S&w model 38

[2pumpkindad]

Can somone please approximate the date of this gun I inherited:
S&W Model 36
AIRWEIGHT
38SPL CTG. (on side of bbl)
Serial # 130xxx on bottom of handle
Stamping inside barrel hinge: 1 50 36
1-7/8" long barrel

A few years ago, my neighbor, a gun dealer, said it was shot just 1 time.
Looks blue steel with rounded diamond wooden handles.
What is it worth approx and is it a good self defense gun for my home?
Thank You.

 

[hhb]

S&W

If it's an airweight, it can't be a model 36. It would have to be a model 37.
The 37 had a steel barrel and a steel cylinder. Stick a small magnet to the bottom of the trigger guard, or the bottom of grip over the serial #. If it sticks it's a 36, if it doesn't, it's a 37.

 

[RUT]

If it is in fact an Airweight, it should be plainly marked as such on the barrel. That would make it a Model 37, and based on your serial# it was probably made c. 1958/1959. (assuming said # is not preceeded by a "j".

 

[2pumpkindad]

S&W Model 37

Thank you gentleman for that info. My only assumption was Mod 36 because I saw the 36 stamped on the cylinder hinge, but I did the "magnet" test and the body around the cyl incl the trigger guard is not magnetic. The cylinder and barrell are magnetic. It says AIRWEIGHT 38SPL CTG on the barrell.
So I will look up Model 37 information for bullets, ect.

 

[sidheshooter]

I'm no S&W historian, but are you all sure that there are no airweight 36s? Even back in the old days?
-M

 

[Oro]

are you all sure that there are no airweight 36s?

]


The 36 is by definition a steel gun, and the 37 the alloy airweight model. His is most likely just a mis-marked 37. This is uncommon, but by no means "rare." Mismarked Colt's and S&W's appear all the time, and have a little curiousity value attached to them, but don't command much buyer premium based on what I have seen.

 

[Elvishead]

You guy's just reminded me I had a 37 (AKA Aluminum), and not a 36 (AKA Steel).

Tanks