Got My Eyes On A Model 38...Need Help!

[MajorD]

could be what is often referred toas a pinto- smith made up some guns with blued frames but nickel cylinders and barrels - sounds like this could be what you are looking at. in mint condition they are collectible, in carry used condition just a shooter. under 300 bucks would not be a bad price

 

[snubbiefan]

Major.....I made my very own Pinto. Blued alloy frame with SS cylinder and yoke. Maybe mine is a Palomino?

I think the barrels and cylinders were stainless. One of those showed-up on GB the other day (may still be there). It's pretty rough and the guy can't seem to get a bite at $360. I bet if it was mint....it would be gone very quickly.

 

[photoman]

Ellett Brothers exclusive...

Item Details for 0213895

 

[snubbiefan]

Well....there you go....these people stole my idea before I could get to the patent office.

BUT...mine cost nowhere near 600-clams and it's a M38, not a M442. (I'm just trying to salvage some dignity here.)

 

[wheelman44]

I thought they were ugly too. Ran across a 38 no dash about a yr ago got a mika holster for it & carry it all the time. I really love the thing.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Got lucky and found one of these a while back for a good price. One of my favorite Airweights!

What dash 38 are these?


PS-the General liked the Model 38 too.

 

[snubbiefan]

This is a test.....more like a quiz on me to see if I am "about" right.

no dash=original production run
-1= new yoke retention system and radius stud package.
-2= widen the front sight blade from 1/10th. to 1/8th.
-3= last of the bunch and this made the conversion to the j-mag frame.

I have gleaned this from various posters here on the forum and welcome any additions, changes.....and a correct and complete more detailed list, if anybody has one.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

638 introduced 1989
638-1 changed the sight to a 1/8" 1989
638-2 introduction of the J magnum frame 1997
638-3 has the lock

 

[stuch77]

My life was possibly saved by a mod 38 back in 1971. The perp was pulling a pistol from his pocket when my partner fired the mod 38 from behind me and over my head as I was drawing my 19 on the way to the ground. The perp was hit with a reverse wadcutter through the heart and was instantly put out of action. I bought that old mod 38 a few months later for $50.00 and still have it and occasionally still carry it. It's got a little finish wear but still shoots very good. It belongs to Jr. when I'm gone.

cool story there guy.

 

[photoman]

What dash 38 are these?

Mine is a -2 version. (BRLxxx, 1994-1996)

p.s. Poor General Loan. Even Adams said the photo was taken out of context and didn't agree with all the grief given to the General. Has to be one of the most "famous" J frames of all time. I wonder what ever happened to it...

 

[snubbiefan]

Thanks counselor, but I have another question.

Mine is a -2, but IS NOT the j-mag frame (cylinder. length 1.535). My SN is BRS56XX. I think that indicates "around" a 1994 birthday.