Information for old revolver SW .38
 

I'm new in this forum and this is my first post. I need information about an old Smith Wesson revolver cal. 38.

The data requested are:
1 - Gun Model
2 - Manufacture Year
3 - Type of ammunition for this model.

The information I can provide is:
- Serial number at the bottom of the frame and cylinder: 3526XX.
- Barrel length: 83.35 mm.
- Cylinder Length: 31 mm, for 5 bullets.
- Exposed hammer.
- Top break design for loading and unloading cartridges.
- Traditional double - action design.
- Mother of pearl stocks
- Frame finish: blued
- Registration at the top of the barrel: SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS U.S.A. PAT D MAY 11 1880. JAN 3 1882. APRIL 9 1889.

Thanking you in advance for your kind response.

Sincerely,
Fernando Velarde

.38 Double Action 4th Model made from 1895-1909. Ammunition is .38 S&W, NOT .38 S&W Special.

fervelfarr, Welcome to the Forum. Peter has identified your gun. Close serial numbers to your gun were shipped in 1897. Ed.

1897 is a good date. It is definitely pre-1899, and thus a legal antique according to BATFE regulations.

I sincerely thank your information, because it is a weapon inherited from family, though it is in very good working condition, the following steps are: to remake the bluing, which I hope to do it properly and get the ammunition 38 S & W, this does not going to be easy since I live in Lima - Peru, where the supply of weapons and ammunition is limited. On this 38 S & W ammunition, please let me know what is the overall length (assuming that the cylinder is 1.22 inch long) and if the diameter is 0.316 inches.
Some information says that .38 S & W is the same as .38 Short, whose overall lenght is 0.78 inches, which is confusing.
I reiterate my thanks for your help.
Fernando Velarde

In some European countries, .38 S&W is called .38 Corto or .38 Short.

Fernando:

it is usually much better to leave the old bluing alone, rather than make it look new again.

rebluing often ruins collector value. :)

Information for old revolver SW.38
 

I sincerely appreciate your information and suggestions.
One last query: Is it possible to get the ammunition 38 SW in the U.S. market?
Fernando Velarde

Yes, .38 S&W ammo. is available in the US markets. .38 Short ammo. will fit in your S&W. They are both older black powder calibers, however modern cartridges in those calibers are loaded to same low pressures as the older black powder rounds, so that there's no danger to the older guns if you shoot modern ammo. Ed.

The 38 Short and Long Colt cartridges were intended for Colt revolvers with chambers bored straight through. Late production (Remington or Winchester) 38 Short Colt cartridges are loaded with an outside lubricated bullet with a case the same diameter as the 38 Special. Fiocchi sells a 38 Short, which is the same as the S&W. I believe the Fiocchi Short is loaded with a FMJ bullet at higher velocity than our 38 S&W.

Shooting Dynamics Ammo 38 S&W Short 145 Grain Full Metal Jacket Box of 50

These are the Fiocchi cartridges.

Information for old revolver SW.38
 

Thank you very much again for your excellent and friendly information.
Fernando Velarde

Sport Ammo 38 S&W 146 Grain Lead Round Nose

These cartridges are loaded to about 680 FPS.

Fernando, you should be able to buy cartridges where you are. IF not, it is also possible to make usable 38S&W cartridges from more common (in the USA anyway) .38 Special or .357 Magnum cartridge cases. Of course, you or someone else would have to have reloading equipment and supplies to do so. It is not an ideal solution to your ammunition problem and has its pitfalls but can be done. Good luck.

rboineau: Thanks for informing me of this alternative, I will consider if I can not get them new.
Regards,
Fernando Velarde