38 SPL Age?
- Thread starter NCGeorge
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Welcome to the forum . Around 1946-1948 and most likely nickle plated someone will be along to nail it down closer.
Postwar .38 Military & Police revolvers with S962xxx serial numbers were shipping in December, 1947, and January, 1948.
Unless it has been refinished (and it probably has) it isn't chrome plated. Nickel was the only option besides blue. BUT, I haven't found any in my research in that serial range that left the factory with a nickel finish. Most likely it was originally blued.
You didn't tell us what length barrel it has. But my records show the vast majority of the S962xxx revolvers were 2" square butt units.
Unless it has been refinished (and it probably has) it isn't chrome plated. Nickel was the only option besides blue. BUT, I haven't found any in my research in that serial range that left the factory with a nickel finish. Most likely it was originally blued.
You didn't tell us what length barrel it has. But my records show the vast majority of the S962xxx revolvers were 2" square butt units.
Jack
You are right on. It is a 2" barrel.
I'm sorry about calling it Chrome. You are right about it being nickel-plated. I looked carefully and didn't see any signs of bluing, so I will assume it has the original plating.
I want to find out if it has any history before I go to have it registered here in California. As you seem to know a lot about this sort of thing, is there a site that I can go to to check further?
Thanks for your feedback.
You are right on. It is a 2" barrel.
I'm sorry about calling it Chrome. You are right about it being nickel-plated. I looked carefully and didn't see any signs of bluing, so I will assume it has the original plating.
I want to find out if it has any history before I go to have it registered here in California. As you seem to know a lot about this sort of thing, is there a site that I can go to to check further?
Thanks for your feedback.
Art Doc
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
Hammer and trigger appear to be plated. Dead give away it's refinished. S&W didn't plate these parts. Will have an N stamped under left stock panel if original.
Other than getting a Historical letter which would tell you the exact ship date, and to the distributor or possibly the person it shipped this is the absolute best site for Smith & Wessons period.
Welcome to the Forum.
As Art Doc noted, the hammer and trigger have been plated. This indicates an aftermarket plate job. Nickel plate has a yellow tint. Chrome plate has a bluish tint.
The flat head screw right behind the trigger belongs in the screw hole that is covered up by the grips.
As Art Doc noted, the hammer and trigger have been plated. This indicates an aftermarket plate job. Nickel plate has a yellow tint. Chrome plate has a bluish tint.
The flat head screw right behind the trigger belongs in the screw hole that is covered up by the grips.
NCGeorge
First, I forgot to welcome you to the S&W Forum. So, Welcome!
I think you have already learned about all there is to know about your acquisition. Unless you want to spring $100 for a letter, which this revolver hardly justifies.
It has been nickel plated post-factory. In addition to the hammer and trigger, the sideplate no longer fits properly. Also, the Pachmayr grips are aftermarket. As Gil noted, one of the sideplate screws has been moved to an incorrect location.
There is nothing collectible about this gun, so it is just a shooter. You will find the long action to be nice and smooth. So, enjoy it for what it is.
First, I forgot to welcome you to the S&W Forum. So, Welcome!
I think you have already learned about all there is to know about your acquisition. Unless you want to spring $100 for a letter, which this revolver hardly justifies.
It has been nickel plated post-factory. In addition to the hammer and trigger, the sideplate no longer fits properly. Also, the Pachmayr grips are aftermarket. As Gil noted, one of the sideplate screws has been moved to an incorrect location.
There is nothing collectible about this gun, so it is just a shooter. You will find the long action to be nice and smooth. So, enjoy it for what it is.
S&W Model 10
I have the same gun. Here's what I have on it:
1948
Model 10
38S&W.SPC.CTG
SN S962285
K Frame
2" Barrel
Pachmayr Compac Grip #03264
I have the same gun. Here's what I have on it:
1948
Model 10
38S&W.SPC.CTG
SN S962285
K Frame
2" Barrel
Pachmayr Compac Grip #03264
Hi NCGeorge
.38 Military & Police serial number 962285 probably left the factory in December, 1947, or January, 1948. Most of them in that serial range shipped in December, '47.
It is not a Model 10, since those did not begin shipping until 1958. Yours would still have the long action, which lasted at least until serial number S990184.
EDIT: Now I'm confused. I just read back through the whole thread. Exactly why are we going through this again?
You were the original poster; but now you say you have the same gun? 
.38 Military & Police serial number 962285 probably left the factory in December, 1947, or January, 1948. Most of them in that serial range shipped in December, '47.
It is not a Model 10, since those did not begin shipping until 1958. Yours would still have the long action, which lasted at least until serial number S990184.
EDIT: Now I'm confused. I just read back through the whole thread. Exactly why are we going through this again?
You were the original poster; but now you say you have the same gun?
Last edited:
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