Our father recently died and had this pistol stuffed in the back of a drawer. We have no idea whether it's a heirloom or something he picked up somewhere. We've looked at a lot of data online but just want to have you experts verify what it is.

Here's what we have:
Top break with fixed sights and visible hammer
Double action 5 shot
Barrel length is 3-1/4"
Cylinder length is 1-3/16"
Serial no. Is 307721
There are no markings indicating the caliber or model
There is no S&W manufacturers logo or symbol stamped on the body

We're thinking it was manufactured around 1880-1882.
Can you tell us if it originally used black powder cartridges since several articles indicate as such?
Also, while we would never shoot it, could you use off the shelf 38 S&W ammo in it?
We would definitely appreciate any knowledge you can share about the gun.
Thanks for your trouble and time

I believe you are correct that it is a .38 double Action 3rd Model chambered for the .38 S&W cartridge but the 3rd Model was made circa 1884-1895. Your revolver will chamber and fire modern .38 S&W cartridges, but I would be reluctant to do so. It is in good condition considering its age.

Thanks Inusuit-- we're going to go with that.
We had found a chart that indicated from the serial number that it was made between 1880 and 1884. But what was confusing is that the markings on the barrel said reissued up to 1882. I guess we interpreted that to mean the gun had to be made before 1882. But evidently not.

As you can see the gun needs a good cleaning or like antiques--is it better to leave it alone with the original patina?
Thanks again-- this is a great site. I learn something new every time I browse the site.

I really like those old turn of the century S&Ws.
Just some oil and an old cotton T-shirt will be fine.
If you refinish, its not Dads gun any more. Best

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! I'll wait until Ed comments on the date of production since he has the records. It looks to be in good shape. No reason not to shoot some modern .38 S&W in it if you can find it. Commercial ammo is loaded for the old BP pressures (except some like Buffalo Bore). It likely had quite a few down the chute in its time. It was made around the time smokeless was commercialized and, although black powder rounds were made for another 30 years or so, people were switching to smokeless because it was significantly better. Also, no reason not to clean it up. These guns are not very valuable as collectors because they made so many of them. It would have to be like new in an original box before you see much value in them.

Oh, BTW, the reissue date is just after the original issue date and does not apply to the 1882 date.

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

Remington and Privi Partisan make ammo that is readily available.
If your LGS does not have it, they can get it.
Also In stock ammo, guns, magazines, and reloading supplies

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"from my cold dead hands" C.H.

Welcome to the Forum. It is much more likely that revolver shipped in 1893, plus or minus a year. The 3rd Model ran from 1884 to 1895, with serial numbers 199XXX to 322XXX. The last serial number for a 38 DA that qualifies as an antique according to the BATF is 382,021.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

I second oil and a t-shirt to clean it up. A copper brush for inside the cylinder and barrel and some hoppes 9 or other gun cleaning solvent on a patch for lead/powder deposits. Then the T-shirt and light oiling..

It IS an antique, and any large attempt to make it shiny and new looking will reduce any value it may have and remove the history of what looks to be a well loved piece of iron.

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1st smiles,lies.Last,gunfire.

I agree that a little TLC in the form of some cleaning and a little oil is fair use but NEVER refinish it. Its antiquity, the fact that it's "dad's gun", that fact that it's inexpensive but still kind of rare, and that it will still shoot, all militate against any refinish or other, similar work.

But what was confusing is that the markings on the barrel said reissued up to 1882. I guess we interpreted that to mean the gun had to be made before 1882. But evidently not.


A patent date, whether issued or reissued is proof positive that the item was made AFTER that date.
"Pat. applied for." can complicate matters.

Very nice firearm and great job on the pictures and description. I'm not a "collector" but I'd certainly collect one of those in that condition.

I really want to thank all of you for your wisdom and the willingness to share. Wish the rest of the world was as gracious.

Let me assure you that this gun will never be re-blued or polished real shiny. We really like the color just like it is but a little rubbed in oil will give it that special little gleam. You know what I mean.

While it may be a real hoot to put a couple through it-- I just wouldn't want to take that chance. Its age and beauty deserve that respect.

Thanks again guys.