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01-16-2010, 05:04 PM
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Can you please help me identify pictures?
Hi,
I'm trying to figure out what I have and what it's worth. This is a .38 spl with a four digit serial number beginninng in "1". Is this what they call "flat latch with five screw? Thanks a lot!
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01-16-2010, 05:12 PM
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Hi, and welcome! This is either a Centennial or Centennial Airweight (steel or alloy frame?). This is probably a four-screw, as the fifth screw at the front base of the trigger guard was deleted from production before this model was introduced. (The fourth side plate screw is under the stock panel on the right.) The steel-framed one was later called the model 40, and the alloy the model 42.
If the bore/chambers/mechanicals are good and its finish is just grimy, probably in the $500-600 range - if the photos show rust/pitting, quite a bit less. Hope this is helpful.
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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220
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01-16-2010, 05:23 PM
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SWCA Member Absent Comrade
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The Centennial was introduced in 1952 and the front screw dropped years later so a very early example may have it. It does have the flat latch (cylinder release). I think this was changed around 1964 or so.
If it's model marked on the frame under the cylinder crane it will say M40 (steel) or M42 (alloy). If not model marked then it was made before 1957.
These are popular but this gun looks to be in pretty sorry condition as far as finish. Would still be a good carry gun (I have one that looks even worse and I like to pack because I figure I can't hurt it any more) but $600 would get a like new example. This one MIGHT bring $250 or so from someone who wanted a carry gun and didn't care about appearances.
This is my beat up carry piece with the stag grips I got for $6. Below it is a near pristine example that I can't bring myself to carry.
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01-17-2010, 11:01 AM
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I'm not as smart as Saxon Pig. On top is the once-pristine early model 42 marked Centennial that I carried off duty for many years, hoping that, if ever needed, it would survive five rounds of +P. Our department required that to carry a 2" Smith, you had to qualify with a 2" Smith. Below is the original Lew Horton m. 60 Target that I bought new and only fired once a year for qualifying. As I said, not smart.
Bob Hart #946
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01-17-2010, 12:41 PM
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If I NEEDED to carry it I would. Have the old one so leaving the new alone... for now. But I have shot it and the other one with my +P+ loads with no effect to the guns.
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01-17-2010, 01:25 PM
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kingofnaiper,
Believe you have a model 40 steel. Alloys should not rust on the frame like that.
CD
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01-17-2010, 02:06 PM
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Given good mechanical condition, I would buy that gun, but I'd probably go no higher than $250. It appears to be a good candidate for a refinish, if you leaned that way. I'd probably just clean it up , oil it, load it, shoot it, carry it -- warts and all.
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Pisgah
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