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S&W Antiques S&W Lever Action Pistols, Tip-Up Revolvers, ALL Top-Break Revolvers, and ALL Single Shots


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Old 07-29-2018, 09:10 PM
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Default 38 Safety Hammerless

Here is one I don't know much about. Is this a 38 Safety Hammerless 3rd edition? It seems to function fine but the trigger sure is heavy. Can anyone tell me when this was made and approximate value? Were these popular back in its day? Do folks still shoot these today?






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Old 07-29-2018, 09:57 PM
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Here is one I don't know much about. Is this a 38 Safety Hammerless 3rd edition? It seems to function fine but the trigger sure is heavy. Can anyone tell me when this was made and approximate value? ...
Yes, you have it correctly identified.

The Third Model was made from serial 41001 to 116000 between 1890 and 1898, so your 74757 falls somewhere in the middle years. I have one in the 45xxx range (I actually forgot the remaining digits ) which shipped in June 1892; maybe somebody else can get you closer.

Yours looks in good shape; I don't deal with these much anymore, so I'll leave value guesses to others.

PS: A quick check produced two specimen in the 72xxx range that shipped in 1893. I've always suspected mine of being a late shipper. So 1893/94 might be a good bet for yours.

Last edited by Absalom; 07-29-2018 at 10:07 PM.
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Old 07-29-2018, 11:13 PM
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I don't have any top break 38 S&Ws, but I have some 32s, everything from old single action, spur triggers to double actions, both hammer less and with hammers. If they are in good mechanical shape, the cylinder locks up and times and the latch is fairly tight they shoot. The sights pretty much suck and the double action isn't that great, but they are fun. Your would be the same. If it is OK mechanically and you can find some ammo 38 S&W, NOT 38 spehttp://www.tiebreaker.com/forgotten-quarterbacks-nfl-brady-quinn-jake-locker/34/cial, they can be fun. Your rear sight is an big improvement over earlier guns. Yours also looks to be in pretty good shape. The larger caliber top breaks are sought after and command decide prices. But, except for a few of the rare odd models or the most pristine examples most of them sell for anywhere from $200- $500.

Last edited by steelslaver; 07-29-2018 at 11:19 PM.
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Old 07-30-2018, 08:55 AM
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If you are going to shoot the revolver, do some trial trigger pulling to get used to the action. Many shooters will notice that these revolvers have a very long trigger pull and if you rush through it, accuracy will be lost. It is the reason why many complain about the ability to use these hammerless models.

There is a feature with these revolvers that many owners are not aware of and it makes hitting the target much easier. With the revolver mechanics clean and lubricated, fill the cylinder with spent cartridges slowly pull the trigger. The action will pause right at the point of the hammer dropping and you can hold the gun there to get it on target, then drop the hammer. With a little practice, you can catch that point every time you shoot.

That 38 Safety most likely shipped in 1893 or 1894. It is a great feature that will allow you to out shoot your friends if you do not tell them how the trigger functions.
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Old 07-30-2018, 09:31 AM
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Do these black powder S&Ws hold up okay with a few rounds of smokeless? I know typically for these early guns you should use black powder though.
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Old 07-30-2018, 09:51 AM
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The only major difference between the pre and post 1898 date for this model was the latch style. I do not think the "t-latch" offered any strength to the revolver, but offered an easier way to open the latch. The push button can be tricky to open.

Current 38 S&W ammunition will not add any added pressures to the gun than black powder, and is always loaded to low velocities and pressures by the major manufacturers.
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Old 07-30-2018, 11:18 AM
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The heavy trigger may be from years of gunk built up inside. You could remove the grips, then spray a good solvent up inside and let sit for a day or two. Then spray again and see how much crud wash's out. Blow out with compressed air and then spray some lube up there (such as break free, Rem oil, etc).
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Old 08-01-2018, 12:41 AM
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I have a 3rd model with serial number 92256 that was shipped November 13, 1894. Of course S&W didn't ship all guns in consecutive serial number order, but yours might have shipped in early 1894.
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Old 08-09-2018, 04:31 PM
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To answer your question if people shoot them anymore, people do but I have seen ranges that do not allow top-break revolvers.
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Old 08-09-2018, 07:21 PM
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To answer your question if people shoot them anymore, people do but I have seen ranges that do not allow top-break revolvers.
No kidding? Why wouldn't they allow you to shoot top-break revolvers?
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Old 08-09-2018, 08:11 PM
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I picked this up for $400 earlier this year. Serial #44xxx
Walt
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Old 08-09-2018, 09:14 PM
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I picked this up for $400 earlier this year. Serial #44xxx
Walt
That is a very nice looking gun. Have you had a chance to shoot it?
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Old 08-09-2018, 09:26 PM
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I haven't shot it yet. On my list of things to do.
Thanks for asking
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