This revolver ( 5 shot .38 S&W) has come up for sale locally. I would like to look at it, but have no idea (nor does the widow of the owner)what it is. I suspect it is not a S&W. Please help. Thank you in advance for your comments and advice




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John

Correct. Not Smith & Wesson.
Also, it should be posted in the "Antique" section of the Forum, not with the early hand ejectors.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

You should really post your question in the Antiques area of the forum. It does not appear to be an S&W, so help here may be limited. It's probably an Iver Johnson top break revolver, chambered in .38 S&W caliber, which is a little difficult to find. The grips appear to be identified as U.S., which is the U. S. Revolver Company, whose revolvers were made by Iver Johnson. There were literally millions of this type made by different manufacturers, from the late 19th century until WWII. They are common and have little collector value, other than as shooters.

It looks like a S&W, but I suspect it is a copy made by US Arms Co. or US Revolver Co. Both were made by Iver Johnson. Check the top rib of the barrel for markings. If you desperately need an off-brand 38 S&W caliber revolver, buy it, but don't pay over $125.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Gary, we have a differing opinion on price. Mr. OP, dont buy it. Save your money. Give the widow a $100 bill or run some errands or mow her lawn.
If you get it, pls. dont shoot it. That is a whole different post.

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

As it looks to be in sound condition, it should be safe to use with factory .38 S&W ammo, if any can be located. Factory ammunition from the mainstream manufacturers (not Buffalo Bore) is lightly loaded to black powder ballistics, and is safe to shoot in any of the old U. S. - made top break revolvers if in good condition. I wouldn't shoot one in relic condition, but this one seems in pretty good shape from the pictures. $100-$150 is a typical price range, but not many want them.

Thanks guys for you comments. I guess I don't need another paper weight.

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John

Have you had a bad experience with shooting vintage revolvers? This gun was probably made in the Twentieth Century and would have been designed to shoot smokeless ammo. Any gun, including recently manufactured used guns should be inspected before shooting. If the owner is experienced and qualified, great. If not, take it to a gunsmith.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Hopkins and Allan. H&R made these too. Some are black powder some are smokeless in .32 cal depending on its age. I'd like to collect any top break just for their history.

Looks like a H&R ??? Sure it's a 38 s&w? These were also in .32 cal also.
Early ones were BP. LATER ones were smokeless. Need serial number.

My cousin in Alaska wants to give me a S&W 38 Special. The problem is I live in CA and my local gun shop said I can't receive it here unless it is an "antique/curio" which means it must be 50+ years old (1964 or older). The first one he wanted to give me had the serial number D-425567 and I learned that it was from 1972, so I can't import that into CA. He has another S&W 38 Special, that he said is even nicer that he will give me and its serial number is D-180526. Can someone tell me shipping date on that one? Based on its lower serial number, perhaps it is older and may therefore comply with CA laws? Thank you in advance.

D 180526 is most definitely NOT an antique/curio. Likely a Model 10 M&P from around 1970. Antiques are from pre-1899, Curios and Relics are 50 years old or older (at least under Federal law). 5 or so years to go before it is a Curio (but I don't know what CA defines to be a Curio).