Top Break 38spl

jvelecky · #1 09-07-2018, 09:06 PM

I could use the forum's expertise and get a little help in identifying this S&W top break 38Spl. There isn't much here for markings except for the S&W logo. The serial number is 147XXX. I was also wondering if I could shoot light smokeless powder loads for this handgun? Thanks

Skeetr57 · #2 09-07-2018, 09:36 PM

The gun pictured is not a .38 Special revolver. It is a safety hammerless model in .38 S&W caliber, and depending on condition should be safe for use with .38 S&W ammo of modern manufacture.

Bobbysixkiller · #3 09-07-2018, 09:45 PM

38 s&w is shorter and a tad bigger around than 38 special. Really the only thing that they have in common is the name and both were designed by Smith & Wesson. Neat guns to shoot but ammo can be harder to find.

jvelecky · #4 09-08-2018, 03:17 PM

Thanks for the correction on the caliber, I don't know how I missed that one. As well would someone have a time period in which this model was made? Thanks again.

murphydog · #5 09-08-2018, 03:23 PM

This model was available from 1887 to 1940, but probably went out of production a few years before the latter year. By the serial number this one was probably made early in the 1900 decade and is called a 4th model by collectors. Current factory .38 S & W loads should be safe in a mechanically sound example.

jvelecky · #6 09-08-2018, 03:42 PM

Thanks for the info.

hkcavalier · #7 09-08-2018, 04:03 PM

Buffalo Bore makes a defensive load that's not safe in top breaks. But they're known for pushing the limits. Any big boxes of plinking ammo will be fine, and it's not as hard to find as you'd think. Wal-Mart, probably not, but I see it at most big gun/outdoor/hunting stores.

Don't laugh...there was a story not long ago of an elderly lady defending her home with one of these pistols. While .38S&W is pretty far down my list on what I'd choose to use, I'm not volunteering to be shot with one.

gwpercle · #8 09-08-2018, 05:20 PM

If your's is is good condition , the 4th model , being made after the transition from black powder to smokeless , should be safe to fire with 38 S&W factory ammo. My 4th model shot factory rounds with no problems.
If someone bored the cylinder out to accept 38 Special shells, DO NOT shoot them in the top break . This reboring to accept 38 special ammo was sometimes done when 38 S&W ammo was hard to find...it's not exactly a safe practice.
Gary

Skeetr57 · #9 09-08-2018, 07:33 PM

Any good condition S&W top break revolver in .38 S&W caliber should be safe to fire with Winchester or Remington factory ammo in that caliber. I have never seen a top break .38 S&W rechambered for .38 special because the RN or SWC round is too long for the cylinder.

hkcavalier · #10 09-08-2018, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skeetr57

Any good condition S&W top break revolver in .38 S&W caliber should be safe to fire with Winchester or Remington factory ammo in that caliber. I have never seen a top break .38 S&W rechambered for .38 special because the RN or SWC round is too long for the cylinder.

Most of what I see on the shelves is PPC or Magtech. Still all mild 146grn stuff.