Dear Forum-

While helping another widow with her husband's collection, my cousin's widow gifted me what may have been one his NYPD service revolvers -- she thinks it is, I wonder...

I am visiting her in FL and would need to perform a FFL transfer back to CA where I live. The shops here suggested I do this research before I go through the trouble/cost of sending it to my guy in CA. A good plan.....

It is a S&W Model 38 on .38 Special caliber, 1 1/2" barrel. Serial #92898, not sure if it is California compliant?

Is this gun California compliant? I have looked at th CA DOJ web several time and get more confused each time. I askour members for their guidance.

Is that the serial number from the bottom of the grip? If so, this should be over 50 years old and considered a Curio & Relic. Which makes it exempt form the DOJ Handgun Roster.

So it should be OK to ship to your FFL. Check with them first & explain it's over 50 years old.

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Watch & Pray

The barrel is measured from the end of the barrel to the cylinder, not the front of the frame. I think there is a good chance this is a 2" barrel.
Ed

Well I'll be the first to say it: Can we get pics?

My guess is it's a 2" model 10 and I'm really envious of you right now. Probably moreso when I see it.

That was likely made around 1956-57, so I think it's C&R.

Gentlemen- thank you for your quick responses. I will try to add a photo with this note, not sure how to take it from my phone ti this computer......

I got the model number from where the extractor plunger (the rod you push to extract the cases...) locks in, Model 38 stamped in the curved section of the main frame. The serial number was on the grip frame. Hmmm. 50 years old? He joined NYPD in 1952-3 and was there 22 years, medical retirement in 1974ish, Maybe this was his service weapon! I was thinking Model 10 also....

Thanks again.

JTR

Attached Images

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That's not a model 38. It looks more like a model 36.

Welcome! Smith & Wesson usually only put the serial number in the area you describe on revolvers with adjustable rear sights and/or with stocks that covered the entire grip frame.

As mentioned above, we need the number from the flat bottom of the grip frame to tell you how old it is - the rubber grip has to come off to see it. If that number is 92868 you have the "older than 50 years" CA state exemption, but with any number above that it 'may' not be able to be brought into CA. If it has an SN with one or more letters with the digits it would have been made after the late 1960s.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

That's a M-36 and the only serial number is on the bottom of the grip frame. Any number found in the crane area may or may not be a serial number. Remove the grip to be sure.

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Support your Police, & NRA

Jes cuz nobody's mentioned it yet, if it is too new for C&R status, you're out of luck for the other way to get non-roster revolvers into the PRK, the SAE (Single Action Exemption). That's when the gun is rendered SAO, usually by removing the DA sear, and transferred by a dealer as a roster-exempt single-action. Once it's in your hands, there's nothing that says you can't do/have done any gunsmithing, like re-installing the DA sear.

However, there are minimum dimension specs for that, and snubs don't qualify. I spoze you could have somebody fit a 4" barrel or some such along with the SA mod before the transfer, depending on how much money you want to spend. Of course you could find the same gun in CA for less, without any familial association.


(Edited for spelling & grammar.)

Well don't feel like the Lone Ranger on that one!!

On a related note, since escaping the place last year I haven't kept up with CA regs, and it's entirely possible the politicians have got around to eliminating the SAE. For the latest in CA firearms news/legalities I recommend the Calguns forum.

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TEAM DNF

California sounds like a good place to be FROM.
Walt

I have a recovered stolen revolver sitting in a property room in CA. It seems that accordingly to CA law, I have go through a stupid process with a CA DOJ background for my own gun to be sent, not to me, but to a law enforcement agency here, from which I will pick it up. It adds a bunch more time and cost. CA is more of a boil on the butt of this country than I thought.

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NHI, 10-8.

Just to add to CND's comments regarding converting a revolver, to SAO DOJ Ca. exemption (Doesn't appy to C&R's as previously mentioned); The revolver needs a 3" or longer barrel, overall length of 7.5" or greater, capable of chambering 5 rounds or more, and convertible to SAO.

There are no statutory descriptions of what a SAO appearance should resemble (look like "cowboy gun").