Hello, I'm new here and know nothing about guns. This was inherited from my wife's grandfather. It is a S&W .38 Special CTG. Serial number 367730, number on yolk is 9483. 4 inch barrel. Just trying to find out what year it was made and value if I decide to sell.IMG_20180425_114018976_LL.jpg

IMG_20180425_114041227_LL.jpg

IMG_20180425_114111213_LL.jpg

IMG_20180529_110821261_LL.jpg

IMG_20180529_113814715.jpg

The number in the yoke is an assembly number.

The serial number to use for dating is stamped on the bottom of the grip(butt).

EDIT:welcome to the forum.

__________________
NEVER GIVE UP YOUR GUN

The serial 367730 without a letter prefix places the gun in 1920/21, which matches the type of ejector rod knob and the absence of a MADE IN USA stamp which started in 1922.

The stocks are so-called “sharp shoulder magna stocks” not original to this gun, but from right after WW II and quite valuable in themselves.

It’s not a uncommon gun, so a wild guess would put a reasonable price in the 300s somewhere (without the stocks, which I would replace and sell separately).

Welcome to the Forum.

I urge anyone that has a family heirloom to hang on to it. Three hundred dollars will be gone in no time, probably in one or two trips to the grocery store. Something that my granddaddy used or had is priceless, at least to me and a fair number of other folks on this forum. It should be passed on to another family member sometime in the future.

__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

Welcome to the forum.

__________________
Oh well, what the hell.

Thanks everyone! I never was into guns, but always thought revolvers were cool. I was just curious what they might go for in case I don't keep, but I more than likely will.

DITTO, I have all my family guns, never would consider selling them.

You’ll find people here get a bit emotional about guns

So as usual, I’ll add the contrarian view: Unless there are some special stories or an emotional connection to your wife’s grandfather, it’s just a gun, and if you ever decide you don’t want it anymore, sell it.

That said, even if you’re not into guns, keeping one for “unexpected circumstances” is always a good idea, and the M&P is about as “general purpose” as they come, and a great gun for home defense and such. It looks to be in good shape for its age, so maybe have a gunsmith check its mechanical soundness, buy some good defense ammo, and you’re set.

I have to agree with Absalom even if you aren't a gun guy I am of the opinion everyone should have one around just in case, and that one is about as good as it gets for simplicity. If you do decide to sell it see if you can find a member of the wife's family that wants it. I just bet someone would love to have it as a family heirloom.

The cylinder may not be heat-treated, although I think it was made a year or so after that began. Someone here can nail that down precisely. I think maybe late 1919?

But it's made long before hotter, Plus P, ammo was introduced. I'd avoid hot loads in it.

If you haven't been interested in guns, learn now, at least the basics and when it's legal to use one against a human foe. That may save your life, or that of a loved one.

The correct spelling for the item on which the cylinder swings out is "yoke". Like a yoke of oxen, not like an egg yolk. But I'm surprised that you even knew the word phonetically. How did that happen?

I hope you settle in here and decide that you like guns.

As far as the yoke goes, I did look at the sticky on how to identify the gun and where to look for numbers and what not. Just spelled it wrong lol. I do believe there is some Plus P ammo that came with the gun when I got it, but did not plan on using it. Someone I used to work with informed me that it would not be a good idea to use it. I do think its cool that the gun is almost 100 years old and still in decent condition. Same guy I worked with cleaned it for me a few years ago and said the barrel and cylinders were in good shape. Also said he would keep the patina on the rest of it. Gives it character. I appreciate all the info everyone has given me so far. I talked to my wife last night and she agrees that I should keep it in case there is a situation where I would need it to protect myself and/or my family. I have shot guns before but mostly .22 rifles. I heard the .38 has some kick. I do need to learn how to handle it and get some more ammo.

Unfortunately, my wife is in one of those situations where her and her mother have nothing to do with the rest of the family. But I do have plenty of brothers and sisters who may or may not be interested if I were to sell it. But like I said in another reply, I'm leaning more to keeping rather than selling.