38 Special CTG

xmashog · #1 04-22-2017, 07:39 PM

Hi, I would like to get some help on identifying the year and model of this 38 I recently acquired. It's a hand-ejector, 38 Special CTG, ser. S285962, 6" barrel, fixed sight. I've included some photos. Much thanks!

IMG_4335.JPG

IMG_4338.JPG

IMG_4330.JPG

zonker5 · #2 04-22-2017, 07:47 PM

The V in the serial number tells us it's a WWII vintage "Victory Model". The S indicates it had a factory update done to it to prevent it firing when dropped. There should also be an S stamped on the side plate.

Buford57 · #3 04-22-2017, 08:09 PM

The grips are much more recent than the gun and a Victory that late and in .38 Special with a 6 inch barrel is unusual. The experts will be along directly with more specific (and reliable) information.

JP@AK · #4 04-22-2017, 08:10 PM

It was originally a Victory Model from early 1943. The true serial number is V285962. The S probably means it was upgraded with the new sliding hammer block safety mechanism sometime after January, 1945. It is placed in an odd location, but I would guess that is what it is. As zonker5 mentioned, there should be a small S stamped on the sideplate near the rear corner, currently hidden under the top of the Magna stocks that are on it.

There are some other anomalies on this revolver. First, the barrel has been swapped. To match the newer barrel, the extractor rod has also been replaced. The gun appears to have been refinished at the time the barrel was replaced.

The Magna stocks on the gun are much later. This style didn't exist before about 1954. They are diamond PC Magna stocks.

Overall, it is a "Frankengun." It could be a fine shooter, though.

JSR III · #5 04-22-2017, 08:40 PM

Welcome to the forum.

JP@AK pretty much nailed the answers to your questions. The gun has no collectible value at all however may shoot like a champ.

xmashog · #6 04-22-2017, 10:50 PM

Thanks! It came with an extra set of grips that I will post a picture of and what looks to be the original box with the original paper wrapping. The fact that the barrel was replaced may explain why the gun doesn't fit in the box no matter how I turn it. So, what do you think the age of the gun is roughly?

Bobbysixkiller · #7 04-22-2017, 10:55 PM

Around 74 years old

JP@AK · #8 04-23-2017, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xmashog

So, what do you think the age of the gun is roughly?

Bobbysixkiller wrote:

Quote:

Around 74 years old

Yes.

My post #4:

Quote:

It was originally a Victory Model from early 1943

It helps if you actually read the responses you get!

xmashog · #9 04-23-2017, 03:14 AM

Guess I walked into that one. Upon further examination, I found a matching serial number on the barrel.

murphydog · #10 04-23-2017, 04:45 AM

Welcome! Have a look on the left side of the grip frame with the stock panel removed for any stampings, such as 3-4 digits separated by a dot, which might indicate the factory changed out the barrel. Any qualified gunsmith could have done so, but they probably wouldn't have gone through the trouble of number matching the barrel.

JP@AK · #11 04-23-2017, 08:04 AM

I agree with Alan. Having the correct serial number on the barrel flat would seem to indicate a factory swap. If there is a date code on the left side of the grip frame, that would tend to confirm it.

I also did note in your original pictures that the sideplate seam is pretty tight. That also argues that the probable refinish was done by the factory, probably when the barrel was changed.

Wiregrassguy · #12 04-23-2017, 08:40 AM

I see a diamond behind serial number on the barrel flat. Could this be an end of War frame that the factory released as a commercial gun?

Guy

two-bit cowboy · #13 04-23-2017, 08:44 AM

Welcome aboard from Wyoming, xmashog!

Quote:

Originally Posted by JP@AK

I agree with Alan. Having the correct serial number on the barrel flat would seem to indicate a factory swap. If there is a date code on the left side of the grip frame, that would tend to confirm it.

I also did note in your original pictures that the sideplate seam is pretty tight. That also argues that the probable refinish was done by the factory, probably when the barrel was changed.

