I was given an old S&W from a friend who is not "into " guns however he did say it belonged to his great grandfather who was killed by cattle rustlers out west. Anyway here's the stats;
#1) Hand Ejector
#2) Serial # 24616 (no letters)
#3) "38 S&W Special & U.S. Service CTG's
#4) 4" Barrel
#5) Fixed sights
#6) Does have a "Strain Screw"
#7) 4 side plate screws.
#8) The Hammer & trigger were Color Case for sure & I think the frame was but it's very worn ?

Appreciate any info, it has an interesting story, wondering if it is worth sending to Doug Turnbull for restoration.

Welcome to the forum.

That sounds like it would be a Military & Police Model of 1902 (or M&P second model) . It probably shipped in 1902 or 1903.

In general, I discourage the idea of refinishing firearms with known histories. Just clean it up as well as you can, keep it oiled, and -- if it is in sound mechanical condition -- shoot it now and then to honor its past experiences and its previous owners. A gun with an interesting life deserves to show its worn spots and scars. People who want a new-looking gun should consider buying a new gun.

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David Wilson

Thanks. So you think it's safe to shoot ? It locks up tight, but does have some pitting in the bore though the rifling seems intact. I am trying to figure out how to upload a photo, I'm not much of a computer guy.

Yes - definitely safe to shoot. Minor pitting is not a problem. That is usually the
result of shooting black powder cartridges and not getting the bore cleaned up
quickly.

This gun should have a true straight taper barrel, with no shoulder on the barrel
where it meets the frame. The top of the barrel should have the patent date
roll markings.

Mike Priwer

Yes, you are correct, straight taper, no shoulder and patent dates on top. I noticed the cylinder, grips & number on the butt all match, now I just need to verify which rounds are safe to shoot in it ? wadcutters, cowboy action etc. what do you think ?

Well, remember that this revolver was made a long time before they were heat treating the cylinders. I doubt any .38 Special ammo will "blow it up" so in that sense they would probably be "safe." But I would suggest you be kind to this old revolver and stick with low pressure ammo, like match wadcutters or loads with similar pressure (below 800 fps velocity).
Jack

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

Photo upload attempt.

Thanks, I will look for some tomorrow. I 'm trying to up load a few pics but so far no luck.