I've been lurking here for a while trying to absorb some vintage S&W info. I have 6 or 7 modern S&W revolvers but now I feel the need for a shootable top break. I've found two S&Ws locally; they're mechanically sound but both are nickel with only about 50% of the finish remaining. Refinishing is a possibility but it's expensive and greatly reduces the value of my investment. I run across the occasional H&R and US revolver but they're just as expensive as the Smiths and not in any better condition. I could live with a blued revolver with some honest patina but the over-the-hill nickel guns are just not my cup of tea. Anyone got any sources they'd care to share? Gunbroker? How about stripping the nickel and blueing?

i would not refinish an antique...there are many still available in remarkable condition...gunbroker and gun shows are certainly a good place to look...a BIG welcome to the forum!

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SWCA#2208
KK4EMO

If you are going to shoot a top break in 32 or 38, I would stick to a S&W (or a Webley or Enfield in 38 S&W) and stay away from H&R, Iver Johnson (U.S. was also made by Iver Johnson). The Smiths are much better made then the H&R and I.J. models in these calibers. The British models are even more stout then the Smiths and can take a lot of punishment.

That was my intention. I'm not planning on starting a top break collection so I'm just looking for a really nice S&W .38. I'm prepared to pay a premium price for the right gun when I find it.

If you want just a good top-break shooter, you might want to look for an H&R Defender (Model 925) in .38 S&W, but one of the new ones, post-1963. They show up on the auction sites regularly. I have been shooting one for the last 5 years and really like it. I did have to replace the hammer spring strut, as when it came from the factory it has a plastic thing on one end which deteriorated and cracked. Numrich-Gun Parts sells replacement struts with a steel end for about $20.00, and it's very simple to replace the original one. I've fired it several thousand times and it's still nice and tight, plus it's quite accurate, about as good as my K-38 at 15 yards. They came in 2.5" and 4" barrels, and mine's a 4". You should be able to find one in top shape for less than $200. Many used but newer H&R revolvers (even .22s) have the same plastic strut end issue, so don't worry about buying one that appears to have a hammer problem. That's easily fixed and just makes it sell at a low price. Plus you can shoot it all you want without worrying about lowering its collector value.

Just keep looking around. There are good deals on topbreaks all the time.
I got this old Iver Johnson for $50 this year. And it shoots better than some of my Smiths and Colts!
This is offhand at about 7 yards. Double action only: