I found out my neighbor (whose not a gun guy) has a snub nose .38 that he bought 40 years ago when he lived in Newark. He has never fired it and his wife doesn't know he has it . So, I'm looking to take it off his hands when I get the chance. He travels a lot and we can't talk in front of his wife so it will be a quick, hushed, conversation. Problem is, I know nothing about revolvers. I shoot mostly 1911s. So my question is, how many different .38 snubs did S&W make back then and what are they worth?

I know there is very little info to go on here but that's all I got. I appreciate any help.

40 years ago, S&W made 2" .38 Specials in nine different models, not counting nickel vs blue which would double the choices; plus the .38 S&W Terrier.

Resale value of any one of them in properly stored unfired condition would be in the middle hundreds of bucks.

It would sure be nice if you didn't have to sneak around on his wife and could get a look at it and go through the identification tree at the top of the board.

The flippant answer to your question is that S &W made lots of 38 short barrel revolvers in the '70s and their value can range from not much to a lot.

Need info on the model number, finish and condition (and photos if possible) to provide any useful info.

Offer him $300 cash, you won't be off by much and you will have a nice pistol. Fair deal all around.

If it was manufactured in the late 1950s or later, it will have the model number stamped inside the yoke area, can be seen with the cylinder open. Provide that and the SN, and you will get a better answer.

Hey Mr. Budasac!

In my opinion, Mr. Speedgunner nailed it. You don't indicate where you live, so I don't know if you face any private gun sale restrictions. But, here in Arizona, where private sales are just fine, I would do exactly as Mr. Seedgunner suggested.

Presuming your neighbor purchased the revolver new, you will not be injured at that price point. If it turns out to be something special after you have it, you can always give him a little additional cash to quiet your conscience. Still, if he takes it to a shop to sell, he will have to be very lucky to do any better.

Even with FFL fees, that is a fair price. However, if it was originally a used gun, be sure that you know how to evaluate a used revolver before arranging the purchase.

Best of luck!

Thanks for the responses guys. I apologize for not having more info. We're friendly but I don't bump into him alot. Last time we spoke I was walking my dog and she wanted to play with his so I stopped by for 10 minutes. He knows I like to shoot and just randomly mentioned the gun. He didn't mention a desire to sell it but, I offered to take him to my club and give it a work out and I have yet to hear from him. I'm planning to ask if he wants to sell it next time I run into him and want to be able to just make an offer be done with it. In NJ we need to have a Pistol Permit for each individual handgun purchase but you don't need to go through a FFL for a private sale. So as long as I have a valid permit when I see him we can take care of the paperwork ourselves (permits expire after 90 days and the application fee is $57).

I was hoping there were only a handful of .38 models back then so I would have an idea what I was looking at when the time comes.

Hey guys, just a little update. I still don't have any info about what model it is but, I ran into my neighbor today and he asked if I wanted the .38. Apparently his wife found out it's in the house and wants it gone. In NJ you need to have a pistol permit for each handgun purchase and can only buy 1 every 30 days. I have a permit but bought my last gun on Nov 1. So when he gets back from Aruba I'll get the gun and have more info.

Oh yeah, he won't take any money either. Probably just going to take him and his wife out to dinner one night.

So, I still don't know what it is but, it can't be a bad deal. I'll update with pics when I finally get it in my hands.

Good grief! I want a neighbor like that! Sounds like a great deal, no matter what it turns out to be. Do let us know.

I'm sorry you have to put up with such nonsense in your home state. Every time I hear a story like this, it makes me ever more happy that I live in Alaska, where we are still free, the way every American should be!

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

One suggestion. S&W was still making J frames in caliber 38 S&W in the 70s, and that is a different caliber than 38 S&W Special, also called 38 Special.

Ammo for 38 S&W is exceedingly difficult to obtain, and what you can get is not really suitable for defense.

Please, make sure it is a 38 Special.

Mccarver is correct about the fact some 38 S&W ( not special) were still being made in the 70's. I do disagree with this ammo being hard to obtain. Just about every shop in my area has a few boxes and I see some at every gun show I attend, plus being a long time reloader a fresh supply is no farther than my reloading bench

I was trying to total up 1970's era 38 snub models :
10/12/15/32/36/37/38/40/42/49/50/60/64 and I am sure I missed a few

Buffaloe Bore now makes some that is suitable for defense, but they don't recommend it for top break revolvers.
OP, your newly acquired revolver should be fine with this ammo if it is indeed chambered for 38 S&W.

"Ammo for 38 S&W is exceedingly difficult to obtain"

We do not know if it is chambered in .38 S&W yet. But if so, it may be more difficult to find .38 S&W ammunition in NJ than most other states. It is still manufactured, but not widely distributed. As earlier stated, it is not uncommon to find .38 S&W ammo at gun shows (do they even have those in NJ?) or in larger and better-stocked gun shops. But most any dealer anywhere could special-order it. It's usually not cheap at a retail outlet. There are internet sources (maybe not legal to buy from them in NJ, I don't know) at lower prices, but shipping costs can be a killer for just a box or two.

