.38 Smith and Weeson Double Action break top?

PBR DRIVER · Jul 23, 2014

I would like some general information as to when this revolver was made (Serial # 108XX) and how do I tell the difference between the new model and old model.
This revolver was nickel plated and has a strain screw for the mainspring.
This revolver has been greatly abused over the years, I can not tell you the BBL. lgth as the BBL. was cut of to about 1.5" long..the heathen!
My plan is to possibly rebuilding it if parts are available just as a fun project.
Parts I find state old or new model so that is my question, how do I know the difference?

DWalt · Jul 23, 2014

If it is a .38 DA, that SN would make it a second model, ca. early 1880s. It would be a BATFE Antique, if that is what you are asking. Otherwise, I don't understand the "new model or old model" question.

PBR DRIVER · Jul 23, 2014

dWalt thanks for your reply!
I went to gunparts.com and parts are listed as new or old model is all I know.

DWalt · Jul 23, 2014

I've not seen any distinction made between an old model and a new model for the .38 DA, but I cannot say that there is not one. Perhaps someone else knows. Unfortunately, I no longer have either the time or the inclination to take on that kind of fun project. Most .38 DAs were third and fourth models, and a few fifth models. Over a half-million .38 DAs were made, all models combined.

opoefc · Jul 23, 2014

gunparts.com is Brownells, and I couldn't find any parts listed on their web page for antique S&Ws, however if you search parts suppliers that deal in older S&W, like Poppertgunparts.com, etc., you will find parts for .38DAs. There are five different models of the .38DA top breaks and that fact indicates that as time passed, new designs required new parts as the guns were upgraded, so many of the parts for .38DAs will not interchange with any other model except the model of that particular gun. Bottomline,: Look for parts for a 2nd model .38DA only to be correct for your gun. Ed.

DWalt · Jul 23, 2014

I'd say that you'd probably want parts for an "Old Model," considering that the first and second models could be considered the oldest .38 DAs, and not many first models were made. I am nearly certain that many, if not most, parts for the earlier models are not interchangeable with those for later models. That's sort of an expected outcome from having different models.

deadin · Jul 23, 2014

I went to gunparts.com and parts are listed as new or old model is all I know.

I believe you went to gunpartscorp.com which is Numrich Arms.
They're the one that lists old and new model for some of the parts. The cylinder stop is different in the 2nd Model (that you have) from the later Models. I would imagine some of the other parts are different as well. It's actually a moot point as they have neither in stock.

As Ed said gunparts.com is Brownells and they don't carry parts for the older guns.

brazosdave · Jul 27, 2014

I purchased a cam for the extractor from Numrich, the one for the double action is the same as the one i needed for my single action. What exactly is wrong with the revolver? Some springs can be made by hand, some not so much. How is the cylinder end shake? Is the stop working correctly? One of the best references i have is Dave Cicciones excellent "gunsmithing the guns of the old west" and "antique firearms". You may want to check those out.

.38 Smith and Weeson Double Action break top?

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