As I said in an earlier thread, I bought what I have learned is a pre model 32, improved I frame Terrier in 38 S&W today. It was listed as a Model 36 and I did not realize the error until I got home. (I thought it was a pre model Chiefs Special).

It is a 1126XX serial number. It has the serial number on the barrel, cylinder and frame (in two places). There is a diamond and S on the bottom of the barrel and again on the frame. There is an "R" stamped on the frame but no date to indicate a refinish or return. The gun is 95%, but has the wrong grips (not diamonds).

I know nothing about these guns and wonder if it is worth keeping or if I should return it. I paid $425 OTD for it.

Any ideas on value and collectability on what I believe is a 1956 production.

Thanks,

Bill

Hi Bill,

Is it possible that this gun was factory rebarrelled/modified to shoot .38 Spl? How does the actual cartridge marking on the barre read? I can think of no other reason for a barrel change since the bores are slightly different. I presume 38 specials will not chamber in the cylinder, correct?

The s/n indicates it's a 1968-69 production. 38 S&W Terriers have their own serial # range so I believe, thinking it was a Mod 36, you accidently looked up the serial # in the .38 Chiefs Special list.

The two s/n locations on the frame that you mention were probably on the butt and opposite the yoke arm with cyl open, correct? It should also be found behind the ejector star.

Terriers began production on the J frame in 1961 as the Model 32-1 and therefore are usually stamped as that on the frame with the yoke and cylinder open. However, if not, some have been known without the stamping of the model # in the yoke. Because once S&W started stamping the s/n in that location, space for the mod # became an issue.

Since you called it a Terrier, it must have a round butt and 2" barrel, correct? Obviously as you know, the barrel was changed at the factory and the gun refinished. S&W dating of the grip frame when re-worked/refinished declined in the '60s and not at all after c. 1983. So it probably was reworked during that period or after 1983.

Stars by the serial # on the butt indicating factory rework declined by the early ‘60s.

Being made after 1966 it would have the standard thumbpiece and not a flat latch as I recall you stating in your other thread.

Diamond grips ended sometime in 1968, therefore the stocks w/o diamond are probably correct. Check the backside of the right stock, the serial # is stamped there so you can verify that they are original.

Of course if it was from the '56 period and not refinished it would be collectible, but the price you paid is not out of line. They are fun to shoot and served for many, many years as an adequate defense cartridge.
However, the 38 S&W is more expensive than the 38 Spl with very few choices of loads and bullets vs. 38 Spl.

The I frame Terriers have a slight smaller size/weight advantage over the J frame. Therefore if you weren't looking for a J frame Terrier, I'd return it and get a 38 Chiefs Spl. The same vintage can be found in original condition for about the same price.

__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819

Thanks for the information Jim.

The gun does not have a model number or serial number on the yoke. There is a number, which I assume is an assembly number, on the crane. The serial number is on the bottom of the frame, on the side of the frame (under the left grip), on the bottom of the barrel and on the back (not under the ejector star) of the cylinder. Having the serial number on all these parts and no model number on the yoke caused me to think it is a pre-57 gun. It does not have a flat latch. There is no serial number on the right grip panel and the left panel has "JRD" stamped on it.

It has totally confused me. I assume that it is a later J frame that was not model marked, but the serial number on all the parts, as if it went through the old soft fitting department is puzzling.

Thanks,

Bill