I have an old S&W revolver with serial number 68245 on the butt. I believe it is a Model 3 Double Action. There are no markings to indicate the caliber, however I believe it to be 38 S&W. The gun functions double action, but doesn't cock for single action use. It has a 3.25" barrel. Can anyone give me any more information? Thanks.
What you have is known as a .38 Double Action 2nd Model.
They were made from 1880 to 1884 in a serial range of 4001 - 119,000 (app.) The grips are not original as it should have hard rubber ones.
Hugh, As Dean said above, your gun is a .38 Double Action, not a Model 3 double action, which is .44 caliber. Quite often in guns as old as yours, the accumulation of dirt, crud, powder, grease, etc., in the action causes the gun to not cock correctly in single action mode. A good cleaning of the action will usually solve that problem. Carefully remove the side plate, with the correct screw driver, and flush out the interior with a good gun powder solvent, and reassemble. Ed.
Need info on old S&W revolver
Linear Mode
