue or nickel, with some report of nickel cylinders in blued guns. I have a nickel Bodyguard from 1988 that's one of my favorite carry guns. The Catalog lists the values as $550 Excellent, $475 Very Good, $325 Good. But those are only guidelines and estimates. I think I gave $400 for mine and it's at least very good, but no box/papers, etc.

PS. It's always okay to ask questions on this forum. You will usually get good answers. Just ignore cranky posts. If you go the S&W Forum and search Model 38, you'll get lots of information on the revolver.

 

[Frank Cornholio]

Frank,

No photos. This info is from the 4th Edition of the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson regarding the Model 38: Bodyguard Airweight. The revolver was introduced in 1955 and produced through 1999 although some may have shipped after the end date. It was later produced as the Model 438 and later still as the 638 with stainless steel cylinder and barrel. The Model 38 is chambered in .38 S&W Special, has a five shot fluted steel cylinder, alloy frame with 2" steel barrel. Early model barrels were pinned until 1982. The Bodyguard was unique in that the airweight version came before the steel framed version (Model 49 Bodyguard). The Catalog has a picture of a Model 38 that belonged to Clyde Tolson, J. Edgar Hoover's second in command and lifelong companion. The Bodyguard Airweight came in blue or nickel, with some report of nickel cylinders in blued guns. I have a nickel Bodyguard from 1988 that's one of my favorite carry guns. The Catalog lists the values as $550 Excellent, $475 Very Good, $325 Good. But those are only guidelines and estimates. I think I gave $400 for mine and it's at least very good, but no box/papers, etc.

PS. It's always okay to ask questions on this forum. You will usually get good answers. Just ignore cranky posts. If you go the S&W Forum and search Model 38, you'll get lots of information on the revolver.

Thank-you very much for all the information. Everyone is so knowledgeable!

 

[Hookeye]

I want a J frame, with Tyler and mastadon ivory grips..............they are just so darn good looking.
Bobbed my M60 no dash.......loved that little gun. So does the guy I sold it to!

 

[amd6547]

Just remember, no +P ammo. Watch for cracking of the frame under the forcing cone, a known issue with the Model 38.
I don't shoot mine much due to that.