.38 Single Action, 2nd model

[ob'98]

I believe this to be a .38 single action, 2nd issue but am confused with the patent dates. Flayderman's book says the last patent date on the barrel is 1875. This one is 1880. Is it just near the end of the run or is it not what I think it is? Thank you.

 

[glowe]

No disrespect to Mr. Flayderman, but it is the last place I would look for help in properly identifying any gun. Buy the Neal & Jinks Smith & Wesson book. The 38 Single Action revolver was made from 1877 to 1891 in serial number range from 1 - 108,255. A change to the extractor catch was made with the 1880 patent and when that change was made, the factory discontinued the 1875 patent and added the 1880 patent. That should have applied above the 50,000 serial number.

Your revolver has had a couple of alterations made to it. First, the stocks are not original and may have been handmade. Second, is what looks like a rivet has been placed as a barrel pivot pin. What does the other end of the pin look like?

 

[ob'98]

Thanks for the reply and the clarification on the patent dates. Serial number is 90XXXX so it fits. I post a photo of the right side, the pivot pin and the grips. I think the grips are original, but just wore out like the rest of the gun. Grips are basically smooth and both panels broken at the butt. Regards.

 

[glowe]

Well, that is the most worn right stock I have ever seen. The left side might be either more worn or some sort of replacement. I think you mean 90,XXX, which would have shipped in the early 1880s. The joint pivot pin was actually a two piece arrangement with a screw head on the left side and a domed pivot pin on the right. Here is a schematic of your revolver and the parts are 143 and 143a. These parts are sometimes available on ebay and gunpartscorp.com.

 

[ob'98]

Yes, 90XXX s/n. Thanks for the schematic. I won't attempt to change the pivot pin. The value of the gun is probably not worth it and after the present pin is drilled out I might find that the hole was oversized to take the make-shift pin. It was owned by the seller's grandfather and father. One of whom was a butcher by trade. Looks like the little feller was carried all it's life to get that wear on the grips. Thanks again.

 

[ammodave]

Are there any checkered walnut grips from another model S&W that fit the 2nd model single action?

 

[glowe]

The good news is that several models have the same size and design stocks, plus reproductions are available. The 38 SA, 38 DA, 38 Safety, 38 Perfected, and 32 Hand Ejector (Model 1903) all have the same stocks. ebay is about the best place to look old top-break stocks.

Reproductions are available for $16, plus $16 for the screw kit, plus shipping. gungripscorp.com sells these at: S & W Double Action .38 Break Top Revolver - Vintage Gun Grips - Reproduction Pistol Grips, Buttplates and Grip Caps.