Any Idea how Old This 38 Is?

[AtTheRange]

A friend over in KC shot me these pics. I can't quite make out the last digit on the handle.

 

[merl67]

You have a .38 Safety Hammerless 4th Model these were made from 1898-1907 serial number range 116003-220000 I would think right around 1898-1899 would be a close guess, Only a letter would tell you for sure as they were not shipped in serial number order.

 

[glowe]

Most likely shipped in 1899 from the factory. The antique cut-off is serial number 119,900, so that revolver is considered as a modern firearm by the BATF.

Looks like your number might be 123389.

 

[model3sw]

A friend over in KC shot me these pics. I can't quite make out the last digit on the handle.

the last digit appears to be a " 9 " that is extremely ornate. I have an 8" NM3 44 Target with the same type style numbers. For years the guy who owned it thought it was a 0 but under higher magnification should be clear enough to you.

Sal Raimondi, Sr.

 

[gmborkovic]

Why bother with it? An old rusty piece of ****.
just another old 120 year old gun that should never be used
as a defense weapon. Dump in a can of red 50/50 juice.

 

[steelslaver]

Why bother with it? An old rusty piece of ****.
just another old 120 year old gun that should never be used
as a defense weapon. Dump in a can of red 50/50 juice.

Kinda Harsh don't you think.

Who said anything about using it as a defense weapon anyway.

Guy just asked about it.

I do agree with the 50/50 atf/kerosene soak though

They can be interesting curious and I have even shot a few of mine for grins

 

[mikeruns]

A cool piece of Americana...maybe some interesting history or sentimental value attached to this piece...sometimes, a kind or encouraging statement to a new member can go a long way to the common interest of what this forum is all about. And when an asinine comment is thrown in with such matter of fact arrogance, it may chase off good people who are curious about and interested in something for any particular reason....and then there are folks who are born with a t u r d in their mouth making them...(well, use your imagination)
To the original poster "At The Range"....welcome aboard the forum where you will find more good folks with interesting knowledge and kind regards than the opposite!
Have a good weekend!

 

[gmborkovic]

OH! Im sorry for my Post that may have come across as insensitive.
Sometimes I do that and have been accused of being a bit brash and direct.
I call them as I see them. I will work on that character flaw.

 

[steelslaver]

No worries I have some of those myself. Jim

 

[gmborkovic]

Jim, thanks. I dont want to give the impression to anyone that we condone
the use of these old top breaks as a carry gun to protect your life.
Just buy a 36 or any J frame. Best, Mike

 

[steelslaver]

Ya, I have a couple of top break 38 S&W and a more 32 s. Although they are better than rocks I wouldn't chose one for defense unless forced to. My 44 Russian DA top break would surely be a man stopper.

But there are so many really good hand ejectors out there that are much better. The mechanics are jus better.