38 Special 5 digit serial number

[Larry C]

38 special - hand ejector fixed - 1/2 moon front -- 5 inch barrel - 5 screw if one is under the grip - serial number C 807xx

The C is located 3/4 inch left of the 5 digits

There is also a c on the hinge plate probably useless info

1/2 inch silver S&W circular inlay on Square butt grip, which curves up past where the screw would be located.


Will post some pictures later TYVM

[k22fan]

Welcome the forum Larry.

The C 80 thousand serial number tells us it is a Militay & Police revolver. You are correct. It is a 5 screw. The previous million S prefix M&P serial numbers were used up in the spring of 1948 so I'll guess S&W sold it later in 1948 or 1949. The 5" barrels are less common than 4". I hope you get the picture up.

[Larry C]

Will get some up ASAP Thanks for the help and info. Just picked the gun up today along with a very old INTERARMS STAR 9mm semi auto Made in Spain. Basically bought one to get the other. The price was right.

Now where did I put that camera

[DWalt]

C807xx would be a C-series Military and Police (M&P) model which likely shipped in the latter part of 1949. The C-series was the first to have the new short action, a significant change from earlier long-action K-frame revolvers made by S&W until that time. The change occurred at the very end of the previous S-series production run, so there were also a few late S-series revolvers having the short action.

[Larry C]

S&W 38 special pictures. We have not so much as cleaned it yet. Was going to reblue, but that may be a mistake. Oiled it and put some old english wood oil on the grips. Has a bit of rust on the hammer and a couple of other spots, All advice will be much appreciated. TYVM

[trashy]

First, welcome to the forum.

I would not re blue it as I see absolutely no reason to. I would however get some oil of your choice (I prefer Kroil, but Rem oil, CLP etc work fine), some 0000 wool or 100% copper pads, not copper coated, and clean up the rust spot on the hammer and other places. Work light and go slow. After a good cleaning you can wax with Ren Wax or Johnsons Paste wax and have a mighty fine shooter.

Good luck and enjoy this fine piece of craftsmanship for years to come

[DWalt]

Refinishing of such a common revolver would be both a waste of money and a degradation in value. It would make much more sense to sell it and use the proceeds plus what a refinishing would cost to buy a similar revolver in better condition. Best to clean it up and shoot it.

[jtstew4k]

I have a pistol in similar condition except I have a 5" barrel. I like to shoot it, old school and it feels great. Enjoy yours!