Help with info for this S&W 38 special

[reo123]

Hi Folks, I inherited this revolver from my Dad. Like to know more about it. It is in very nice condition. I think the last time it was fired was in the early 70's. I believe he acquired it while stationed in Japan during the Korean war. The gun is engraved and has his initials on it. It's a nice heirloom for me. Not a big handgun user, but I would like to plink some with this. So anything you guys can tell me about it, it's age, what kind of modern ammo I can use etc.

1. type = hand ejector
2. serial = 303123 on butt and cylinder
3. CTG = 38 special
4. Barrel = 5 inch
5. sights = fixed

Other
strain screw yes
butt swivel no
screws 5

I'll try to upload some pics

Reo123

[chiefdave]

Is there a letter in front of the S/N? Without that info or pictures identification would be difficult. And we like pictures!

[reo123]

Originally Posted by chiefdave

Is there a letter in front of the S/N? Without that info or pictures identification would be difficult. And we like pictures!

Hi Chief, just numbers. I'll get some pics up pretty quick.

[vytoland]

2. serial = 303123 on butt and cylinder = 1918 - 1919

Sept.1919 heat treated cylinders started about s/n 316648

[DWalt]

The closest SN on my list to your 303123 is 306710 which shipped on 7/15/1919, also a 5" Military and Police (M&P) model. Yours would probably have shipped close to that date. Even though it was made before heat treatment of cylinders began, that is of no practical consequence regarding ammunition that can be used. Any standard velocity .38 Special ammunition sold today can be used safely. It is probably not a good idea to fire +P ammunition, but even shooting some of that will present no hazard.

[reo123]

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[chiefdave]

DWalt answered most of your questions. I would suggest that you plink with something else until you do some research on the revolver. A S&WHF letter would be a good place to start. Also a good look over with a magnifying grass to see if the engraver signed his work. From the pictures your dad left you a very nice revolver.

[reo123]

Thanks for the quick replies guys. Wow 100 years old. The next time I get to town I'll pick up a box of 38 special and try to kill some cans. I just love the engraving on the piece. Not to crazy about the grips though. Thanks again, if there is any other tid bits feel free to post. Reo

[Kansasgunner]

Very cool old M&P! Your dad left you a very distinctive heirloom. Welcome to the forum.

[walnutred]

WOW, not the usual "My dad left me an old revolver" pictures. Very interesting heirloom. When you go into town for ammo I'd avoid the budget priced 130gn FMJ type of ammo. Look for 158 gn standard velocity lead ammo as that will probably shoot closest to point of aim.

[reo123]

Originally Posted by chiefdave

DWalt answered most of your questions. I would suggest that you plink with something else until you do some research on the revolver. A S&WHF letter would be a good place to start. Also a good look over with a magnifying grass to see if the engraver signed his work. From the pictures your dad left you a very nice revolver.

Hi Chief, I'm not seeing any engraver sigs on the piece. -- reo

[reccpd101]

I would not change the grips. They are part of the package. At the most, I would improve the feel and assist the hold for accuracy by adding a grip adapter. They slip between the grip panels and the butt and are easily removable.

[DWalt]

If he was stationed in Japan, it could well have been engraved there. There were some excellent Japanese engravers who worked very cheaply during the occupation period after WWII (same was true of occupied Germany). I am in no way knowledgeable in the area of gun engraving.

[reo123]

Originally Posted by reccpd101

I would not change the grips. They are part of the package. At the most, I would improve the feel and assist the hold for accuracy by adding a grip adapter. They slip between the grip panels and the butt and are easily removable.

Yah no worries there, I wouldn't change a thing on an old piece like this. Dad passed last November and I got teared up when I gave it a good cleaning. The last time I could remember him shooting this was around 1972. I was to young to fire it then. He did a lot shooting to stay qualified as he was County Chief, but used his S&W Highway Patrolman 357. I got that one as well.

[reo123]

Originally Posted by Kansasgunner

Very cool old M&P! Your dad left you a very distinctive heirloom. Welcome to the forum.

Thanks for the welcome, glad to be here. -- reo

[rocknroad]

reo, I inherited my Grandfather's LEO 38-44 OD last year, too. I was not wanting to damage the stocks when I went to shoot it but, a member here had a great quote I remember every time I go shooting now.

With your father's old stocks on the gun, "every time you shoot his gun, it will be like shaking hands with your father".

There are some things I, occasionally, want to do to restore his gun. But, I am reminded that it is in the exact condition he left it in when he last shot it. I will keep it that way.

Cherish that heirloom and "shake hands" with your father, often.

[reo123]

"every time you shoot his gun, it will be like shaking hands with your father".

I like that, thanks rocknroad.