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09-15-2018, 03:12 PM
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Top Break 38S&W
I have a quick question that I'm sure the knowledgeable members here will know off the top of their heads. I just picked up a S&W top-break 38S&W , double action, it has a 5" barrel and pearl grips, the finish is almost all gone but otherwise it seems to lock up and function. So I was wondering the 'approximate date of manufacture' ? SN# 44818# It was at a flea-market for $125 , I figured it was worth that. Thanks guys ~S.
P.S. I forgot to mention that the top of barrel is stamped:
SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD U.S.A.
PAT'D MAY 11,1880. JAN ? 1880. APRIL ? 1889
Last edited by Skullring; 09-17-2018 at 10:16 PM.
Reason: Clarification
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09-15-2018, 04:15 PM
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To me a nice score.I would have bought it too !!
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09-15-2018, 04:41 PM
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Not off the top of my head, as I am not that smart. I believe you have a .38 Double-Action 4th Model which was available with 3.25, 4, 5, or 6 inch barrels. Serial number range is 332701-539000. One screw in side plate and round blade front sight pinned in the barrel rib. Came with checkered hard rubber grips. Circa 1895 to 1909. The pearl grips on your gun appear to be later aftermarket as they are in much better condition than the remainder of the revolver.
The Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson doesn't come any closer to manufacturing date than the range mentioned above.
Value in Fair condition is $175. I would have paid $125 in a Wyoming minute.
If it locks up tight, good alignment of charge holes with barrel, bore clear, it is probably safe to shoot with currently available .38 S&W ammunition
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09-15-2018, 05:11 PM
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$125? You got screwed! WINK! good score, go shoot it. Easily.
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Mike 2796
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09-15-2018, 06:53 PM
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THANK'S GUYS.
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09-16-2018, 12:00 PM
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I own the same model in about the same shape with a 4" barrel, serial number 421367. It shipped in May 1902.
I also own one with serial number 482869 that shipped March 1906.
I'm guessing yours was shipped in 1903, but of course, S&W didn't ship them in serial number order.
Last edited by nutsforsmiths; 02-03-2021 at 05:11 PM.
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09-16-2018, 01:20 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gmborkovic
$125? You got screwed! WINK! good score, go shoot it. Easily.
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I've made loads so light you could see them going through the air. Something like that would be fun in that thar' shootin' iron.
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09-16-2018, 08:13 PM
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Do I need to say that S&W .38 Special is not the same as .38 S&W?
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Mike Maher #283
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09-16-2018, 08:35 PM
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Nice find for the money...
I prefer the perfected one. 
https://postimg.cc/vgrbnq9t
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09-18-2018, 11:58 AM
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My first gun was one of those but in excellent condition w/ original grips.
I paid $40 but that was about 50 years ago.
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