Hi, I have just inherited a gun from my grandfather who passed away a few years back. I have noticed many other posts just like mine asking for information about their gun and I was hoping you guys can help me… It is a .38 S&W Special with a round butt done in pearl (at least it looks like pearl), the metal is what looks like blue nickel, 6 inch barrel, round fanlike front sight (fixed) along with a small rear sight (also fixed and groove-like), 6 round capacity, double action, serial number on butt reads 8307, top of barrel reads; "+ Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass. Usa. Patd July 1 84 April 9 89 may 21 95 July 16 95 Aug 4 96 Dec 22 96 Oct 4 98+". Side of barrel reads ".38 S&W Special Ctg.". The hand ejector bar stands alone. It's in good working order and still looks great…What year was it made? Is it rare? What round would be good to fire in this for self defense and what is its approx. value? I would never sell it, it means too much but its fun to know…thanks for your help, anything is appreciated…
Can someone please help me?
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Hi, I have just inherited a gun from my grandfather who passed away a few years back. I have noticed many other posts just like mine asking for information about their gun and I was hoping you guys can help me… It is a .38 S&W Special with a round butt done in pearl (at least it looks like pearl), the metal is what looks like blue nickel, 6 inch barrel, round fanlike front sight (fixed) along with a small rear sight (also fixed and groove-like), 6 round capacity, double action, serial number on butt reads 8307, top of barrel reads; "+ Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass. Usa. Patd July 1 84 April 9 89 may 21 95 July 16 95 Aug 4 96 Dec 22 96 Oct 4 98+". Side of barrel reads ".38 S&W Special Ctg.". The hand ejector bar stands alone. It's in good working order and still looks great…What year was it made? Is it rare? What round would be good to fire in this for self defense and what is its approx. value? I would never sell it, it means too much but its fun to know…thanks for your help, anything is appreciated…
Hi Nico
Welcome to the forum. I very glad to hear that you plan to keep your Grandfather's revolver. I can assure you that if you chose to part with it now, you will greatly regret it in the future.
You are holding a 38 Military First Model or Model of 1899 and with that serial number probably right at the turn of the century (not the one that just past, the one before). As far as value, condition rules. Detailed photos would be helpful. Besides that, we all would love to see pics of an 1899.
This gun would not be my first choice for self defense, by the way.
Welcome to the forum. I very glad to hear that you plan to keep your Grandfather's revolver. I can assure you that if you chose to part with it now, you will greatly regret it in the future.
You are holding a 38 Military First Model or Model of 1899 and with that serial number probably right at the turn of the century (not the one that just past, the one before). As far as value, condition rules. Detailed photos would be helpful. Besides that, we all would love to see pics of an 1899.
This gun would not be my first choice for self defense, by the way.
I didn't say I wouldn't. If thats all I had, I would, but as I said, it wouldn't be my first choice. Its a very old revolver that may or may not have some significant value depending on condition. Ammo choices are very limited and much better self defense loads can be used in a more modern gun. Thats all.
Also, in your description you said blue nickel. Its going to be one or the other. Either blued, probably turning to patina or nickel either frosting or peeling to bare carbon steel. The grips would typically be black hard rubber. Pearls would certainly be interesting. Thats why the photos would be such a great help.
nico,
she's a fine old warhorse....i wish she could talk and tell some stories!
as pace points out, this is a military and police model of 1899....the orignal model hand ejector s&w in 38 spcl. though its worn to a patina, it still has some collector value as the 1st model m&p (and at the very least, value as a family heirloom). since it dates to the turn of the century (19th/20th), it was designed for blackpowder loads and may not take kindly to "hotter" modern 38 special smokeless cartridges. if you are going to shoot it, use mild loads like 148gr wadcutters, or 158 grain lead round nose cartidges.
pace is correct, stay away from 38 special defense loads in that revolver...they tend to be "hot" rounds and its best to treat this older firearm as a collectible rather than working gun....enjoy!
she's a fine old warhorse....i wish she could talk and tell some stories!
as pace points out, this is a military and police model of 1899....the orignal model hand ejector s&w in 38 spcl. though its worn to a patina, it still has some collector value as the 1st model m&p (and at the very least, value as a family heirloom). since it dates to the turn of the century (19th/20th), it was designed for blackpowder loads and may not take kindly to "hotter" modern 38 special smokeless cartridges. if you are going to shoot it, use mild loads like 148gr wadcutters, or 158 grain lead round nose cartidges.
pace is correct, stay away from 38 special defense loads in that revolver...they tend to be "hot" rounds and its best to treat this older firearm as a collectible rather than working gun....enjoy!
Pistol Toter
Member
Yeah, If it was made prior to 1920 or so that would have been prior to heat treating and that old cylinder won't stand the high pressure spike of ignition of the new porpellants. Clean it up and put it away to remember your grandfather by. Nice ole gun, take good care of it and pass it on down to your offspring.
handejector
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Neat.
Technically, it is a "38 Military" (Model 1899)per the 1900 catalog.
Technically, it is a "38 Military" (Model 1899)per the 1900 catalog.
wow, thanks alot you guys are alot of help...any idea on the grips, stock? or 2nds? and any idea on worth?...and i would like a gun for self defense, but am on a strict budget, any ideas? revolver or semi auto doesnt matter its more of a reliability and price (lets say pref. under $200) issue...
Pistol Toter
Member
If you are looking for something for your home, may I suggest a 20 GA shotgun, a pump would be best but a single shot will do. Otherwise, you might find a nice used Ruger Security Six, GP or SP series also Rugers. If your lucky perhaps a S&W model 10. Get someone that you know and trust that is a gunny to shop with you and help you out. You get what you pay for and it is easy for th unknowing to get dupped and buy a piece of junk.
This will help some, read it, print it out, lean it:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=1430
Don't carry a handgun unless you are permitted and get some training.
This will help some, read it, print it out, lean it:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=1430
Don't carry a handgun unless you are permitted and get some training.
Great old gun, Nico. I would pull the grips, spray a good coating of CLP on her exterior, and let her sit soaking in it for a couple of days. Then wipe her off and give her another soaking and repeat. It'll take some of that suface red off and get you down to a true patina color. I would also letter it for no other reason than it was my Grandpa's. Who knows, it may kick back with the pearls.
model10
Member
my saying is never part with a family firearm , if you do u will reget it later on , no mater how it looks like , remenber it is family not just johnny come down the road , if nothing else make it a show item in a case ,
DHENRY
Member
Nico,
Really a neat piece of your family's history!
In addition to the soaking Pace recommended, you can use 0000-grade steel wool, and gently rub the blued/rusted area down with the CLP or oil...it'll help to remove surface rust, and won't disfigure the bluing that's left.
Don
Really a neat piece of your family's history!
In addition to the soaking Pace recommended, you can use 0000-grade steel wool, and gently rub the blued/rusted area down with the CLP or oil...it'll help to remove surface rust, and won't disfigure the bluing that's left.
Don
