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09-22-2012, 01:10 PM
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Hello and more...
Hello,
I just got my first Smith & Wesson and it has great sentimental value. I inherited what I think is a Model 38 that my Dad was issued in 1944-45 when he joined the Army Air Corps. If anyone has any information to prove the manufacture date I would appreciate it.
I found this photo of the same on 1911 forums and they call it a Model 38 Bodyguard Photo replaced with actual handgun referred to in this topic. I had no idea they were making bodyguards that long ago and issuing them to soldiers.
It has "Airweight 38 SPL CTG" stamped on the right side of the barrel and has a serial of 115xxx stamped on the bottom of the butt.
I have not yet checked to see if the cylinder is steel or aluminum but it appears to be aluminum at cursory glance. I am not sure if it is safe to shoot since it may not have a steel cylinder but any info is welcome.
Last edited by horseless; 09-22-2012 at 10:29 PM.
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09-22-2012, 02:30 PM
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horseless, welcome from North Carolina.
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09-22-2012, 02:51 PM
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Welcome to the forum from Arkansas
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09-22-2012, 03:52 PM
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Welcome to the S&W forum.
You are correct, the Bodyguard Airweight was not introduced until 1955 and also termed a Pre Mod 38 by collectors. It did not become the Mod 38 until c.1957 and was so stamped in the yoke. Based on the serial # it was built c. 1956. The steel frame version was intro. 1959 as the Model 49.
They were made with steel cylinders (as is the one shown) and therefore safe to shoot. If in doubt check it with a magnet.
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09-22-2012, 04:54 PM
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Sorry, this revolver could not have been used by your dad in WW II. The Chief's Special was the first small, 5 shot S&W revolver and it didn't come out until 1950.
As stated above by Hondo44, yours dates to 1956.
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John 3:16
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09-22-2012, 08:21 PM
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Might be as late as an early 1957 gun. I do note that the stocks (grips) are likely later replacements since they lack the diamond around the escutcheon. The original stocks would have the serial number stamped on the inside of the right panel, if you want to check that.
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09-22-2012, 08:33 PM
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Howdy and welcome from Oklahoma.
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09-22-2012, 08:59 PM
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Welcome to the forum...nice looking rig.
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09-22-2012, 10:24 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Goony
Might be as late as an early 1957 gun. I do note that the stocks (grips) are likely later replacements since they lack the diamond around the escutcheon. The original stocks would have the serial number stamped on the inside of the right panel, if you want to check that.
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That picture was swiped from another forum just to show the model. I changed the photo to the actual topic handgun
Her is the stamp inside the yoke
Last edited by horseless; 09-22-2012 at 10:35 PM.
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09-22-2012, 10:50 PM
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"Her is the stamp inside the yoke"
That's an assembley number.
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09-22-2012, 10:54 PM
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Horseless,
Those #s in the yoke are only useful to verify the original yoke, frame and sideplate (# inside) each of which should have the same #. They are factory assembly #s. The 115XXX serial number is the important one to date the gun.
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09-22-2012, 11:36 PM
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Thanks for the info, If the cylinder is steel then we are putting it to work.
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09-24-2012, 06:06 PM
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Welcome from Texas horseless. Great forum for all things S&W, have fun, learn lots, share what you know.
You have one cool revolver!
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