J Frame help Please Model 38 no dash vs Model 38-2

[asw68]

Always visit these forums to look up stuff, just joined to post this question/help so any helpful answers are appreciated and I apologize in advance if this is posted in the wrong spot.

A local pawn & gun has both a Model 38 no dash and Model 38-2 for sale both used. About the same wearing nothing too bad at all, about equal lockup/action etc (both good). The difference in price is a flat $100.

The older pinned 38 is $530 and the new 38-2 is $430. I am in need of a j frame for possible ccw but mainly for a new apartment. I would like to get a j frame such as either of these with the shrouded hammer. Are these decent prices? And being only 100 difference should I plop down the extra cash for the older "pinned" gun or are they about the same quality?
I have always read that older pinned smiths are better but is this the case between these two and are the prices fair enough?

Thank you very much for any help

 

[murphydog]

Welcome! As you know, the newer 38-2 does not have the pinned barrel, but otherwise the two are otherwise very similar mechanically. It depends on their exact condition but I think the older gun is slightly overpriced unless it is new or nearly so, and the -2 is about right if it is in near-new condition. Hope this is helpful.

 

[asw68]

thanks for your quick response and helpful advice.

I might have found another 38 no dash in similar condition for much less ($375) if it checks out I will probably go with that. If it doesnt I'll probably lean towards the 38-2. My big concern was that when I spend money on important things I like to make sure I do it right and not regret it later. Im looking for a pre-lock shrouded hammer j-frame.
I was mainly uncertain as to whether the difference in the 100 was worth it or not as far as if the no dash is much better than the -2. Which doesnt seem to be much then right?

Also when I checkout these guns (this is only my second revolver) I need to look for timing/action, cylinder rattle/wobble/lockup, action sear (cock hammer and apply pressure to hammer to make sure that alone doesnt release the action), bore/cylinders, and then of course just wear and finish right? Is there anything important that I should look for that Im not aware of?

Thanks again for the help

 

[murphydog]

That sounds to be a good checklist. In equal condition at the same price the earlier model 38 would be my choice but definitely evaluate both carefully - the -2 may have a nicer/smoother action and trigger and you may want to go with it.

 

[Old cop]

I've owned my M38, no dash, since I got is second hand in the early '70s so I can't help on current prices, but it does seem high. As to the quality it's been great, I carried it as a b/u to my service revolver and continue to carry/shoot it in retirement.

Do a Youtube search on checking out used revolvers, there is some good info out there.

 

[asw68]

Thanks again to both of you. I think ill be checking out the $375 no dash on Fri an if it is as listed ill be getting that.

Only about half of what I know to look for is from my own knowledge/experience/common sense the other half is from looking on the internet/youtube etc. I was more or less wondering if there was something specific to j frames to look for (should have just said that), but thanks again.

Ill let you know what I end up with and try to post pictures

 

[asw68]

I apologize for double posting and really hope Im not testing the boundaries of forum newbie ignorance with any rules here.

But it just dawned on me that the 38 no dash I am hoping to possibly pickup on Fri for $375 might actually be a model 49 no dash.

From checking online the difference I see is that it is a steel frame and cylinder as opposed to the aluminum frame/steel cylinder of the 38 bodyguard. There are some trade offs with this (heavier vs lighter which is + and - because of weight to carry but also felt recoil because of light weight), i realize but even if it is a model 49 is that still a good price or is there some more differences that i have been unable to find? And am i better off sticking with model 38s?

Thanks again and sorry if this is dumb stuff, ive been having difficulty finding info on these models online because all "s&w model 38" searches just come back with model 10 and other .38 special smiths for results, and searching s&w bodyguard only comes up with the newer poly framed .38 and .380, which is why Im here asking these questions because I cant find elsewhere. So again sorry and appreciate all the help

 

[Double-O-Dave]

asw68:

Welcome to the Forum. Enclosed are photos of my Humpback collection: Model 38-0 (blued steel frame with nickeled cylinder - in the photo with 3 revolvers, it is on the top), Model 638-1 (pictured next to the Model 38-0, or in the photo showing 3 revolvers, it's on the bottom right), and Model 649-0 (in the photo showing 3 revolvers, it's on the bottom left). My Model 38 is not pinned, nor does it have a flat latch.

Sorry, I don't have access to my records right now, but as I recall, I believe I ended up paying around $350.00 for each of these revolvers. The Model 38 was purchased from Gun Buyer, the Model 638-1 was a local buy, and the Model 649-0 I purchased from a fellow Forum member. Personally, I think the price of the Model 38-2 is fine, assuming it's in good condition, and functions well. I think the price on the Model 38-0 is a bit high.

