Grandpa's 38

[tootiredsteve]

Yep, just got my grandpa's 38 after my father's passing. Looks unfired-It's a nickel plated, 3.25", 5 shot, fixed sight, top break, #85729, barrel i.d. is S&W S-D MASS USA PATD JAN 17&24 65 (with the last patt.) MAY 11&25 1880 - there's no caliber markings but has a full box of 50 Peters Rustless 38 S&W 146G lead bullet #3822 $4.30 price tag on box! Is this a Model 3 and what's the app. date? Thanks a lot

 

[murphydog]

Welcome! There are two possibilities, with an exposed hammer it is a .38 Double Action and a concealed hammer with backstrap grip safety a .38 Safety Hammerless. The ammo is correct for the gun but is probably collectible by itself. The model 3 was a larger frame contemporary gun, most commonly in .44 caliber of various types.

 

[glowe]

Welcome to the Forum. You have to have a hammer DA, since the first patent date for the 38 Safety was 1869. The First through Third Model 38 DA had the 1865 date on the barrel. Yours would be called a 38 Double Action, 2nd Model, shipped in the mid-1880s.

 

[deadin]

Given the the last two patent dates ( MAY 11&25 1880) it should be a .38 Double Action 2nd Model made 1880-1884 in a serial range of 4,001 to 119,000.

 

[tootiredsteve]

Thanks for the i.d. and your knowledge. I'd like to shoot a few rounds (even though it looks unfired)- any thoughts on using the old stock n.i.b.Peters or should I buy a box of new (cleaner?) ammo and keep the old cartridges intact?

 

[DCWilson]

The Peters ammo is probably old enough to have some value to an ammo collector. The better course of action would be to keep that box intact because of its potential value, even if you have to spend $25 or so for a box of new cartridges. (I just pulled that price out of the air; I'm not sure what a modern box of .38 S&W would cost, but some of the imported ammo is quite reliable and relatively inexpensive.)

Please post pics! And welcome to the forum.

 

[DWalt]

It depends a lot on the condition and age of the box. If it is pre-WWII, it is worth keeping it as a full box. If you post a picture of the box (several would be better - at least front and back, and provide the stamped lot number, it can be better identified and dated. For the price marked on the box you gave, it is likely from the 1950s, maybe a little later. Fresh ammo will be more like $40-$50/box provided you can find any.

 

[dogngun]

I have several boxes of current Magtech .38 S&W ammo that cost me between $18 and $23 for a box of 50...Search online for a much better deal than most local shops - and even Cabelas...

38sw ammo handgun

I would keep the old box you have, even if it is from the '50's - It is probably worth a good bit and it DID come down through your family...

 

[DWalt]

The problem with buying the .38 S&W from the internet is shipping cost, which can be substantial if you are buying only a box or two. No matter what you do, the cost will be close to a buck per "bang" for factory ammo.