Keep us updated. I would like to see exactly what he is selling.

Thanks for the input guys. I wasn't even aware there were two .38 cartridges, good to know. I'm not concerned either way, I'm only getting the gun because the opportunity was there and I don't have any revolvers. The gun won't be used for self defense, I have a Glock 23 for that (and we can't carry in NJ anyway).

I did assume it was .38 special and was planning on getting a 357/38 for myself for Christmas so I figured I would get some dies and start reloading .38 special. If it turns out to be .38 S&W it's no big deal, can't complain for the price anyway.

My biggest curiosity is the condition of the gun. I have a feeling it's been sitting in a box untouched for the past 20+ years. He's not a gun guy and never fired it but, he did carry it in his pocket some times. Did he oil it before storage? Was it kept in a dry area or just tossed in the basement? I have no idea but, I can't wait to find out.

I feel like a little kid on Christmas eve who can't wait to see what Santa brought. I don't want to get too excited, it could be a rusty pitted mess but, it could also be an untouched 70s gem. I'll update as soon as I get the little guy in my hands.

Oddly, I feel the same way! Which is why this was the first thread I subscribed to. Can't wait to hear!

YESSIREEBOB!!!! What a great neighbor.

My twin brother lives in NJ and I know all the horror stories of gun permits and buying permits you have there. It's awful.

So, I was going to echo the $300 sentiment above but if he seriously will not take cash for that gun then take him and his wife to Manhattan, and eat at a TOP restaurant there. Make it worthwhile to him.

NYC's 100 Best Restaurants - Zagat

I can personally recommend this one:

No. 16: Peter Luger Steak House

Heck, it's in Brooklyn - have an adventure. My family still eats there sometimes and none of us live in Brooklyn any longer.

But you have the top 100 list so pick a good one! Even if the dinner for 4 reaches 300 bucks it's still half price since half of the dinner is you and yours!

***GRJ***

No, for the "price" you can't complain either way. But I'd add that if it is a revolver from the model number period, the odds are very good that it is chambered for the .38 Special, not the .38 S&W. There were a lot more guns chambered for the .38 Special than for its lower-powered cousin after 1958.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

Since you're getting the revolver for practically nothing the following may be a moot point to you...

S&W Victory Models chambered in .38 S&W were sent to England during WWII. Many of these were re-imported back to the US after the war. To make these more marketable in the US, some companies or individuals cut down the barrels to snub-nose length and converted them to fire the .38 S&W Special cartridge. Some of the conversions were crudely done, to put it mildly. I personally would not pay $300 for one of these.

Just sayin'...

Edited to add:
If your buddy knows that it is truly unfired, then he must have bought it new. In that case, it could not be a converted Victory Model. You may want to verify this. Of course there is a big difference between "He hasn't fired it" and "It is unfired".

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You're shy a few manners.

A friend of mine goes there all the time (Peter Luger's). I usually hit Carmine's (family style Italian) if we go to a show. That's a good suggestion though.

He's not too handy so I help him out around the house sometimes and I always clear his driveway with my snowblower in the winter, so he feels like he "owes" me since I never accept money from him. (We're neighbors, that's what neighbors are supposed to do.) So I don't know if he'll even accept dinner. We'll see.

Thanks for the info. He bought the gun new back in the early '70s. He was living/working in Newark at the time and didn't feel safe on the street walking home. He carried the gun on and off for a year or two but never went to the range with it. He still has the 2 boxes of ammo he bought 40 years ago!

Don't forget to ask him if he still has the original box the gun came in.
Un-fired quality handguns will bring more money with the original box
and the receipt, collectors eat this stuff up.
Also, I'm very familiar with N.J. firearm laws, draconian at best, I 'm sure
you're up to date with the transporting and hollow point law. Be ultra careful transporting the gun home and if the bullets are H.P don't take
the chance of being caught with them. I know it is lawful to posses H.P ammo in you're residence, but never outside the residence.
Remember, they hand out prison terms from 3 to 7 years like pop-cycles
N.J. is a terrible place for gun owners. Good luck with your purchase.

The hollow point law is very misunderstood here (even by most LEOs). They are legal to possess. Basically, the same rules that apply to handguns apply to HPs. You can have them in the vehicle when traveling to or from the range as long as they are in a locked container. Belonging to an NRA affiliated club actually helps too because there is an exception in he law for competition. It's a stupid law though. I'm up to date on all the ridiculous laws in NJ and I know a good 2a lawyer. It also helps that I have some friends who are LEOs and carry a gold card.