Also, if my memory is correct, the Model 38-0 has the narrow front sight, and the Model 38-2 will have the wider (easier to see) front sight. As you can see from the photos, I like Crimson Trace Lasergrips (the Model 38-0 and Model 638-1 are my EDC, and both wear CT LG-405 grips).

Assuming condition on both is equal, and that both function well, I'd buy the Model 38-2.

Best of luck, please let us know what happens.

Regards,

Dave

 

[asw68]

its taken me a couple days to post a reply but I did end up buying a 38-0 from a guy locally off a local ad for $375. It is in even nicer shape then the two more expensive guns at the local shop. Lockup/timing/etc is perfect. Finish has some wearing on cylinder and barrel from being holstered. Guy said he got it in an estate sale a couple weeks ago from a former cop.
Can't wait to get to the range in a couple weeks because this thing has got a sweet trigger! My only other revolver is a Dan Wesson 15-2 and I thought the trigger was nice on it, this little j frame is something else. Can't wait to see how it does on some paper.

Thanks again to all for the help

 

[murphydog]

Glad to hear you got the one you sought. Just remember, if you don't post some one-hole groups with it you're going to catch a lot of grief here .

 

[JP@AK]

Just remember, if you don't post some one-hole groups with it you're going to catch a lot of grief here.

Yes. He will.
(But not from me. I don't see that well any more!)

asw68
Since we are talking about getting grief from people, you should also know that calling it a "38-0" will also get some people riled up (but, again, not me).
There really is no such thing. It is either a Model 38 or a Model 38-something. Frankly, I get what you mean and it doesn't matter, but some people seem to think it demeans the system (or something).

 

[JP@AK]

Oh, and yes! Congrats on picking up a nice carry piece - arguably one of the best, in terms of concealment and ease of removal with a much lesser change of hanging up on clothing when drawn.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

Since we are talking about getting grief from people, you should also know that calling it a "38-0" will also get some people riled up (but, again, not me).
There really is no such thing. It is either a Model 38 or a Model 38-something. Frankly, I get what you mean and it doesn't matter, but some people seem to think it demeans the system (or something).

Jack:

I'll take the blame for influencing the OP in calling his Bodyguard a "Model 38-0", but in my defense, when I first writing about my Model 38 Bodyguard, people wrote asking me "what's the dash number?" Sheesh! I guess this is one of those things where you can't make everyone happy. I think it's better than those that insist on calling magazines "clips". Personally, I'm going to keep referring to my Bodyguard as a "Model 38-0", and if you don't like it, well, take a number and get in line.


asw68: congratulations on your new Bodyguard! I'm looking forward to a range report and photos.

Regards,

Dave

 

[Peak53]

its taken me a couple days to post a reply but I did end up buying a 38-0 from a guy locally off a local ad for $375. It is in even nicer shape ...

Excuse me, but did I miss the pictures?

 

[JP@AK]

Jack:
I'll take the blame for influencing the OP in calling his Bodyguard a "Model 38-0", but in my defense, when I first writing about my Model 38 Bodyguard, people wrote asking me "what's the dash number?" Sheesh! I guess this is one of those things where you can't make everyone happy. I think it's better than those that insist on calling magazines "clips". Personally, I'm going to keep referring to my Bodyguard as a "Model 38-0", and if you don't like it, well, take a number and get in line.

Hey Dave . . .
Did you notice this in my post:
but, again, not me

It is in the parenthesis at the end of this sentence:
Since we are talking about getting grief from people, you should also know that calling it a "38-0" will also get some people riled up (but, again, not me).

I thought I made it clear that this criticism doesn't come from me. I wrote this:
Frankly, I get what you mean and it doesn't matter, but some people seem to think it demeans the system (or something).

Basically, I was just poking fun at those who get upset at this sort of stuff. I think it is rather silly myself, even though I agree that there really is no such thing.

Sorry you misunderstood me.

 

[asw68]

So yes I will post pictures of my new-to-me "Model 38" as soon as I figure out how to do so. (Any suggestions as to the easiest way?) The seller told me its date of manufacture is 1974 based on the serial #, and I have no reason to doubt him but I may post it at some point to find out myself what comes up.

I will most definitely post a range report and pics thereafter, can't wait to put some live rounds downrange with this trigger. Have a few pics of the gun that I will post when I figure out how. Thanks

 

[asw68]

actually, after some google searching found how to post pics here on the forum via this: http://smith-wessonforum.com/forum-office/78728-posting-photos-forum.html

here:

 

[Shorty 45 MK2]

I'm a little late but. Welcome to the Forum!

Congrats on picking up a great J-frame! (They all are really.) be warned though they tend to multiply.