I've purchased one in what looks like excellent shape with a serial number 253xxx. Was looking to come up with approximate date of manufacture. I know the series ended at about serial 261000 in 1940.
My pull it out me ear guess is 1927. Anyone have a better estimate?

Also, as the revolver seems in good mechanical shape as far as lockup and timing, I plan to shoot it with factory loads. As it was certainly manufactured in the smokeless powder era, I feel somewhat confident it won't blow up on me. Anyone want to vote "no" on that premise?
(thanks)

I have two guns in the 25xxxx range which shipped in 1922, but then I know of another 25xxxx that shipped in 1925. The dates are notoriously NOT in sequence in this era, so the only way to know for sure is to have Roy date it for you.

If the gun is in good shape mechanically as you say, modern loads will not be a problem. I've had luck buying .38 S&W on Gunbroker for around $30/box.

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Peter #2091

You won't have any problem with factory .38 S&W loads. Depending upon where you live, ammo is not that hard to find. Gun shows are usually good sources, maybe you can check with Bass Pro Shop if you are close to one. Local gun shops can order it for you. Reloading is the best way to go if you are a reloader. Buy one box of loaded ammo and keep loading the brass. Or you can cut down .38 Special brass to make .38 S&W, even though the .38 Special case is a hair smaller in diameter than the .38 S&W. .38 Special lead bullets work fine in .38 S&W. 9mm or .38 Super reloading dies will work OK if you have them. Just keep your loads on the light side.

Thanks very much for your information. At least my guess was in the right decade :-) Because I've got a Colt Police Positive and a S&W Regulation Police that fire 38 S&W, I'm actually pretty well stocked up on ammo. GunBroker.com was a good source for me. Regardless of where I got it, it's all the same thing: Remington 146 GR. Lead Round Nose.

I appreciate your advice on ammunition. I'm not a reloader but I have friends who seem to love it as much as shooting. I will be sure to save my brass in case I can talk one of them into helping me bring the cases back to life.

Welcome to the forum lKelly,
Peter is correct the only way to know for sure is to shell out $50. But, for what it's worth number 254XXX shipped in July of 1925 and three 251XXX s in my notes shipped in 1922. I just noticed that you are a S&WCA member so why don't you just go to the S&WCA section of this forum and ask Roy Jinks? He has a special thread to give shipping dates to members.
Mark

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Mark Connot

Well, that was a dandy piece of information! I shall do so, Mark. I purchased Mr. Jink's book on eBay. That combined with my purchase of Supica/Nahas has kept me, as a new S&WCA member, from looking like a complete fool. (maybe)
THANKS MUCH.

I have 247714 ... anyone have a close serial number with a confirmed date?

I just puchased a 38 S&W cal. Safety Hammerless 5th Model with serial number 235825. Anyone know the approximate time this was made? Considering that the pistol is in good working order are there any issues firing modern 38 S&W? Thx.