I have an opportunity to buy this minty nickel Model 38 (no dash) from my lgs for $599. Since it doesn't have diamond stocks, but it does have a pinned barrel, I'm assuming it dates between 1968-1982 (per SCSW 4th Ed.). I don't know much about these j-frames, and I wasn't able to find any threads when I searched here on the Forum. I can probably dicker a little on the price...is it worth it? Seems like it would make a nice pocket CCW revolver. Thoughts?

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No brainer for me at that price, but if you can haggle, absolutely.

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The nickel model 38 was a hard model to find back in the day and your pic looks like this one is in excellent condition. First, I would open the cylinder and check for any frame cracks and if all looks good, work a deal and buy it.

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S&W factory revolver armorer

Absolutely a great buy for a fantastic gun. That price is about as low as you will ever find. Go get it now!

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FBINA, 204th Session

Not a bad price these days, if you don't have to pay tax. Looks to be in excellent shape from limited use and little or no wear. I would try $500 cash OTD and see if that works; all they can do is tell you no. If you have to pay tax on the $599, that could possibly be another $50-$60, depending upon the rate (is 9% in my area!). Good luck.

I had that one's twin on my table at last weekend's Wyoming Weapons Collectors show in Riverton. Price: $750.

Another vendor on Friday during setup stopped and said, "I usually pay $600 for a $750 gun." I still own it.

It has the small S&W logo on the frame, and I'd bet it has a "J + one-to-six digit" or "roving J series" serial number (1969~1981), and if the stocks number to the gun the "J" won't be stamped inline with the numbers.

ken158 offers terrific advice about checking for the crack.

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Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob

I bought this one earlier this month on gunbroker. With tax, shipping, and fees it came to just over $630. My bid was actually quite a bit higher but, thankfully, no one bumped it up before closing.

Just a moment...

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FBINA, 204th Session

I picked up a blued model with some high edge wear and Pachs for a bit over half that a year ago. I don't expect that to repeat. It carries very well in a pocket holster or IWB. The high condition and original grips add a lot and prices continue to rise. Here's one more vote for dicker if you can, but don't let it get away.

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I need ammo, not a ride.

Hawg Rider that M-38 would be an excellent pocket carry for the FL climate being airweight and nickel. $600 is a decent price when you consider the condition. Recommendation, BUY.

599 for that would definitely tempt me! As mentioned a very careful examination of the frame below the barrel ( above the model number) is in order to confirm the frame is not cracked.

I suggest both a strong light and magnifying glass for exam. Unfortunately I have seen a good number of these with frame cracks, and many look otherwise pristine so overall condition is no indicator of the possibility of a frame crack. The story goes, the frame crack was a by product of barrel installation issues at the factory, not from shooting, so it is very possible for a great condition gun to be cracked and a well worn one to not be

I handled this revolver yesterday- no frame cracks from barrel installation, and this nickel Model 38 is in very nice condition. Although the lgs was willing to reduce the price a little, it just isn't my cup of tea so I passed on purchasing this revolver. Someone will get a nice J-frame at a good price.

I consider the M38 to be the best pocket handgun ever made.

I’d have bought it quickly.

Great deal on that.

I am still on the hunt for a pocket carry J frame to supplement and possibly replace my micro 380.
I would much prefer an older gun ( while a model 38 would be about the best choice I am even open to the option of a hammer gun like a 37)
I pretty much hate stainless so would prefer to avoid the newer production model 642 which is so common. I haven’t seen very many older S&W’s where I live, and J frames seem to be hens teeth in particular.
I know of several places with recent production 642 lock guns at around $400 but maybe am dreaming if I think I can get a older used no lock gun in the same price range