My latest purchase...tell me if I'm correct...

Prodigal Son · #1 09-30-2016, 01:58 PM

Hello all!

I have a new revolver that I need confirmation of it's ID...

I believe it to be a 38/32 Terrier model...but tell me if I'm wrong, please.

Serial # is 67161

Many Thanks!

JP@AK · #2 09-30-2016, 02:04 PM

It sure looks like a Terrier. I can't quite read the barrel stamp but it appears to say 38 S&W CTG. If so, it is a Terrier.

Nice pickup!

Prodigal Son · #3 09-30-2016, 02:12 PM

That is what is says...thanks for the info!

Hondo44 · #4 09-30-2016, 02:14 PM

Yes, you do have a .38/32 Terrier as Jack posted above, and a pretty nice one. The dead giveaway is the 5 shot cyl.

Based on it's serial # it's a 5 screw Improved I frame shipped around June 1952.

DWalt · #5 09-30-2016, 04:15 PM

"Serial # is 67161"

It probably shipped in 1952, but I list one having a SN about 2000 higher which shipped in April 1953.

ISCS Yoda · #6 09-30-2016, 05:04 PM

I'm glad you can tell by the serial number because I can't tell a Terrier from a Model 32 J frame and a Terrier I frame just by pictures. And I have an old, pristine Model 32.

Prodigal Son · #7 09-30-2016, 07:25 PM

Thanks for all of the info!

Hondo44 · #8 09-30-2016, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ISCS Yoda

I'm glad you can tell by the serial number because I can't tell a Terrier from a Model 32 J frame and a Terrier I frame just by pictures. And I have an old, pristine Model 32.

The 32 is a 6 shot, 38s are 5 shots, so one just needs to compare the position of the cyl flutes compared to the cyl notches to determine which is which. On 5 shot cyls the flutes align with the notches like this Terrier. Six shot cyls have flutes located between the notches.

To tell the difference between an I frame chambered for the 38 S&W cartridge and the J frame in 38 Special, just compare the length of the cyls. The 38 Spl cyls fill the frame's cyl window, the 38 S&W cyl does not.

I hope this helpful,

Prodigal Son · #9 10-01-2016, 09:35 AM

I do have on more question if I may pick your collective brains once more...

Upon dissembly and cleaning of the cylinder, I noticed that there was not an extractor rod collar...should there be one or no?

Many thanks, once again!

Hondo44 · #10 10-01-2016, 07:39 PM

Yes there should be, the extractor rod does not return to the front under spring tension if there isn't a collar.

You can take my word for it; it's still in the yoke tube.

Prodigal Son · #11 10-01-2016, 07:47 PM

I will have to double check when I get home tonight. Thanks for the pointer. I just hope I can find the part if I need one...

Hondo44 · #12 10-01-2016, 08:05 PM

If it wasn't there, you'd have noticed no spring tension on the extractor rod if there wasn't a collar.

Remove carefully so you'll know which way it goes. Recessed end in the front, collar end to the front of the spring.

Prodigal Son · #13 10-01-2016, 09:43 PM

It wasn't in the yolk tube. I was pretty sure it wasn't as I am fairly fastidious about cleaning everywhere...but I wanted to check just in case. I took a few pics of the mechanism. It seems to be working fine...but with out a collar...weird...

Hondo44 · #14 10-02-2016, 12:02 AM

S&W is famous for these little surprises.

Your 1st photo shows the collar, but it's integral with the Extractor rod.
Normally the rod would fall right thru the spring. Several pre war models and the J frames are like that, but didn't realize the 38 I frame is.

Thanks for asking the question! Now I have to figure out if the 38 S&W has been that way since it's introduction on the I frame in 1917.

Prodigal Son · #15 10-04-2016, 07:08 PM

Let me know what you find out...now you got me curious, too. I'll have to find several more to buy for further research. ;-)