Model 10-5 ser# 323xxx, made in about 1970 (44 years ago and 10 years before I vacated NJ). It sure ain't unfired. Joe

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Behavior Creates Destiny

OP-
I'm in NJ also...if it turns out to be a .38 S&W I can steer you to someone that carries some.

Well, I have no idea how true this is (according to the OP's response, it isn't quite true) but here was my initial reaction:

How in the world could you ever get them home without breaking the law? Do they just magically appear there? What an absolutely dumb idea. In the home, but never out of the home! Good grief.

Who votes the people into office who are so stupid that they write laws like this? Weird. Oh, I do love Alaska!

Okay. Rant over.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

Well, I got the little revolver today. I mentioned that he's not a "gun guy" right?

Turns out, it's not a S&W at all. It's a 70's Colt Detective Special. He had the original receipt. $165 in 1976 I believe. It's got a beautiful finish on it. Nicer then any new gun I've bought recently.





He also mentioned that he has an old 12g and an old Chinese bolt action rifle I may get.

That's just as good as any Smith and Wesson. Opps ...can I say that here?

That is a very nice Detective Special, worth hanging onto!!

Yeah, the "old 12ga" is probably a Parker, and the "Chinese Rifle" is probably a Jap Type 99 Sniper! Nice score on the Colt DS. Congrats.

Nice dick special [Third model] Worth app. 650 to 800 here in n.Ohio You didn't mention if he included the factory box as they are worth a bunch by them selves as is the papers and hang tag [couple of $100's] Nice Neighbor You should figure several nice dinners out for them or gift certificates to favorite restaurants And snowplow driveway for 20 years You can Google search for the exact year of manufacture I'm SOOOOO Jealous:

I hate you!

Not really, that is just the very first firearm I ever put rounds through at about 6 years old. It is in about the same shape as the one I fired. Very nice acquisition.

No box. Just the gun a pocket holster and 6 cartridges in a ziplock bag.

As far as the driveway goes, I've been clearing it for him for the past 15 years or so. But, it's funny you mention it, when he wouldn't take any money, I said "well, you know you won't have to worry about the driveway this winter."

He's a nice guy, I always help him out. I try to teach my kids about karma and how if you do the right thing and help people when you can it will come back to you. Nice to know it actually pays off sometimes.

Budsac;
I would imagine there are lots of folks trying to give away handguns in NJ due to the newer more draconian laws. Many hand guns were purchased out of state in the very late 60's and 70 when rioting broke out in Newark, Camden and Trenton. So the gun may be older than you think.

But please, do yourself a favor, clean it thoroughly before firing and considering what you paid for it, you might just want it cleaned and checked by a gun smith. (That is if you can find one in NJ - Your Police Dept Armorer can tell you where to find one)

Good luck with your new gun and give my regards to Cherry Ridge Range. I help start that one.....
Happy Holidays
PS; Lived in NJ many many years........an happy I'm here.

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'I know nothing'.. Sgt. Shultz

What "newer more draconian laws" are you referring to. I'm not aware of any major changes.

The gun is legit and registered though. He bought it new and never fired it. His wife doesn't like guns and found out it was in the house. She thought it was stored elsewhere. So he asked if I wanted it.

Nice gun (and story)! If you are interested, you can find out the year it was built - the Colt SN is on the frame, under the barrel with the cylinder swung out.

Colt Firearm Serial Number Lookup - Year of Manufacture

I lived in Philly and the Monmouth NJ area in the mid-1980s, and an earlier version of this gun was my SD choice. Be safe and enjoy!

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Thanks. It appears to be a '76.

That would have been illegal at the time under GCA 1968.
I don't know how strict observation and enforcement were in that area, but in my area, the new rules were applied immediately and strictly.

Nice Colt DS, have one just like it and I bought it on a whim to add some Colts to my collection, glad I did!
Hope it serves you well!
Gee,,,,I wish I had neighbors like that!

If you've been the good neighbor you say you are and have been shoveling his driveway for 15 years, that's probably why he gave you the gun. As others have proposed, dinners are in order!

Happy holidays.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

Very nice!! I have always thought about adding a DS to my collection, you may just pushed me over the edge.

Bravo! I'm weeping a little.

I have a few of those Colt D frames myself. Sweet little shooters, they occupy the space between S&W J frames and S&W K frames.

Gee. I had a neighbor who mowed my lawn a few times for me. I gave him a Mosin-Nagant.

Your neighbor did you better.

Nice DS.

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John 3:16 .

Maybe he should have kept his gun and gotten rid of the wife. There all all kind of lock boxes. He may 'Rue the Day" that he let that gun go. Of course wives have some good qualities and features, too.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

Well, he never fired the gun and it's been sitting in a bag for 30+ years.......hopefully he gets more use out of the wife.



I have the day off today and I'm helping another neighbor install a storm door. If I have time I'm gonna run over to the club and test the little guy out.