caliber identification

[racer6]

I have recently acquired a s&w top break revolver which i believe to be a hand ejector type. The only numbers i can find are 14770. I was wondering what caliber it is and what type of ammo it takes. Thanks

 

[mikepriwer]

That is not enough information, at least for me. As carefully as you
can, measure the diameter of the charge holes in the cylinder, and
also of the barrel. Also, if you have any 32 or 38 caliber shell casings
lying around, try seeing what fits.

What part of the gun did this serial number come from ? Was it on the
butt, or on the lower part of the front grip strap ? Working in the dark
like this, we have to know where these numbers are coming from.

Later, Mike

 

[opoefc]

racer6, Welcome to the Forum We need more info. from you to get you a correct answer to your question. If thgun is a top break, then it can't be a hand ejector. A hand eject has the side swing ylinder design. If you can post some pictures, it would be great. Where on the gun did you find the number 14770? The serial number on a S&W is on the bottom of the butt and on the back of the cylinder and on the rear of the barrel "ears" and under the top break latch, if the gun is a top break. Where does it say "Smith & Wesson?" Is there a S&W logo stamped anywhere on the gun? Is it a square butt or round butt gip frame? what are the grips made of? Give us this info. and we can help you. Ed #15

 

[Sebago Son]

Mr. Priwer is right... not enough info.

"Hand Ejectors" are swing out cylindered guns, "Top Breaks" are, well break open guns....

In Top Breaks, Most .38 caliber arms will be 5-shot, .32 caliber will be 6.

It is also entirely possible that your revolver was not made by Smith & Wesson, but is chambered for one of the S&W cartridges.

Drew

 

[racer6]

it is a top break and has a six shot cylinder, the number is on the butt of the handle which is roundish, the s&w is on the top of the barrel. 32 cal ammo goes right thru the cylinder. 38 special ammo goes in about a half inch.

 

[mikepriwer]

It sounds like its 38 S&W. That is a shorter cartridge.

You might take it by a gun store, and see if a 38 S&W (not special)
will fit it properly.

Later, Mike Priwer

 

[mel023]

Based on the additional info, it sounds like your gun is a .38 Double action, 2nd Model. The serial number range of this variation is 4001-119000, so your SN of 14770 fits in this series. These guns were produced between 1880 and 1884, well before the introduction of smokeless powder. So unless you can find a source of black powder .38 S&W (NOT .38 Special) ammo, I would NOT fire this gun with modern ammunition!

 

[murphydog]

it is a top break and has a six shot cylinder, the number is on the butt of the handle which is roundish, the s&w is on the top of the barrel. 32 cal ammo goes right thru the cylinder. 38 special ammo goes in about a half inch.

Agree you likely have a .38 S & W (not Special) revolver. If it has Smith & Wesson stampings and an exposed hammer, it is a .38 Double Action; if no hammer is visible and the gun cycles only with a long heavy trigger pull, a .38 Safety Hammerless. Can you list all of the lettering, logos and numbers stamped on the gun?

 

[Muley Gil]

"it is a top break and has a six shot cylinder, the number is on the butt of the handle which is roundish, the s&w is on the top of the barrel. 32 cal ammo goes right thru the cylinder. 38 special ammo goes in about a half inch."

Are we sure this is a S&W? I believe all of the top break .38 S&Ws were 5 shot.