38 Special date

[Crunkstang14]

Hi, i just recently received a revolver from my wife's late Grandfather. Its a .38 special CTG S 825,xxx with a 4'' barrel. All numbers match barrel, cylinder, ejector, and grips. He was in bad health for many years so we don't have any information on it and i am new to revolvers. I would like to know when it was made and a little more about it. Thank you.

 

[geoff40]

Just after WW2, 1946-48. Others might be able to nail it exactly for you. It's what we call an M&P, a 38 Special fixed sight revolver on the medium sized K frame, which has been in production for over 100 years. Many millions have been made, its nothing uncommon. It may be what we call a transitional model M&P.
Yours is a 5 inch barrel. Finish looks pretty rough, but if it checks out mechanically, and gets a good cleaning/lube, it'll likely be a ton of fun to shoot.

 

[Goony]

First off, welcome to the forum. Appreciate your posting the good photos, it makes evaluating your revolver much easier.

Just adding a bit to what geoff40 has already said, it's a rather ordinary Military & Police model that most likely shipped in either April or May of 1946. While the condition doesn't look to be pristine, the gun does appear to be at least original and that's a plus.

 

[Crunkstang14]

Thanks guys. I didnt think it was anything to special. It was a lot worse off when i got it. It was covered in surface rust( he slept with it under his couch). But i took it apart and gave it a very good cleaning. The action was ok to start but now it is surprisingly smooth.I cant wait to see how it shoots. Thanks.

 

[Texas Star]

Five-inch barrel, not four. Measure from the face of the cylinder forward. Some of the barrel is inside the frame at the rear.

 

[gruntdeputy]

Our condolences to you and your family over the loss of your father-in-law.

Is there any family history linked to that gun? Was he the original owner? It is unremarkable, one of millions made, but it was special enough to him to buy it when money world-wide was tight. Why did he purchase a new pistol so soon after the end of WWII?
Frank

 

[Crunkstang14]

Our condolences to you and your family over the loss of your father-in-law.

Is there any family history linked to that gun? Was he the original owner? It is unremarkable, one of millions made, but it was special enough to him to buy it when money world-wide was tight. Why did he purchase a new pistol so soon after the end of WWII?
Frank

Thank you, He was already in bad health when i first meet him several years ago, and the family doesn't really know much about the gun. As far as we know he is the original owner. He served during Korea so my guess is that he may have carried it as a private purchase side arm during his service.