Just got this gun passed down to me which has led to me wanting to learn more about guns/shooting. I figured out this is a .38 DA 2nd model by the serial number. With no prior experience with handguns, I was hoping someone here would help me out filling out the form to receive a Letter of Authenticity/History.

*Exact Caliber-
Barrel Length-
Finish (Blue, Nickel, Stainless, Other)-
Grip Shape (Square or Round)-
Target (or Special) Trigger, Hammer, Front Sight?-
Fixed or Adjustable Rear Sight?-
Unusual (Non-Standard) Features?-
Stocks (Wood, Target, etc.)-

I was also wondering what ammo would work to fire the piece. Sorry to be so needy on my first post...

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Welcome to the Forum. Your gun is a S&W New Departure model, often called the Safety hammerless. You didn't list the serial number, so I can't tell exactly what variation, but it looks like the 2nd model. While it is a Double Action insofar as the way it functions, it is not the model that collectors call a .38 Double Action. That model is similar, but has an exposed hammer. Your gun has the concealed hammer, considered an improvement over the exposed hammer when the gun was made. Over a half million of these models were made in .38 and .32 caliber, so they are not rare. A letter from the Factory Historian will tell when it was shipped and to where. Cost is $30. Write to Roy Jinks, 617 Rivers Rd., Tolland, MA. 01034. Send pictures and tell him ALL the markings on the gun and where they are, including all numbers. Current wait is about 6 weeks. Your gun is a black powder cartridge gun made circa the late 1890s and uses .38S&W ammo, which is usually availble in bigger gun stores. Be sure your gun is in good mechanical condition before firing, and if you are an inexperienced shooter, I would advise having the gun checked by a gunsmith before firing. There are classes available at shooting ranges and gun clubs to teach you the basics of handgun shooting. Get enrolled and start having fun leaning the art of shooting. Also, take a couple of hours some weekend and walk thru a gun show. You will learn a lot just by looking & watching. Ed.

For thirty bucks, it's really neat to have a documented 100 + year old antique! Enjoy the history!

Someone gave me a box of 38 short colt 125 GR. ammo, Does anyone think that would work with this piece???

To condense the information somewhat, the gun is a:

.38 Safety Second Model
(Produced from 1887-1890)(Serial number range 5251-42483)
Blued, or at least used to be.
3 1/4" barrel
Hard rubber stocks
Caliber .38 S&W.

Basic configuration is probably the most commonly found in this model.

The .38 Short Colt is not the correct cartridgs for the gun. Currently loaded factory .38 S&W is loaded as to be safe for the old black powder guns such as yours. The advice to have it checked by a hunsmith is good. The most inportant area to check is the barrel latch, if there is any more looseness than just barely perceptible, then the gun should not be shot.

Interpolation of your serial number into the range given should give you the year of manufacture on such a short run with a good deal of confidence. You can't be off more than 1 year!

Thanks for all the responses. I cant wait to shoot and learn more about this gun...