Model 38

smithman 10

smithman 10

US Veteran
Joined
Feb 26, 2005
Messages
911
Reaction score
1,746
Location
Virginia
I saw a Model 38 in a LGS recently. Should have taken a photo but anyway - not blued, not stainless and not shiny nickel. Were there other finishes for this model? I know there is a term for the sort of muted finish it had but can't think of it. Maybe a refinished nickel gun?

Looked in good shape I think I'll go back this afternoon when I have a little free time for a second look.
 
Register to hide this ad
Not sure if this helps but on the right side is (top to bottom) a 49, 38 and 38-2. The 38-2 has a little more muted finish.

on the left there is a 49, 638-2 and 638-3. The -2 again is a tad bit duller.

I think you may be thinking of what they called the "Satin Nickel" but I am not sure if a 38 ever was made with that finish. Someone smarter than I will come along and clean it up.
20200503_144627.jpg
 
Last edited:
Do a VERY close inspection of the frame directly under the barrel ( magnifying glass and bright light) to ensure there is no frame crack. If not I would definitely jump on it for that price
 
MajorD said:
Do a VERY close inspection of the frame directly under the barrel ( magnifying glass and bright light) to ensure there is no frame crack. If not I would definitely jump on it for that price
Click to expand...

Yep.

I wonder if this is a common issue with this particular model. I was 1/2 way home with my newly purchased used model 38 when I noticed the crack. It was an extremely sad moment, as this was a beautiful gun. The shop was nice enough to give me store credit.
 
Dump1567 said:
Yep.

I wonder if this is a common issue with this particular model. I was 1/2 way home with my newly purchased used model 38 when I noticed the crack. It was an extremely sad moment, as this was a beautiful gun. The shop was nice enough to give me store credit.
Click to expand...
More common than you think. Before owning one, I didn't even consider it cracking. Later I had a Colt Agent (alloy frame) from the '60s crack. I have a fifteen year old 638 +P-rated S&W that has an alloy frame. It's been shot a good bit and has held up fine, but no more older alloy-frame S&Ws or Colt's for me.
 
smithman 10 said:
Negative. Went back and had a good look today. It's a 38-2 from circa 1994 in I believe what was called matte nickel.

Nice shape, real tight. Looks like a sock drawer gun. They want $399 and I am thinking about whether I'd like to buy it. I know the owner pretty well and might could get a few bucks discount.

Any thoughts?
Click to expand...
So on today's visit I paid strict attention to the timing issue, which I had ignored since the revolver was so pretty and tight as far as end shake.

Alas, several cylinders did not lock before the hammer fell in double action mode. Were I younger and more energetic and prosperous I would have still made an offer but these days any firearm I buy is going to be 100% right when I lay down the cash.

Sort of funny but the shop "gunsmith" appeared not to understand the issue.

Someone will buy it since it looks so nice and the price is attractive and in reality, being a carry gun that they will rarely fire they will likely be happy.

But it's not for me.
 
I had one that cracked. It was not pinned either. Rumor was that it may have been over torqued at the factory and eventually gave way. No life time warranty on it but I called S&W anyway. They sent me a box to Fed-Ex it to them.
 
I got an email a week or so later that it could not be repaired or returned to me. They sent me a new 638 with the lock as a replacement.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

S
New Model 65
Replies
7
Views
862
Baxter6551
Baxter6551
C
38 double action third model
Replies
0
Views
480
cjlinek
C
H
Full Underlug Model 29 Classic
Replies
8
Views
492
Pizza Bob
Pizza Bob
M
Model 38 Nickel
Replies
1
Views
170
Retired W4
Retired W4
F
Help Identify My Gun
Replies
4
Views
126
DT75
D

Latest posts

Back
Top