38 SPECIAL CTG

[Guadagnino]

Trying to find some info on a gun i got. on barrel it say 38 s&w special ctg - on bottom of wooden handle on gun frame it has 637410 - inside when you open chamber it has the same number twice 27678 also next to the release to open gun to load it is what looks like a key hole?

 

[vytoland]

welcome to S&W..glad you are here.

you may have a S&W Model of 1905 4th change from the 1930's....pictures will help to identify more accurately.....

 

[Guadagnino]

pic

see attached pic

 

[Guadagnino]

more info

5" barrel
5 screw
hand ejector
fixed sight
serial number is 537418

 

[Göring's S&W]

For starters, your gun is a M&P, 1905 4th change, in 38 special. The gun has a 5in barrel (judging by photo). It likely dates to the mid to late 1920s and the grips appear to be correct for its vintage.

This gun does however have a lot of problems. The cylinder release button is missing from the left side, exposing the bolt and mechanics underneath. The gun has an aftermarket nickel finish (S&W did not plate the hammer and trigger. Originally they were case-hardened finish). Also, the hammer spur has been modified. When you open the cylinder, and you look in the yoke cut, you see assembly numbers. Serial numbers and model numbers were not placed there until 1957. In 1957 this model became the model 10. I would have it checked by a gunsmith prior to firing.

Here is your photo, full size, and right side up

 

[Art Doc]

Hammer looks modified. Cut and welded up for a wide spur. Bad plating job. Missing cylinder release. Hope you got it for free. Not worth a whole lot more than that. Probably OK to shoot if cleaned up and release replaced but ugly as sin.

 

[Inusuit]

What's a "wife spur?" I am unfamiliar with that term.

 

[Göring's S&W]

What's a "wife spur?" I am unfamiliar with that term.

He probably meant "wide" spur but perhaps it is a term that I too am unfamiliar with

 

[Art Doc]

Don't call your wife wide unless you want to sleep on the couch...

 

[linde]

. . . also next to the release to open gun to load it is what looks like a key hole?

What you describe as the "key hole" next to the cylinder release is the base of the hammer stud. The hammer stud is part of the internal lock work which provides the pivot for the hammer.

Russ