I have an old Top-Break in 38S&W that belonged to my wife's father. We acquired it when he died about 35 years ago. At the time it had a broken spring internally, one that functioned as a trigger return if I remember correctly. It has been a long time and I remember it took me quite a while to find one that would fit and work, with a bit of modification if I remember correctly.


The gun is a double action five shot, nickle plated. Serial number 4082xx. All the screw heads are nice and crisp,making me think I am the only one to have opened it up to fix the spring. The original grips were badly broken and cracked so it now wears a pair of reproduction black rubber grips, so is not original. Cylinder lock up is very tight, even comparing to some of my new S&W revolvers. Barrel and chambers are clean and bright.
The latch is very tight and it locks up tight and solid.

I have a box of ammo somewhere for it, but have never fired it and probably never will.


I would appreciate any help in identifying the model, and approximate manufacture date.

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Jeff

A little more information is needed. Such as : does it have an exposed hammer? A double Action, five shot could be a .38 Safety Hammerless or a .38 Double Action with the exposed hammer. Once the 'hammer' question is resolved, the Model can be ascertained.

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Mike Maher #283

With all respect, I said it was double action, It does have exposed hammer so can also be fired single action.

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Jeff

That revolver shipped most likely in 1900, making is a modern firearm as classified by the BATF. The antique cut-off is s/n 382,022.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

FYI, S&W also made the Safety Hammerless double action revolvers with concealed hammer. The Double Action and the Safety Hammerless have their own serial number ranges so there can be duplicates; presence or absence of a hammer is a key identifier.

So I have a S&W top-break hammer gun, 38S&W made in 1900, what model would this be first, second, third, ect., can anyone give me an idea?

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Jeff

If it is a 5 shot, you are probably referring to a .38 Double Action, 4th Model, in the SN range of 322701-539000.


Was I close? Was I close? What did I win?

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

Memo to self: When referring to revolvers of the "safety hammerless" ilk be sure to note they are double action ONLY---lest you be excoriated by those who pick nits even better than you do.

Ralph Tremaine

That appears to be the info I was looking for. Like I said it is a five shot, double action and serial number is in that range. I tried every kind of search I could think of to find the model number for the serial number and came up lacking. Thanks!!

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Jeff