I recently purchased a Model 4 5 inch. Based on the serial number, the pistol was was manufactured in 1901. I have Black Powder 38 SW rounds and plan on shooting the pistol - pistol was inspected by a qualified armorer. The question I have is: Does anyone know of a leather company or manufacturer that can make a holster for it. I plan on having two, so a double rig may also be an option.

Thanks
Steve

You may want to post this below in: "Gun Leather & Carry Gear". There are several holster makers there.

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Mike Maher #283

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass, Steve!

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

Welcome aboard! If you're wanting custom leather, try El Paso Saddlery. I've had them make several things. They aren't cheap, but they do QUALITY work. Good Luck!!

Later!

Simi

Welcome to the forums.

I´ve recently seen a .38 DA 4th Model with a 5 in. barrel.

Got me thinking how many were made in this barrel length, as this was the first one I ever saw (other ones I´ve seen were always 3 1/4").

Is it possible to have an estimation of which were the more common barrel lengths in this model? The SCSW 3rd Ed does not provide any detail other than listing all the different barrel lenghts (maybe because they are all somewhat common?)

Thanks,

Newdeparture

There were over 550,000 of the 38 DA made and over 200,000 of the 4th Model manufactured so there are plenty of all barrel lengths made. The SWCA database shows the following:

Barrel . . . 4th Model . . . All Models
3.25". . . . . 32% . . . . . . . . . .56%
4". . . . . . . 20% . . . . . . . . . . 11%
5". . . . . . . 32% . . . . . . . . . . 14%
6". . . . . . . 16% . . . . . . . . . . 10%

There is a margin of error in this kind of comparison, but it gives you an approximation that should suffice as about the only method available to give that estimate. You will also find no mention of any premiums paid for a particular barrel length in Supica's book for any of the 38 DA models. One interesting observation is that buyers preferences changed over time. The early years of production saw a big preference for 3.25" guns.

There are also 2", 8", and 10" examples known, but I do not know how many were officially lettered.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Gary,

thanks a lot for your help.

Based on production numbers above, it seems that a 5" barrel is not that uncommon for a 4th model.

The one I came across has a 5 in. barrel with matching serial numbers on frame and cylinder.

I guess someone replaced the barrel catch on mine, since front sight is an standard round blade with a target type rear sight. (I would rather prefer to think that this one is a target model with a replaced front sight; but the standard hard rubber grips lead me to think otherwise).

I´ll post some pics once I get it (after all the paperwork is done).

Thanks again,

Newdeparture

Back when I was reading Westerns, there were stories about a team of range detectives. Two were pretty much cowhands carrying "Army or Navy revolvers in belt scabbards." but the managerial type wore a suit, concealing a pair of .38s in shoulder holsters.

The latch is numbered on the underside of all Double Action revolvers. 32, 38, and 44 DAs have matching numbers or partial serial number stamped. If the 38 DA you are referring to with a target rear sight has a matching serial number stamped, it would have been a target gun from the factory.

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Gary
SWCA 2515