.38 S&W Safety Hammerless 3rd Model Question

[jbhd]

Hello,

I currently own a .38 S&W Safety Hammerless 3rd Model S/N#107147. Being that the .38 S&W Safety Hammerless 3rd Model ceased production in 1898, I am assuming that it is classified as an antique. Is this a valid assumption? ATF regulations state that it has to be manufactured in or before 1898, but it also says that it must use rimfire or centerfire fixed ammunition which is no longer manufactured in the US and which is not readily available in the ordinary channels of commercial trade. Does .38 S&W cartridge qualify as not readily available in the ordinary channels of commercial trade? I would assume that a .38 S&W black powder cartridge would qualify as such, but did the .38 S&W Safety Hammerless 3rd Model use a black powder cartridge? Thanks in advance for your help.

Jeff

 

[robertrwalsh]

My guess is NO. .38 S&W ammo is difficult to find but is still loaded by commercial suppliers. Most 38 S&W was loaded with smokeless powder and the cartridge was fairly common in the U.S. and abroad even after WWII. I strongly suspect that somebody who KNOWS the answer rather than is just making an educated guess (that's me) will be along to give you a better response.

 

[Masterpiece]

Being that the .38 S&W Safety Hammerless 3rd Model ceased production in 1898, I am assuming that it is classified as an antique. Is this a valid assumption?

Jeff,

!!Yes!!...According to the Serial No. List I have that Roy Jinks went to the trouble getting straight with the ATF yrs. ago...All 3rd Model .38 Safety's are classified as Antique!!

If by chance my information is incorrect...I'm sure Forum Member Gary Lowe (glowe) will be along to give you the whole story!!

 

[mmaher94087]

I believe you have your ATF info mixed up. ATF 'Antique' definition in the U.S. is any firearm manufactured before 1899.

 

[Boulder350]

The 38 Safety Hammerless antique cut off is serial number 119,900 in the US.