Hopefully someone on the forum can ID this old Smith & Wesson Revolver. It given to me in 1962 and has been on my license since. I have never fired it nor do I have any interest in firing it. I have searched the web trying to figure out exactly what it is and rough age. I have found many examples that share some but not all of the features, so I am lost.

Its chambered for .38 S&W. Barrel length is 3.250". Top Break. The rear sight is part of the top break release tab. Blade front sight is pinned on with one pin through the raised barrel rib. 5 Shot cylinder. There are 2 screws on the side plate, one directly above the spur trigger, the other is right on the edge of the side plate half on the side plate/half on the frame. The barrel is like new on the inside.

There are three pins, one is the trigger pivot, the other two are on the frame just below the cylinder. One screw is on the front of the frame which is the pivot for the break open.

The grips appear to be some type of plastic ? the S&W and checkering is not worn at all, all appear to be quite sharp.

The gun is nickel plated, the left side of the piece does have some smooth surface corrosion, probably from handling. The right side of the frame under the hammer has more of the handling type marks.

The following serial is stamped on the butt of the piece 4105. The following is stamped on the top rid of the barrel raised rib;
"Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass. U.S.A. PATD Jan 17 & 24. 65
July 11.65 Aug 14.69 Jan 18 1875 REISSUE July 25. 1871

Thats all the information on the gun, no other marks or stamps anywhere.

What is this model called, what is its approximate age, ball park what is its value ? I need to find it a new home. Pictures attached

Thank You
Model 52




http://photos.imageevent.com/moosecr.../websize/4.jpg

You have a 38 single action 1st model called the Baby Russian. It was more than likely made in 1876. Nice gun!

__________________
Tom
NRA Pistol Inst

These are fun to shoot. Yours looks to be in good mechanical condition. .38S&W ammo. is not easy to find and is expensive. Most shooters load their own cartridges to enjoy shooting these old timers. The nickel finish is some what faded, however if it's in good mechanical condition, it should easily bring $550 to $700 range at a good gun show or auction. These are sought after by collectors. Ed.

Even though antiquated, it could still make a serviceable personal or home defense weapon. As stated, .38 S&W ammunition is still loaded, but not widely distributed. What kind of license do you have? As it is a legal antique, gun laws in most states (and Federal law) exempt it from regulation.

Thanks for your reply. I have a NY Concealed Carry.
Since ammo is still available, I was required to put it on my license. In no possible way would I ever conceive of this piece as a serviceable personal or home defense. Its a old retired antique.

Model 52

Howdy

Your 1st Model 38 Single Action is called the Baby Russian because the extractor system and its housing under the barrel resemble those of the Russian Model revolvers.

These features were changed in the second model. The nickel finish on this one is not as good as yours, but you can see the difference in the ejector housing.



The grips resemble plastic but they are actually hard rubber. Be careful of them, they are very brittle.

P.S. I knew you were from NY when you mentioned the gun was on your license.

I have a old .38 single action breaktop, mine is the 2nd model with the longer extractor. I don't carry that one, but I do sometimes carry a new departure in .38, and after i get done working on it, probably the double action breaktop will make it into the occassional rotation

Back in its day, many carried them. Of course there were no Glocks back then either. Better than throwing rocks. None of the old BP-era revolvers would be my choice for a PD gun, but if I had nothing better, I wouldn't feel unarmed with one. This from someone whose concealed carry pistol is a .25 Automatic.

Thanks to all who replied.

I now know exactly what I have. I really appreciate the help

Model 52