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S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 All 5-Screw & Vintage 4-Screw SWING-OUT Cylinder REVOLVERS, and the 35 Autos and 32 Autos


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Old 09-22-2018, 10:19 PM
DaveInHouston DaveInHouston is offline
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Default Inherited Hand Ejector 38

I’m sure this is a common question but I inherited an old nickel plated hand ejector 38 cal. From my father and am curious about it’s age (and if it’s safe to fire modern ammunition).
There is no model # behind yoke
It’s a 5 screw revolver (4 on the side and 1 on the front of trigger guard). Much of the nickel is gone.
No letter before the serial number: 153582
Fixed sights, 4” barrel.
Mother of pearl grips.
It appears to be in decent condition other than losing 30% or so of the nickel. Any ideas on when it was made? Also I was thinking about putting a coat of durablue on it but if it has any value wouldn’t do that. Any info woul be appreciated.
Thanks,
Dave

Last edited by DaveInHouston; 09-22-2018 at 10:20 PM.
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Old 09-23-2018, 12:09 AM
Muley Gil Muley Gil is offline
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Welcome to the Forum.

If it has a round butt, it is a Model of 1902. If it is a square butt, it is a Model of 1905. I'm GUESSING it was built before WW I, probably in the 1909-1915 range.
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Old 09-23-2018, 01:04 AM
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As for firing modern ammo, I wouldn't. Probably safe with std. pressure loads if it's sound, but no Plus P. Cylinders weren't heat treated until 1919, and I'd hesitate to use any made before WWII with warm ammo. Actually, S&W doesn't authorize Plus P in any gun other than all-steel ones made after model numbers appeared in 1957. I think metallurgy changed then. Chic Gaylord said that a factory rep assured him that was so, and he mentioned it in, Handgunner's Guide, published in 1960.
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Old 09-23-2018, 01:29 AM
Jaymo Jaymo is offline
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Hopefully, you'll enjoy your revolver and stick around.
This is a great forum, full of helpful people.
You just might end up buying some more Smith & Wesson revolvers.
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Old 09-23-2018, 08:04 AM
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153582

The closest SN on my list is 1547xx which shipped from the factory in 7/1910. As previously stated, if it has a square butt it would be a Model of 1905; with a round butt, a Model of 1902. You will be OK with using any standard velocity .38 Special ammunition, preferably with lead bullets. Please leave the finish as-is, you might want to shine it up the nickel plating with some good metal polish.
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Old 09-23-2018, 08:07 AM
DaveInHouston DaveInHouston is offline
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Thanks for the information. I should have said, but it is a square butt. I do have a few other Smiths in my “collection” but none as old as this one. Thanks again.
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Old 09-23-2018, 10:02 AM
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There is absolutely nothing wrong with using modern standard factory 38 Special ammo. Please do not Durablue it, might as well get a can of matte black spray paint - its cheaper. A 110 year old Smith & Wesson deserves a better shake than that. Clean it and shoot it if you want. If you want a Durablue gun sell that one to someone else.
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Old 09-23-2018, 04:00 PM
DaveInHouston DaveInHouston is offline
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I appreciate your passion Gary! I won’t Durablue it and I’ll keep the old girl. I’ll pass it on to my Grandson one of these days. I inherited it from my father, along with five or six other old guns. Unfortunately I don’t have any history on it.
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Old 09-23-2018, 05:14 PM
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The 38 M&P you have in your hands represent one of the most important firearms in history. You can find a wealth of history about the gun here and searching the Internet will give you lots of information as well.

What is it worth on the market, $250 maybe more. What is it worth as a family heirloom, priceless!
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Old 09-23-2018, 07:38 PM
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Most popular gun ever made by S&W.
In continuous production since 1899.
They passed the 7,000,000 mark awhile ago.
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