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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


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Old 07-23-2017, 02:52 AM
Tudorhouse Tudorhouse is offline
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Need Help in Determing Age, Model, Valve, Smith Wesson 38 CTG Need Help in Determing Age, Model, Valve, Smith Wesson 38 CTG Need Help in Determing Age, Model, Valve, Smith Wesson 38 CTG Need Help in Determing Age, Model, Valve, Smith Wesson 38 CTG Need Help in Determing Age, Model, Valve, Smith Wesson 38 CTG  
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Default Need Help in Determing Age, Model, Valve, Smith Wesson 38 CTG

Hi, I need help determing age of gun (Maybe 1981), what it is made of, today's approx. value (Somewhere between wholesale and retail) . It is a S & W 38 Special CTG, the serial # is J784xxx (If I'm reading it correctly). Pictures attached, Thanks
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Old 07-23-2017, 04:34 AM
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Need Help in Determing Age, Model, Valve, Smith Wesson 38 CTG Need Help in Determing Age, Model, Valve, Smith Wesson 38 CTG Need Help in Determing Age, Model, Valve, Smith Wesson 38 CTG Need Help in Determing Age, Model, Valve, Smith Wesson 38 CTG Need Help in Determing Age, Model, Valve, Smith Wesson 38 CTG  
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If you open the cylinder, the model number should be inscribed in the yoke cut on the frame. Looking in my Kindle edition of the 3rd revision SCSW, that serial number falls in the 1981 time frame. It says models issued the "J" serial numbers are the model 36, 37, 38, 49 and 50.
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Old 07-23-2017, 05:58 AM
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It looks like a 36-1. The 36-1 had the 3" barrel and its blue looks like it is a steel framed gun. If it is an aluminum alloy frame it would be a 37. The 38 (alloy frame) and 49 (steel frame) have a concealed hammers and the 50 has adjustable sights.

But like stated, open the cylinder and look for model in yoke cutout under barrel.
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Old 07-23-2017, 08:44 AM
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Need Help in Determing Age, Model, Valve, Smith Wesson 38 CTG Need Help in Determing Age, Model, Valve, Smith Wesson 38 CTG Need Help in Determing Age, Model, Valve, Smith Wesson 38 CTG Need Help in Determing Age, Model, Valve, Smith Wesson 38 CTG Need Help in Determing Age, Model, Valve, Smith Wesson 38 CTG  
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Nice......
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Old 07-23-2017, 10:00 AM
Tudorhouse Tudorhouse is offline
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Need Help in Determing Age, Model, Valve, Smith Wesson 38 CTG Need Help in Determing Age, Model, Valve, Smith Wesson 38 CTG Need Help in Determing Age, Model, Valve, Smith Wesson 38 CTG Need Help in Determing Age, Model, Valve, Smith Wesson 38 CTG Need Help in Determing Age, Model, Valve, Smith Wesson 38 CTG  
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I'm am going to check all this info out this tomorrow I'm not with the gun right now) and get back with you all. Stay Tuned! Thanks
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Old 07-23-2017, 12:45 PM
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Beautiful gun, looks like a 3" 36-1 to me too.
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Old 07-23-2017, 11:17 PM
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Need Help in Determing Age, Model, Valve, Smith Wesson 38 CTG Need Help in Determing Age, Model, Valve, Smith Wesson 38 CTG Need Help in Determing Age, Model, Valve, Smith Wesson 38 CTG Need Help in Determing Age, Model, Valve, Smith Wesson 38 CTG Need Help in Determing Age, Model, Valve, Smith Wesson 38 CTG  
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The distinct coloration difference between the barrel and cylinder compared to frame makes me say 37
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Old 07-24-2017, 08:06 AM
Green Frog Green Frog is offline
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I'm going to agre with MajorD and say that looks like the finish of an aluminum frame---> probably will say "Mod 37" in the customary place one the yoke.

Froggie
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Old 07-24-2017, 08:08 AM
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Verah nice revolver.
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Old 07-24-2017, 08:16 AM
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"I need help determing age of gun (Maybe 1981)"

You are correct with the date.
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Old 07-24-2017, 01:52 PM
Tudorhouse Tudorhouse is offline
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Need Help in Determing Age, Model, Valve, Smith Wesson 38 CTG Need Help in Determing Age, Model, Valve, Smith Wesson 38 CTG Need Help in Determing Age, Model, Valve, Smith Wesson 38 CTG Need Help in Determing Age, Model, Valve, Smith Wesson 38 CTG Need Help in Determing Age, Model, Valve, Smith Wesson 38 CTG  
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It is a Model 36-1, it has a 3" Barrel. The color of it is a black, but not jet black. What would be the value if a gun store sold it? I have someone wanting to buy it, but I want to give them a better deal than a gun store would if course. Thank You Do Much!
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Old 07-24-2017, 03:58 PM
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I'm not up to speed on values, but your revolver appears to be in very nice condition. I've been told the 3" barrels tend to sell for more than the usual 2" found on these revolvers.

Best bet is to go to GunBroker and search completed auctions for revolvers similar to yours. Use the advanced search function. I did, and many were unsold at $375 to $675 starting price.

Last edited by Inusuit; 07-24-2017 at 04:01 PM.
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Old 07-24-2017, 05:00 PM
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That's a heavy barrel, not used on Model 37, which came only with the lighter, normal barrel in three-inch versions. So, the gun is all steel, blued, with walnut stocks/grips. M-36-1 is the heavy barrel version of the all-steel gun.

I had a couple of these and they are much easier to shoot well than a true snub.

Value is about $400-500, dependent on condition, where you live, and whether you have the box, tools, and papers.

This is an excellent small .38. Unless you really need the money, you should probably keep it.
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Old 07-25-2017, 01:49 AM
Tudorhouse Tudorhouse is offline
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Need Help in Determing Age, Model, Valve, Smith Wesson 38 CTG Need Help in Determing Age, Model, Valve, Smith Wesson 38 CTG Need Help in Determing Age, Model, Valve, Smith Wesson 38 CTG Need Help in Determing Age, Model, Valve, Smith Wesson 38 CTG Need Help in Determing Age, Model, Valve, Smith Wesson 38 CTG  
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Thank You for the info. Yes I love the way the gun feels, and not too heavy. I would keep it but already have another 38 that I've been comfortable using for awhile. I think I will tell them $450 and see how it goes,
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