S&W .38? top-break

Korporal · #1 01-29-2018, 12:32 AM

Picked up this heirloom from my parents over the weekend and I believe she said it belonged to my great-great grandfather. I'm no gun connoisseur, so I googled and found these forums. Any help in identifying the details about this gun's official model name, origin date and caliber would be appreciated.
Serial no. 82679.

mnrivrat · #2 01-29-2018, 04:02 AM

You appear to have a S&W DA (double action) 2nd Model.

They were made from 1880 until 1884 with 115,000 units produced from serial number 4001 through 119,000 It should have a 5 shot cylinder and was made in .38S&W (not .38 Special) . They came in barrel lengths of 3-1/4" , 4", 5", or 6". The barrel length is measured from the front of the cylinder to the muzzle .

Korporal · #3 01-29-2018, 04:16 AM

Thanks so much for the information!

Quote:

Originally Posted by mnrivrat

You appear to have a S&W DA (double action) 2nd Model.

They were made from 1880 until 1884 with 115,000 units produced from serial number 4001 through 119,000 It should have a 5 shot cylinder and was made in .38S&W (not .38 Special) . They came in barrel lengths of 3-1/4" , 4", 5", or 6". The barrel length is measured from the front of the cylinder to the muzzle .

glowe · #4 01-29-2018, 09:44 AM

Welcome to the Forum. Your 38 DA would probably have been shipped in 1882-1883, making it an antique as defined by the BATF. Unfortunately, there is little value in this model, mostly because there were over a half-million 38 DAs sold and most of them still around. Only those in high condition attract collector values, so your revolver would be worth around $150, but if in good operating condition, can still be shot with current manufacture 38 S&W ammo.

Korporal · #5 01-31-2018, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glowe

Welcome to the Forum. Your 38 DA would probably have been shipped in 1882-1883, making it an antique as defined by the BATF. Unfortunately, there is little value in this model, mostly because there were over a half-million 38 DAs sold and most of them still around. Only those in high condition attract collector values, so your revolver would be worth around $150, but if in good operating condition, can still be shot with current manufacture 38 S&W ammo.

Excellent! I plan on taking it to a local gun shop to make sure it's in decent condition. Not necessarily looking to sell since it's been passed down for a few generations, but I would like to shoot it! Really appreciate the additional info!

S&WsRsweet · #6 02-01-2018, 06:41 AM

That is a cool heirloom congratulations on being the caretaker ,if you are interesrpted the Lee precision company makes realoading supplies ect ans there manual ( modern realoading by Richard lee ) is an excellent place in my opinion to start ,you could get set up to reload the38s&w for about a hundred or a hundred and fifty bucks if you went with one of their hand presses ect and the cartridge itself can be pricey for factory ammo but it can be reloaded for pennies a round ,a pound of powder would go a long long way at 2 to 2.5 grains per round . I guess I love reloading and I try to push others that way every chanc I get lol.

VPNAVY · #7 02-01-2018, 07:36 AM

Obviously, your new puppy means a lot to you - you might consider getting it lettered (shipment date, delivered to, etc.). Take a look at: Process For Ordering A Letter Of Authenticity (Factory Letter)

Wiregrassguy · #8 02-01-2018, 10:48 AM

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass!

Korporal · #9 02-01-2018, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VPNAVY

Obviously, your new puppy means a lot to you - you might consider getting it lettered (shipment date, delivered to, etc.). Take a look at: Process For Ordering A Letter Of Authenticity (Factory Letter)

Wow! What a great idea! I'm on it! Thanks for the recommendation.

Korporal · #10 02-01-2018, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by S&WsRsweet

That is a cool heirloom congratulations on being the caretaker ,if you are interesrpted the Lee precision company makes realoading supplies ect ans there manual ( modern realoading by Richard lee ) is an excellent place in my opinion to start ,you could get set up to reload the38s&w for about a hundred or a hundred and fifty bucks if you went with one of their hand presses ect and the cartridge itself can be pricey for factory ammo but it can be reloaded for pennies a round ,a pound of powder would go a long long way at 2 to 2.5 grains per round . I guess I love reloading and I try to push others that way every chanc I get lol.

I hadn't even thought of doing this, but in the long run, it makes perfect sense. I have a S&W MP Shield, and could probably use the press for that as well.