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12-05-2016, 01:45 PM
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help identifying 2 revolvers
Recently inherited 2 S&W revolvers, both are .38 specials, 5 shots. I've included pictures of both guns.
One is a Mod 36. Serial # 4542xx. I believe this is a Chief's Special but any additional info would be greatly appreciated.
Other revolver is an Airweight 38 SPL CTG. Grips and cylinder are black. Right side of grip has flare out to be used for keeping the gun in your pocket. Numbers 52810 and letter K are behind the yoke. Serial # 1138xx.
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12-05-2016, 01:52 PM
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Other people will join in but that plastic grip is called the Baraimi Hip Grip. Normally used as a poor mans Inside the waist band holster!
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14 S&W Revs none with locks!
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12-05-2016, 04:50 PM
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Welcome to the forum!
The model 36 is nice. I think (assuming there is no "J" before the serial number you gave), that it's probably from around 1964 or so. I think the grips (stocks) on it may be a bit later.
Last edited by jmace57; 12-05-2016 at 04:52 PM.
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12-05-2016, 05:00 PM
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The nickel revolver is called a Bodyguard.
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12-05-2016, 09:01 PM
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The Model 38 was probably shipped about 1956. The grips did not come from the factory and were added later. The 4th Edition Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson mentions that some Model 38s were made with blue frames (aluminum alloy) and barrels with nickel cylinders. No mention is made of nickel frame/barrel with blue cylinder, although with Smith and Wesson anything is possible.
Looking closely at your pictures, I think it's possible that someone buffed the frame and barrel down to bare aluminum and steel (barrel) because the markings are somewhat faint, the screw holes are slightly dished, and the sideplate is lightly gapped. That's just speculation on my part. In any case, you have a couple of neat old guns. No +p loads in the Model 38 and only a light diet in the 36 will prolong the life of these fine revolvers.
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12-06-2016, 12:35 AM
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The Bodyguard Airweight is probably from 1956 as stated. However, it would not be a Model 38 at that time. I seriously doubt it has a model number in the yoke.
The Model 36 Chiefs Special may or may not have a J in the serial number. In other words it might be J4542xx or just simply 4542xx. Without the J it would date from about 1966 and that is possible since the flat latch went away that year. But the stocks have no diamond, so perhaps it is from a year or so later. Or the stocks could have been replaced as jmace57 mentioned.
With the J, it would be from about 1976. In that case, the stocks would be correct.
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SWCA #2475, SWHF #318
Last edited by JP@AK; 12-06-2016 at 12:39 AM.
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