38 Sp. Revolver ID questions

[Crewcabz]

Pics to come...

Hand ejector, 4 screw, fixed sights, 6" barrel.

Butt Stamp Serial...

C 158XXX

Strain relief screw (Between grips, front side)...Yes

Currently has a trigger lock... no key!

I used this as a kill pistol hunting as a kid 30 yrs. ago, and haven't seen much of it since.

It's back in my possession, but has been treated like a crappy little revolver!

Darn good pistol as I remember...

Worth the hassle to get it up to snuff again?

Any info is appreciated~

 

[Muley Gil]

Welome to the Forum.

Yes, it will clean up and protect you and your family. Or shoot cans or targets or...

You can CAREFULLY drill out the trigger lock and remove it. Center punch the lock and drill slowly.

It shipped in the 1948-51 era.

 

[murphydog]

Official name .38 Military & Police, a similar gun was later called the model 10 and it is still in production.

 

[s&wchad]

We had a guy show up at the range to check his rifle before deer season and he had left the key to his trigger lock at home. He was on his lunch break and didn't have time to get the key, or come back to the range before his trip. I popped off his trigger lock with a large screwdriver, prying between the two halves. Be careful not to scratch the gun.

A better way may be to clamp one half of the lock in a vice, grab the other half with a large pair of vice grips and twist while pulling. I haven't tried this method, but trigger locks are easily defeated. Hold the gun so it doesn't hit the floor when the lock halves come apart.

 

[DWalt]

Estimating the shipping date from the serial number for C-series M&Ps is imprecise due to S&W's inventory practices. However, for yours, shipment at some time in 1951 is most likely, and possibly even 1952. One with a nearby serial number is known to have been shipped in 1953.

 

[operator18]

Pics to come...

Hand ejector, 4 screw, fixed sights, 6" barrel.

Butt Stamp Serial...

C 158XXX

Strain relief screw (Between grips, front side)...Yes

Currently has a trigger lock... no key!

I used this as a kill pistol hunting as a kid 30 yrs. ago, and haven't seen much of it since.

It's back in my possession, but has been treated like a crappy little revolver!

Darn good pistol as I remember...

Worth the hassle to get it up to snuff again?

Any info is appreciated~

This thread is worthless without pictures

 

[Crewcabz]

Thanks for the info thus far... (other than the estimated value of the thread of course) this is all very helpful info.

 

[Crewcabz]

Quick picture...

got the triggerlock out... (two pipe wrenches!)

Phone camera is being stupid...

I'll get another pic with real camera later.

 

[Crewcabz]

Quick picture #2.

 

[tlay]

I can't seem to see the top screw. Is it missing?

 

[murphydog]

Yes, the upper sideplate screw is gone. The factory may still have them.

I would give the bore/chambers a good cleaning, oil the exterior and (lightly) the internal parts, and see how it shoots. A trip to the gunsmith if you are not sure it is safe to fire.

 

[DWalt]

The upper sideplate screw is often called the "Bug" screw. Gun Parts/Numrich had them, I don't know if they still do. I think they are relatively easily found.

 

[Crewcabz]

Yes.. I don't recall it missing 20 years ago, but I'll have to try to get the replacement on the way.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

You'll only find an upper sideplate screw listed for S&W 1917s at Numrich. Get a Victory upper sideplate screw from vendor gparts on ebay. It is 1/3 of what Numrich wants for one. It may be parkerized, but with the gun in that condition, it won't matter. BTW, you can shoot it with the screw missing.

I'd soak that in mineral spirits or kerosene for a few days, then take the internals out and thoroughly clean it with acetone before reassembly/lube. Some 0000 steel or brass wool will help get the surface rust off. Alternately, Blue Wonder sells a cleaner that will remove rust and oil without damaging what finish is remaining. Should be a good shooter!