.38 S & W Lemonsqueezer

everettstiles · #1 11-08-2015, 10:09 PM

"This fits my hand perfectly. I love it!" When your wife stands at the gunshow table in Macon County with a statement like that, you pull out your wallet ($450). This fine old Smith (photos) is tight as new, although no bluing remains.

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Question: Could the cut-back trigger guard have been a factory feature? There is no evidence of cutting or grinding on the frame. What production period would the serial number represent? Thanks....

glowe · #2 11-08-2015, 10:45 PM

I am not sure what to say about the price other than WOW - $450 - really?

That was a 38 Safety Hammerless, 4th Model from around 1903. It most likely has a cut barrel and a very dangerous trigger job. Finish and edges are worn, but it works. Sorry, but I see a hacked up gun that is maybe worth $150. Sure, it has a "neat" feature, but if you could take every well worn 38 Safety worth under $200 and hack-saw, then do a little grinding, and sell all of them for $450, there would be no well worn original guns left out there.

The trigger & guard are not a factory job. Be very careful with that if you ever load it.

Mikebiker · #3 11-08-2015, 11:14 PM

I agree way overpriced. Colt made a few guns with trigger guards cut back like that in the 1930s, they were called Fitzgerald specials. I once had one. Since it is double action only the trigger is not so dangerous had it been single action capable. The old spur trigger guns had no guards.

shouldazagged · #4 11-08-2015, 11:38 PM

$450? No. Just no. Or did your wife insist?

everettstiles · #5 11-09-2015, 08:16 AM

Well, thank you, my Friends....guess there's one born every day....'cept that day there were more than one, as Elbie had people wanting to buy it from her....hurts to have your bubble busted....not gonna tell her....thanks, though...

i1afli · #6 11-09-2015, 08:45 AM

If the wife loves it then that adds a couple hundred of value in my book.

glowe · #7 11-09-2015, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by everettstiles

Well, thank you, my Friends....guess there's one born every day....

Sometimes it's about factors other than money in making a decision to buy things. The gun was for sale and you were probably not the only person who thought about paying the price. My big concern is the safety aspect. If it was purchased for a conversation piece then great, but there was a reason why the factory started putting trigger guards on handguns . . .

Skeetr57 · #8 11-09-2015, 11:51 AM

I don't think that the cut trigger guard is a dangerous modification on that particular model of S&W. It is double action only, with a long heavy pull and has a grip safety that has to be depressed to fir the gun. It may have been done because the owner had fat fingers and the trigger guard is pretty tight. Not my cup of tea, but it makes more sense than doing the same thing to a M&P or a DS.

gmborkovic · #9 11-09-2015, 01:15 PM

Happy Queen, happy castle.

glowe · #10 11-09-2015, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skeetr57

I don't think that the cut trigger guard is a dangerous modification on that particular model of S&W. It is double action only . . .

Try stuffing that loaded revolver into a holster or coat pocket a few times . . . I hate to think of what might happen.

lowriderfxr · #11 11-09-2015, 01:35 PM

I think it's cool and 450.00 isn't a ridiculous amount of money. But, even if I didn't couldn't we just leave the OP with his dignity and thank him for posting it? Just a thought.

I just went to the Bonnie and Clyde festival this year. I think that little revolver is way cool and don't think it's much of a stretch to see me paying 450.00 for it. Enjoy it!!!!

Absalom · #12 11-09-2015, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowriderfxr

I think it's cool and 450.00 isn't a ridiculous amount of money. But, even if I didn't couldn't we just leave the OP with his dignity and thank him for posting it? Just a thought.

While I appreciate your sentiment, the usefulness of this forum comes to a large degree from the fact that we have people here who know what they're talking about. And many people read these threads for perspective and research. Sugarcoating things in order to not make someone feel bad would do everyone a grave disservice. And I don't think the OP felt his dignity impugned by the realistic appraisal.

ISCS Yoda · #13 11-09-2015, 02:48 PM

Yeah, ya gotta feel a little badly for the OP but that IS why we come here. I have that exact same gun, not modified, and the folks here thought I paid too much at $250 because the grips were not perfect and one side plate screw is missing.

I do think, however, that in light of the difficult double action only trigger that gun could be properly carried and used as a self defense gun. Especially in a woman's purse made with a section for the concealed carry of a handgun.

tlay · #14 11-09-2015, 02:57 PM

Gary was giving a very knowledgeable opinion and maybe stop someone else from making the same mistake. Not everyone is an expert on all firearms. When someone comes to a forum they should expect the facts about their new purchase.
If your wife loves the gun then it doesn't matter what we think. But be very careful putting any "fitzed" gun into a holster. And whatever you do don't just stick it into a pocket!

merl67 · #15 11-09-2015, 10:03 PM

I too have bought guns that should have been left alone a $400 mistake is a lot cheaper than some of my car ones. The OP will learn from this one as probably most of us learned and make wiser buys in the future.

everettstiles · #16 11-12-2015, 08:20 AM

Well, Gentlemen, I greatly appreciate your candor and guidance. The first response hurt a little, but the knowledge gained is invaluable. Thanks..

Tinker Pearce · #17 11-12-2015, 12:12 PM

The trigger-guard is a bit worrisome. You can always get her one with the trigger-guard intact; my wife got me a very nice blued .38 lemon squeezer gun on Gunbroker for about $205 including shipping.

mmaher94087 · #18 11-12-2015, 01:03 PM

I'm not a fan of 'Fitz'd' trigger guards. Check with Gun Parts Corporation (Numrich Arms) they might have a .38 Safety Hammerless, 4th trigger guard.

tlay · #19 11-12-2015, 03:01 PM

If you need one I probably have a trigger guard you can have. Let me know by P.M.

sigp220.45 · #20 11-12-2015, 03:35 PM

I like it. I agree the price was a tad high, but if the guy's wife liked it and he had the dough, why not?

The trigger guard is a non-issue to me, other than I'm sure it detracts from the resale value. I know it drives people nuts, but between the long trigger pull and the grip safety that thing isn't going off by itself.