I got this gun from my father. All the other one I saw on here have a letter at the beginning of the serial number but mine does not. This serial number is 303292. the patent dates range from 1901 - 1914. It seems to be in pretty good shape. I am getting my guns insured and my insurance company is looking for values. I have a 30-06 and an old H&R 12GA I will post later.
Value for a Smith & Wesson 38 Special CTG
- Thread starter Doob
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Any reasonable appraisal will require some pictures as condition is very important in determining value. That being said, based on the serial number and the last patent date, you have an S&W .38 Hand Ejector (Military & Police), Model 1905, Fourth change. That was the same gun that later became the famous "Victory Model" but your gun was made in about 1919-1920, long before WWII.
There were a lot of those guns, a total of 999,999 M&P's to be exact before they went to V1 for the Victory Model, of which 458,296 were the Fourth change. They are not especially valuable and ones in average good condition run $250-300. Note that your gun will not have the positive hammer block safety, so if carried should have an empty chamber under the hammer.
Jim
There were a lot of those guns, a total of 999,999 M&P's to be exact before they went to V1 for the Victory Model, of which 458,296 were the Fourth change. They are not especially valuable and ones in average good condition run $250-300. Note that your gun will not have the positive hammer block safety, so if carried should have an empty chamber under the hammer.
Jim
![DSCN0543[1].jpg](/data/attachments/88/88959-cec31f1e2790e74b64c4667807dcd20a.jpg)
That gun is what I said it is, but it is not in good condition. I would have to downgrade the value to $200 tops, and were you to sell it you might have a problem getting that.
Needless to say, the sentimental value as an heirloom is (IMHO) greater than its dollar value. It is too bad some previous owner, your father or someone else, didn't take better care of it.
Jim
Needless to say, the sentimental value as an heirloom is (IMHO) greater than its dollar value. It is too bad some previous owner, your father or someone else, didn't take better care of it.
Jim
docsavage98
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This is my first post so I'll try to get it right. I have a Smith and Wesson Airweight .38 special CTG 5 shot, 2 inch barrel. Serial number on butt (square checkered) 24J8xx
When I swing out the cylinder I see Mod 37. Wide grooved trigger, exposed hammer. Bluing is about 90%..some wear on sight rails and cylinder. Any information would be appreciated.
When I swing out the cylinder I see Mod 37. Wide grooved trigger, exposed hammer. Bluing is about 90%..some wear on sight rails and cylinder. Any information would be appreciated.
Radagast
Member
docsavage98:
Your Model 37 Chiefs Special Airweight is the alloy frame version of the model 36 Chiefs Special. Yours dates to the period 1971-1972.
This gun is built on the J frame, modern aftermarket grips will fit.
Its generally recommended that you not shoot a lot of .38 special PlusP through the early alloy framed guns, as you may see rapid wear. Stick to standard pressure loads, or practise with standard pressure and carry with PlusP.
Value is not high, probably around $250-$300.
Your Model 37 Chiefs Special Airweight is the alloy frame version of the model 36 Chiefs Special. Yours dates to the period 1971-1972.
This gun is built on the J frame, modern aftermarket grips will fit.
Its generally recommended that you not shoot a lot of .38 special PlusP through the early alloy framed guns, as you may see rapid wear. Stick to standard pressure loads, or practise with standard pressure and carry with PlusP.
Value is not high, probably around $250-$300.
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