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S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 3-Screw PINNED Barrel SWING-OUT Cylinder Hand Ejectors WITH Model Numbers


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Old 08-15-2017, 09:59 PM
Dmcq1964 Dmcq1964 is offline
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Default 38 Revolver Identity

Im trying to buy new grips for my late father's 38 revolver and obviously ordered the wrong ones. I thought i had a J frame round butt pistol ?
I could only find one set of numbers.
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Old 08-15-2017, 10:12 PM
linde linde is offline
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Originally Posted by Dmcq1964 View Post
Im trying to buy new grips for my late father's 38 revolver and obviously ordered the wrong ones. I thought i had a J frame round butt pistol ?
I could only find one set of numbers.
You do have a J-frame round butt pistol . . . and it appears to be a Model 38 Bodyguard Airweight. What is it about the grips you purchased that don't fit?

The Model 38 designation should appear in the yoke cutout of the frame visible with the cylinder open. The set of numbers in your photo are on the mating yoke side but are assembly numbers that have little meaning once the gun leaves the factory.

Russ
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Old 08-15-2017, 10:16 PM
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Is there no serial number on the butt?
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Old 08-15-2017, 10:32 PM
Double-O-Dave Double-O-Dave is offline
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Dmcq1964:

Welcome to the Forum. My condolences on the loss of your father.

Linde is correct, you have what appears to be a S&W Model 38 Bodyguard. The Model 38 is equipped with a carbon steel cylinder and barrel, and an aluminum alloy frame. It is unusual in that unlike most revolvers that are introduced in an all steel frame followed by the alloy framed version, the Model 38 preceded the all carbon steel Model 49. Neither the Model 38 or Model 49 are still in production. They have been succeeded by the Model 638 and 649 (stainless steel barrel and cylinder, and alloy or stainless steel frame - 638 and 649, respectively). The common, affectionate nickname for the Bodyguard is the "humpback".

I'd like to know what kind/brand of grips you purchased, as well as what kind of fitting problems you encountered.

Regards,

Dave
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Old 08-16-2017, 09:32 AM
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The pictures are not of the best quality, but it does appear to be a model 38. The operative word is "appears". Look at the grip emblem in the third photograph - that does not look like the familiar intertwined S&W. Are you sure that this isn't a Spanish or Brazilian copy of a 38? We need a good clear photograph of the current grips, the frame area under the yoke, and the serial number on the bottom of the grip frame. A picture of the grips you purchased and how they fit would also be nice.

Adios,

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Old 08-16-2017, 09:38 AM
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Welcome to the forum. These folks will get you all fixed up.
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Old 08-16-2017, 05:08 PM
Dmcq1964 Dmcq1964 is offline
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Thank you for all of your help, I learned some things i did not know.
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Old 08-16-2017, 05:13 PM
Dmcq1964 Dmcq1964 is offline
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Thank you for all of your help, I learned some things i did not know.
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Old 08-16-2017, 10:59 PM
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Default PRODUCTION DATE ?

How can i find out when this gun was manufactured.
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Old 08-16-2017, 11:03 PM
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The serial number will get you close and also get you a shipping date with the help from forum members here. A letter from Roy Jinks is about the only way I know of to ascertain the "built on" date.

There should be a thread on that in one of the forums on this site.

You need to give the folks here some help. What is the serial number of the revolver. That is the place to start.
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Last edited by Targets Guy; 08-16-2017 at 11:05 PM.
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Old 08-16-2017, 11:05 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dmcq1964 View Post
How can i find out when this gun was manufactured.
The serial number should be on the butt of the gun. Thats the best way to determine the age.
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