Hello, I was given a revolver as a gift from my father-in-law with the following information:

1. Type: .38 Top Break
2. Serial Number: 427172 (on butt of gun & under top break)
3. .38 S & W CTG
4. Barrel Length: 4 inches
5. Fixed Sight

I would like to know when this gun was manufactured and the rarity of it (number produced). It has what appears to be a black plastic grip and 60-70% of the finish/plating is worn off. Would it be worth restoring the chrome finish? If so, recommendations? I have not fired the gun, but it appears to be in working condition. Estimate on current value?

Welcome to the Forum. Sounds like you have a 38 Double Action, Fourth Model. Your revolver was shipped from the factory around 1902, making it a "modern" firearm.

These are very common guns and have little collector value unless in excellent condition. There were over half million of this revolver made up through the 5th Model. Probably looking at $200 in the condition you describe. These guns had hard rubber stocks and not plastic, plus they were nickel plated and not chromed.

I would not spend any money on the 38 DA, just clean it up and if you want, buy some 38 S&W ammo to shoot at the range.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

As these DAs are so common and of relatively small value, any money spent on "improving" them is wasted. You would be better off buying another which is already in better condition.

I appreciate the feedback. I would have never guessed it was that old.

I have an old 38 caliber sw that my father in law gave me. I doubt it is worth $100 as is, but I would like nothing more than to get this gun either blued or nickel finished and present it back to him for his birthday. I would like to know how much this will cost me and when it can be done. I know he will love it. Thank you.

Note, the 38 S&W is a different caliber than the 38 S&W Special. The 38 S&W uses a 0.360 diameter bullet in a slightly larger diameter case that is shorter than the case for the 38 Special which uses a smaller 0.357 diameter bullet. The 38 S&W also operates at a lower pressure than the 38 special. Ammunition is still available for the 38 S&W but can be difficult to find. You can also purchase cases for reloading from Starline brass and I would expect that bullet casting dies for this caliber are available from Lyman. Just letting you know that if you wish you can use this as an interesting range pistol with a bit of effort but the 38 S&W isn't a first choice for Defense because it's only around as powerful as the 380 ACP.

I found ammo for about $23 for a 50 round box online. It's available.

Welcome back!

If this is the same gun you referenced in late 2013, you can ask your local gunsmith for refinishing references - Ford's in Florida specifically may take this job on - but you will spend several hundred dollars to have an adequate job done and it will probably take 6-12 months if they will take on the work. Many will refuse to do any work on these antique guns due to the lack of replacement parts in case they find something mechanically wrong with them.

It may be better to find your father-in-law a similar gun in better original condition, but I understand the desire to redo "his" gun. Hope this is helpful.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

JMD82, check with a local gun shop about refinishing. Around here, a blue finish costs about $180 and nickel around $300. It varies based on the amount of prep work (polishing) that has to be done to get the surfaces ready. Also, if the gun is partially nickeled, they will charge extra to remove the old nickel.

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629