Hey guys I am new to gun collecting I picked up and older .38 special. I am looking for an approximate date on this thing. serial # 284xxx not a whole lot of markings here I found a 1678 number behind the revolver. It looks a lot like some of the other S&W before WWII with alot less markings. I was able to figure out that it is a model 1905 by pulling the side cover (4 screws) and checking the trigger assembly. It has walnut grips brass S&W symbol inlay, a round butt with a 6 inch barrol. Any help would be appreciated.S&W 002.jpg

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It's a .38 HE, Fourth Change. That model was made from 1915 to 1940, the serial # range was 241,704 to 1,000,000. Your's is an early one, obviously. It was offered with 2, 4, 5, & 6 inch bbl's, round and square butt, blue & nickel. S&W revolvers are worse than potato chips, no way you can stop with one.

Late 1917, early 1918. As a round butt gun, it is slightly uncommon. Most 1905s were square butt revolvers.

Looks to be in pretty good shape. Nice score.

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David Wilson

Thanks fellas, i wasn't sure if this was a good buy being priced at $263. From what i could tell the pictures are very forgiving as 30-40% of the finish is worn off. There are several dings and what not. My father-in-law said that he thought it was hardly used.(all the parts fit nice and tight) so it must have been carried a lot to wear the finish off. I am not as concerned about the price i paid, as the centimental value has already exceeded its current worth. I always wanted an older revolver. This gun is exactly what i was looking for..... K9 rex i think you are right. I planed on buying 1 handgun now i am thinking of my next S&W purchase. Something a little more modern and concealable, like S&W sigma.

thank you for your help

screwsloose6

screwsloose, I'd buy 1 like that any time! In my book you did well. I have 1 slightly newer than yours. A 1905 4th. 6" barrel. (square butt) #2996xx, that shipped from Smith in June of 1919. It was a gift to me from my father. Good shooters! Be carefull about the ammo that you shoot, as the cylinders were not heat treated yet. Let us know how it shoots! By the way, this is considered a 5 screw. Welcome to the forum! Bob

I took it out today and fired 19 rounds through it. Like i said its my first handgun. After i figured out the sights i am shooting within a 3 inch radious at 60 feet. I think that is pretty good considering my experiance. I am using hornady rounds they looked like the slowest round at fleet farm (1050 fps).