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03-27-2017, 07:15 PM
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S&W 38 Special Identification
Thanks for having a place like this! Hoping you can help me to ID my grandfather's revolver. I've attached photos and here is what I believe to be the other pertinent information.
There is no visible model number under the yoke, looks like only the production numbers.
Obviously a hand ejector in 38 special, serial number is 853XX. Barrel is 1 7/8" and it has fixed sights. I haven't removed the grips, but based on the info page, I'm guessing a 3 screw.
Appreciate any info you may have!
Jake
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03-27-2017, 08:11 PM
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US Veteran Absent Comrade
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Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Texas
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Chief Spcl., with fake stag (plastic) grips. Sq. butt. There is also a round-butt version. The flat cylinder release dates it before about 1966. If it was made after 1957, the frame would be marked Model 36, seen when the cylinder is swung out. The shape of the trigger guard, hammer, and the style of cylinder release suggest about 1955-57 production, I think.
This is for a steel gun. If the frame is light alloy, it became Model 37 after 1957, when numbers were first assigned. Otherwise, Model 36.
Ths is an excellent small .38, the standard of its kind.
However, it is a small frame gun and you shouldn't fire Plus P (high velocity) ammo often, lest it affect cylinder timing and cause cylinder endshake. S&W does not warrant the use of ANY Plus P ammo in any but steel framed guns made with a Model Number. I think there were metallurgical changes when numbering began. Some dispute that, but Chic Gaylord in, Handgunners Guide, 1960, clearly said that a S&W rep told him that the heavy-barreled M-10 was being made of a new and stronger steel. That likely affected all S&W .38's. The company has not said.
Take care of this. You've got a good one. Don't let any of the sticky-fingered collectors and bargain hunters here buy the gun, unless you really need to sell, and then, hold out for a fair price.
Oh: remove the grips occasionally and clean and oil under them, as rust can form there.
Last edited by Texas Star; 03-27-2017 at 08:26 PM.
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03-27-2017, 08:14 PM
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853xx indicates it's a Chiefs Special from 1956 (based on that SN only). Those having square butts are fewer in number therefore more desirable than those with round butts.
Last edited by DWalt; 03-27-2017 at 08:17 PM.
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03-27-2017, 08:42 PM
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US Veteran Absent Comrade
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DWalt is one of our most experienced, informative members. His posts are among those I most respect. (Yes, really. I'm not just being diplomatic.)
But his comment about round vs. square butts is from a collectors' perspective. Your own hand is the determining factor in whether the round or sq. butt is more desirable. Keep in mind that replacement grips can better suit the gun to YOUR hand. It already has replacements. The original grips/stocks were checkered walnut with a diamond around the screw holes.
I owned a square butt Chief and my stock selection was S&W smooth rosewood grips with a Tyler adaptor. Those minimized recoil effect and felt wonderful in MY hand. If you add a Tyler adaptor, you'd have much the same effect, and the adaptor can be easily removed if you don't like it.
Because of the age of the gun (it's sort of a classic) and how you came by it, I think I'd just add the adaptor and leave the gun otherwise as-is.
There were several small changes between 1950, when the model was introduced, and your gun, which had evolved as improvements were seen as desirable, e.g., a larger trigger guard, better sights, a longer hammer spur, etc. The only real change since was to the cylinder release, which was changed in 1966 to look like those on larger S&W's.
The only improvement, really, was the use of stainless steel, as of 1965. That's Model 60. However, metallurgy was improved by the 1990's, and some, marked as Model 60-4 or higher, are Warranted for Plus P ammo.
Last edited by Texas Star; 03-27-2017 at 08:45 PM.
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03-27-2017, 10:38 PM
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I don't think DWalt meant what you think. He just means because of the much more limited number the Square butt model may demand a higher price thus is more desirable or sought after than the Round Butt models. He is not saying the square butt model is more attractive or is a better design. I'm probably going to wish I hadn't Butted in.
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