Older, diamond grip, pinned Mod 38 vs. newer 38-2?

Artyldr01 · #1 03-25-2017, 03:42 PM

Good afternoon. I have found a couple more airweight Bodyguard / Mod 38 candidates, but the prices seem high.

The Mod 38 is SN 95J4##. I bought the "Standard Catalog...2016 edition and can't seem to find that date. It has diamond magna grips, pinned barrel, original box and some documents. It looks good and they re asking $600 but said there is some wiggle room.

The 38-2 is matte black but with very nice rosewood grips. SN CAF2736. I'm not.sure if it has any accessories but look showroom new to me and is pre-lock. It is listed at $569.95. The owner wasn't available to dicker on price.

My first question is the usual, price. Both seem high to me but I'm finding early No dash Mod 38s listed in the $600-700 range and the -2 is the only one I've seen. I can get a new 638 (with lock) for $385 but I really don't want the lock but is "no lock" worth @ $200 more?

The other question is regarding practicality for carry. I love the gorgeous blue, early models but have been advised against +P ammo and to look for frame cracks. I also believe the older to be more of a collector piece. I intend to carry whatever I buy so does that suggest the newer -2 is a better choice?

I must say my "lust" factor draws me to the -2 but need assistance reinforcing the pragmatic side!

Thanks for any input!

I'll post the -2 pics first then the no-dash.

Artyldr01 · #2 03-25-2017, 03:46 PM

The no dash Model 38

AlHunt · #3 03-25-2017, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Artyldr01

The no dash Model 38

I can't speak to those values but somewhere on here was a post saying 442's and 642's are going on sale in April for $309. Not quite the same, I know, but for just a carry gun ...

On a side note, if the consensus is that the old 38 no dash is worth $600, I'll probably sell mine and buy a 442 or 2....

murphydog · #4 03-25-2017, 04:14 PM

There is a (chronic) typo in the SCSW, 1971 to '72 for the J prefix should be "1"J1 to 999J99, six characters total. 95Jxxx would likely be mid-1972.

I like the model 38s as well but both are too high priced to me, the -2 more so than the older one. The latter is in the "high but not so much to feel guilty about paying it" range, if that makes sense. Good luck in your decision.

Artyldr01 · #5 03-25-2017, 04:18 PM

I appreciate the heads up! have a 640 now I love but just have the itch for shrouded hammer and lighter.

UNCLE PAULY · #6 03-25-2017, 06:50 PM

Removed the lock in my 649 and have had no issues. Lock hole provides a port to blow out the inside with compressed air or add a drop of oil

Bought this 1957 model 38 no dash about 2-3 years ago off GB auction for $500. Have bought two other older flat latch, no dash J frames for around $500. There are plenty of them out there and they show up often on the auction sites.

Artyldr01 · #7 03-25-2017, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by murphydog

There is a (chronic) typo in the SCSW, 1971 to '72 for the J prefix should be "1"J1 to 999J99, six characters total. 95Jxxx would likely be mid-1972.

I like the model 38s as well but both are too high priced to me, the -2 more so than the older one. The latter is in the "high but not so much to feel guilty about paying it" range, if that makes sense. Good luck in your decision.

Thanks Murphydog! I really appreciate clearing up the SN, issue. Do understand correctly that neither should be fired "extensively" with +P?

murphydog · #8 03-25-2017, 11:20 PM

They are not "+ P rated" with the main concern being cracked frames at the thin area where the barrel threads into it; many seem to be a result of over-torquing the barrel at assembly. Having said that I have fired a few Speer Short Barrel 135 gr loads in a model 38 without incident.

two-bit cowboy · #9 03-25-2017, 11:35 PM

I stumbled onto this pair late last year for $806 out the door. They're within 1,200 numbers of each other from 1976, with boxes, tools, papers. They're at least 98%, although my photos don't prove that. I believe they were from an estate. Right place at the right time and sort of makes up for another revolver I probably paid way too much for a month earlier.

Given the two options you've presented, I would always go for the diamond stocks.

Best of luck with your decision and your dickering.

Bob

Artyldr01 · #10 03-26-2017, 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by murphydog

There is a (chronic) typo in the SCSW, 1971 to '72 for the J prefix should be "1"J1 to 999J99, six characters total. 95Jxxx would likely be mid-1972.

I like the model 38s as well but both are too high priced to me, the -2 more so than the older one. The latter is in the "high but not so much to feel guilty about paying it" range, if that makes sense. Good luck in your decision.

Thanks Murphydog! I really appreciate clearing up the SN, issue. Do understand correctly that neither should be fired "extensively" with +P?

murphydog · #11 03-26-2017, 12:40 AM

Please see post #8

.

Tyrod · #12 03-26-2017, 01:29 AM

Forget about the lock thing. If you simply don't like it, don't use it. Wait a week or so and buy a new one at half the price. That way you don't need worry about an older revolver that isn't +P rated, even for occasional use. Crack a frame and then you'll only have an expensive parts gun.

cadmike · #13 03-26-2017, 06:57 AM

I like classic smiths but if you're looking for a carry gun then the answer is simple. Why pay over 500 for a used gun when you can buy new for under 400?

By the way you've made a great choice of model, the 38/638 model is the cream of the crop for carry IMO.

Artyldr01 · #14 03-27-2017, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tyrod

Forget about the lock thing. If you simply don't like it, don't use it. Wait a week or so and buy a new one at half the price. That way you don't need worry about an older revolver that isn't +P rated, even for occasional use. Crack a frame and then you'll only have an expensive parts gun.

Excellent advice. Thank you.

Artyldr01 · #15 03-27-2017, 12:37 AM

Thanks all. I just have to realize (and have thanks to your help) if I want a carry piece and a collector piece the really shouldn't be the same thing.

Double-O-Dave · #16 03-27-2017, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Artyldr01

Thanks all. I just have to realize (and have thanks to your help) if I want a carry piece and a collector piece the really shouldn't be the same thing.

Quite right. My EDC consists of a Model 38-0 and a 638-1 - the closest I could get to a "matched pair" at the time. One thing that is quite noticeable between both of mine is the front sight width. The front sight on my 638-1 is wider than that on the 38-0. I believe the Model 38-2 has the wider front sight. Thus, if you wanted a more practical carry piece, the 38-2 would win out over the 38-0. By the way, none of my "humpbacks" (Models 38-0, 638-1, and 649-0) cost me over $350.00 each. Only the 649-0 came with the factory box, documents and tools. The Model 38-0 came with a finish in excellent condition, which has now changed to normal wear and tear associated with frequent carry.

Good luck,

Dave

Artyldr01 · #17 03-27-2017, 11:56 AM

Thanks all. I haven't heard from the dealer on the 38-2 yet, and as much as I love the early "collectible" no-dash, i really want something I can trust my life with with no concerns, so I'll probably trot my way down to the PX for a brand new 638 for much less than either of these. I'll just have to fiddle with the internal lock to see if I really have any concern about it or I'm just paranoid.