Model 38 Age and approx Value question

Johno51 · #1 02-26-2017, 11:18 AM

I have a S&W Model 38 that's been in the family for a long time...just curious what I have in terms of age and approx value. I began to sell the gun last night, but got an overwhelming response in the first 12 hours and decided that I need some additional research as I don't want to regret selling a gun that's been in the family for so long.

Other than a lot of browsing, I'm not positive what I have...is it common or somewhat "special"?

Apologies if I'm posting in the wrong forum, but thanks in advance:

Mod-38
Airweight
38 SPC CTG.
s/n 409JXX
Sights: hand ejector fixed

gmborkovic · #2 02-26-2017, 11:46 AM

Maybe shipped Oct. 1972. There were a lot of J frames with the floating
Js made.

Old cop · #3 02-26-2017, 11:50 AM

Mine is an older flat latch I picked up used in the mid '70s as a back up to my Model 15 service revolver. I am curious to know what the value of this model is.

Johno51 · #4 02-26-2017, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmborkovic

Maybe shipped Oct. 1972. There were a lot of J frames with the floating
Js made.

thanks for the response. Sounds reasonably common. What are the 'floating J's"? Sorry, I'm not familiar with that.

Inusuit · #5 02-26-2017, 12:17 PM

I think the "floating J" refers to the location of the J in the serial number. OP, yours has a pinned barrel which is desirable for collectors. To shooters, it doesn't matter that much. You don't say what your price was. I gave $400 for a Model 38 nickel in ANIB condition without box or papers. Thought that was reasonable, but not a great deal.

A good way to assess the current market value is checking GunBroker for Completed Sales in the advanced search section. That will tell you what similar models have actually sold for.

Johno51 · #6 02-26-2017, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inusuit

I think the "floating J" refers to the location of the J in the serial number. OP, yours has a pinned barrel which is desirable for collectors. To shooters, it doesn't matter that much. You don't say what your price was. I gave $400 for a Model 38 nickel in ANIB condition without box or papers. Thought that was reasonable, but not a great deal.

A good way to assess the current market value is checking GunBroker for Completed Sales in the advanced search section. That will tell you what similar models have actually sold for.

Thank you. I'd listed at $425 with leather holster. I was a little surprised at the response.