Hello, I'm a new member& I'm trying to find the age of an old 38 s/w spl ctg. the serial #'s are 97477 the barrel is 1&7/8 inch. any info. on this pistol would be greatly appreciated. This used to be my GrandFather's pistol & he toted it while he was a Prision Guard at a cty. Prision in GA. I'm trying to find out the age of this 38. Are their any special ammo that should be used? Thanks I'll try to post pictures later. Birdogmike

Birdogmike, welcome to the forum.

Is this a five-shot or six-shot revolver? And is there a letter in front of the numbers on the butt, like maybe a C? It could be separated by several spaces, but it is still part of the serial number.

Pics would help a lot if you can post any.

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David Wilson

Hey David, I did a double take and their are no letters on the pistol.This is a 5 shot. I found more #'s on the cylinder brackett.these #'s are 19711. Also on the frame inside the cylinder the #'s are the same 19711. It looks as tho there is a # 1 above the # 9 on the frame. I cannot post any Pictures at the present time, My camera is broke. Will post some as soon as possible. Any info will help . Thank You Birdogmike

I'm thinking your gun is probably a .38 Chiefs Special. With that number it probably shipped in 1957. Not long after this date, this gun became known as the Model 36 and you start seeing the stamp MOD 36 on the frame surface that is hidden until you swing out the cylinder. The other numbers you mentioned are process control numbers and can be ignored. If you search for "Model 36" or "Pre-36" on this forum, you will undoubtedly turn up photos that you can compare with your grandfather's gun.

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David Wilson

Thanks David, You have been a lot of help. I was thinking the pistol may of been a little bit older, But I was just curious. There is a lot of wear and surface rust on here. I'm just wondering if it would be a smart thing to have it reblued or leave it the way it is?? Thanks for all your help. Birdogmike.

Opinions differ, but generally I would just get the rust off (oil and copper wool, or very fine 0000 steel wool rubbed lightly), clean the bore and chambers, oil it, and keep it as is. When you refinish a family heirloom, that just takes the family history right out of it. The best way to honor your grandfather's gun is to clean it up now, and then keep it from losing any further ground as the years go by.

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David Wilson