Jack -- would you expect to see a star on the barrel (and perhaps the frame) if the factory had done a swap?

Also curious to know whether the sn on the back of the cylinder and the extractor star (since we're sure the extractor rod was changed) matches the frame and barrel.

Cheers,

Bob

Absalom · #14 04-23-2017, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JP@AK

I agree with Alan. Having the correct serial number on the barrel flat would seem to indicate a factory swap. If there is a date code on the left side of the grip frame, that would tend to confirm it.

I also did note in your original pictures that the sideplate seam is pretty tight. That also argues that the probable refinish was done by the factory, probably when the barrel was changed.

I'm wondering about the parkerized look of the finish. It does not quite look like a factory Victory finish, and the barrel/ejector is much too late for that anyway.

I think if this was a factory barrel swap, the gun was refinished independent of that at a later date.

Or did S&W offer regular "parkerizing" as a service later?

PS: After a bit of digging through the forum "archives", and consulting the SCSW, there is no evidence, and the consensus among members much more learned than me seems to be that the S&W factory never did a parkerized finish, either original or as a re-finish, beyond the war years, so this can't be a factory finish.

JP@AK · #15 04-23-2017, 03:29 PM

Absalom
If it is Parkerized, I agree. Last night, I was just thinking it was the dull (or satin) blue postwar finish. You very well may be right.

xmashog · #16 04-23-2017, 06:28 PM

All, here are some additional pics sans grips. I've also included some pictures of an extra set of grips that came with the gun. I mentioned in an earlier post about a factory box that came with the gun; the box is actually for another model as determined by the information on the side of the box. Some back history - a relative gave me the revolver and it came in an ammo can along with some odds and ends, i.e S&W factory box with a cleaning kit for a smaller revolver (but no gun), some S&W patches, and other misc gun cleaning material.

Thank you to everyone who's has provided information on this particular gun. I'm going to clean it up and take it to the range next opportunity.

xmashog · #17 04-23-2017, 06:32 PM

Even more photos

Absalom · #18 04-23-2017, 06:44 PM

Aha. So it was a Canadian war-time gun, most likely a BSR frame, although they did get some .38 Spl. ones also. It also means the S on the butt should have nothing to do with the hammer block retrofit, as that only applied to Navy Victorys.

DWalt · #19 04-23-2017, 08:10 PM

Note that the barrel also has the ramped-style front sight, which was not used until the early 1950s. But I suppose it is possible that the original half-moon sight could have been modified to the ramped form. Pretty definitely it is not original to the frame.

I don't see any factory service stampings. Grips are probably from C366649, dating them from around 1956. No idea what the small "s" stamping means. With the hammer style shown, it probably has not had the 1945 improved hammer drop safety addition.

Is it chambered for .38 S&W or .38 Special? Could be the former rechambered for the latter.

xmashog · #20 04-24-2017, 12:29 AM

Which is the tell tale mark for identifying it as Canadian?

Absalom · #21 04-24-2017, 01:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xmashog

Which is the tell tale mark for identifying it as Canadian?

This one: broad arrow in a C. It's the Canadian military property mark.

JP@AK · #22 04-24-2017, 02:24 AM

Yes. Definitely a Canadian BSR. The rebuild (if that's what it is) does not appear to be S&W work. However, I still think that is a replacement barrel - especially if the caliber stamp on it is 38 S&W Special CTG. It is curious that someone put the correct serial number on the barrel flat.

In any case, it is an interesting gun.

xmashog · #23 04-24-2017, 11:24 AM

Thank you everyone for the information. Would a factory letter indicate its original configuration as shipped from the manufacturer?

JP@AK · #24 04-24-2017, 02:46 PM

Yes, it would include the ship date and destination, original barrel length, finish and probably the style of stocks.

xmashog · #25 04-24-2017, 04:15 PM

I think I'm out of questions. Thanks for all of the good info!