.38 S&W Identification

[enduril04]

Hello, I was hoping someone would be able to help me identify this .38 S&W 5 shot revolver.

It has a pinned front half moon sight and along the top of the barrel it reads:

SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. PAT'D JAN. 24, 65 / JULY 11, 65, AUG. 24, 69, Reissue JULY 25, 71, MAY 11, 80, Jan.3, 8

S/N: 311607

Any idea on date and value for this firearm?

I am thinking this is a .38 Double Action 3rd Model?

 

[Old_Cop]

I think that you are right, however the star at the end of the serial number indicates a return to S&W at some time. The trigger guard should be blue and the scales black rubber. The finish could have been changed.

 

[enduril04]

Thank you! I was thinking along the same lines as I could find no reference to the handgrip in the S&W Standard Catalogue. This gun once belonged to my uncle.

 

[glowe]

Welcome to the Forum! You have a 38 Double Action, 3rd Model made from 1884 to 1895 in serial number range 119,001 to 322,700. Given your serial number the gun was likely manufactured in 1894 - 1895.

As noted, it has been re-plated at some point in its life, but not at S&W. The star indicates a return, but if you remove the stocks, you will likely find a date in a series of numbers like 11 25 which would mean it was worked on at the factory in November 1925.

Factory nickel guns kept blue/case colors on top latch, hammer, trigger, the extractor cam in the center of the hinge assembly, and trigger guard. Factory MOP stocks were always available for most all top-break models, but by the mid-1890s they had gold medallions at the top. Most guns went to distributors who often put pearl stocks on their guns to sell and those might be where they came from.

The company made over a half-million 38 Double Action revolvers in all the models and value is quite low, maybe worth $200 to someone, but with the improper refinish it would not be of interest as a collector piece.

 

[sshapiro16]

How's about this one

I've got a 5 shot revolver I call a Chief's Special but not really sure. On butt of gun is BBZ4530. Can someone help me age this little beauty?

 

[steelslaver]

I've got a 5 shot revolver I call a Chief's Special but not really sure. On butt of gun is BBZ4530. Can someone help me age this little beauty?

Welcome to the forum.
It would be best to start another thread for it and as your gun has a triple alpha serial number it would belong in the 1980 to present category. When you do give stuff like finish as in stainless, nickel, blue, length of barrel etc.

 

[cgt4570]

Of course the disclaimer is to have a gunsmith check it, but it looks to be in great shooter condition. With the shortage, it might be hard to find ammo for it, but both Rem and Win loaded for it annually before this craziness. I have plenty of brass and bullets for my several chambered in that.
Balletically, it's on par with a .380.
I sometimes carry one of my antiques like that just for fun when visiting 'friendly' events.