This 8 inch nickel 38 Double Action 3rd model has what I think are red mottled grips, not blacks. What's up on this "shoulder stock" attachment? I assume someone added it. Or is there a chance all this was done as some of the "options" I've read about.

Double action works, but I think what's called the "cylinder stop" doesn't work. So, the cylinder will free spin

Not bad looking nickel for about 120 years old. I know the 8 inch is rare. What's rare? I really can't say I've been able to see others available. This is the only one I've ever ran across.

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ars1,
You should get the gun lettered!!! Does it have matching numbers? I have not seen one like it but some on this forum may have.

Modelof1891,

Where should there be numbers?

The cylinder is #233363, the barrel catch is #100448, the frame # is machined off to fit the shoulder stock. I don't have the stock. I don't see one on the star extractor after removing the cylinder from the gun (found a web site showing some of the disassembly). There's no markings on the frame under the grips or on the grips.

So, the cylinder is in the 3rd model range (119001-322700), but the barrel catch is in the 2nd model range (4001-119000). Maybe a repair, maybe just built this way???

It's a neat, decent nickeled 8 inch DA. I do plan on getting a letter after gathering whatever details from you smart S&W folks.

Thanks

There also should be a number on the rear of the topstrap, between the "ears".
See below on a 44 DA, but they're all the same on the smaller guns, just harder to see)

__________________
Dean
SWCA #680 SWHF #446

not a numbers matching gun but nice find anyway, sounds like someone "made" an 8" DA- if they ground off the frame serial number

deadin,

Your right. So, the barrel catch and the rear of the topstrap match. Making this barrel a 2nd model. Most books don't list an 8 inch nickel barrel for the 2nd model era. The exact patent dates on this barrel are
- top line: SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS.U.S.A PAT'D JAN. 17
- second line: &24.65 JULY 11.65.AUG.24.69 JULY 25.71. MAY 11.1880

I did read somewhere that 8 & 10inch barrels for 2nd models were made. None of the books references this though.

Any other places to look for numbers?

Thanks

Could be (probably is) a barrel from a .38 Single Action 2nd Model. I believe they were interchangeable and the serial range is right.

Add: Just checked the patent dates against those listed in Neal & Jinks and couldn't find any barrel markings in exactly that form????

__________________
Dean
SWCA #680 SWHF #446