Grandpas S&W .38

[Ron O]

This was the side arm that my grandfather carried during his law-enforcement career in the 1960s. Looking for help identifying what year it may have been manufactured. It is a Smith & Wesson 38 special CTG with a 6 inch barrel and fixed site. It is a four screw model with a hand ejector. The serial number is 505156. I see there are a number of threads dealing with this subject. I could use your help. Would like to know what type of ammunition would be the best to use in this firearm.Thank you in advance. Ron.

 

[TJm15.38]

That's a fine looking revolver. Pretty sure it's a S&W Military and Police revolver; the predecessor to the Model 10. The grips don't look original. The forum experts will be along to give you detailed information. Congratulations. Welcome to the forum.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Welcome to the forums, Ron! That's a .38 Military & Police, Model 1905, 4th Change made in 1925. You can shoot .38 Special in pressures up through +P.

 

[Ron O]

Welcome to the forums, Ron! That's a .38 Military & Police, Model 1905, 4th Change made in 1925. You can shoot .38 Special in pressures up through +P.

Thank you for taking the time to reply to my post. I appreciate the information.

 

[JP@AK]

The stocks are much later than the gun. Those are non-relieved target stocks, made from 1950 to c. 1957. They could well be worth at least half the price of the gun itself.

 

[Ron O]

The stocks are much later than the gun. Those are non-relieved target stocks, made from 1950 to c. 1957. They could well be worth at least half the price of the gun itself.

Wow. Thanks for that information

 

[Truckman]

Welcome to the forum...That is a well cared for firearm with very nice stocks!...It has more historical family value than it would in dollar value...I recommend ordering a historical letter from the S&WHF, then writing down everything you know about its history for passing down to its next caretaker in your family......Ben

 

[K Harris]

I would feed it 158 grain standard pressure lead or plated round nose, semi-wadcutter or truncated cone ammunition. The sights should be regulated to that load.

 

[Ron O]

Welcome to the forum...That is a well cared for firearm with very nice stocks!...It has more historical family value than it would in dollar value...I recommend ordering a historical letter from the S&WHF, then writing down everything you know about its history for passing down to its next caretaker in your family......Ben

Good idea. Thank you.

 

[Goony]

Personally I'd avoid running +P ammo through the old gal, really no reason to.

 

[kobsw]

This was the side arm that my grandfather carried during his law-enforcement career in the 1960s. Looking for help identifying what year it may have been manufactured. It is a Smith & Wesson 38 special CTG with a 6 inch barrel and fixed site. It is a four screw model with a hand ejector. The serial number is 505156. I see there are a number of threads dealing with this subject. I could use your help. Would like to know what type of ammunition would be the best to use in this firearm.View attachment 756837View attachment 756838View attachment 756838Thank you in advance. Ron.View attachment 756838View attachment 756839

That's a very nice revolver, thanks for posting it.

I believe sometime in it's lifetime it's had some sort of refinish. The finish looks off, the trigger appears to have the same look as the rest of the gun instead of case colored/hardened and the stampings are not crisp.

Nothing wrong with any of that from my perspective, I just wanted you to be aware.

Regards, Kobsw

 

[richard.r]

Original stocks or not, that's a great looking firearm. As suggested, I'd get a letter and every piece of personal history I could get from the family. That's an heirloom pistol my friend.
Richard

 

[AC Man]

I agree with every thing said, but why was your grandaddy carrying a 1920's 38 in the 1960's. as a side arm in law enforcement. Just curious.

 

[Muley Gil]

I agree with every thing said, but why was your grandaddy carrying a 1920's 38 in the 1960's. as a side arm in law enforcement. Just curious.

Why not? It chambers .38 special, which was the most common police caliber from the 1920s into the 1980s. The 1920s .38 M&P was and is a quality firearm.

I occasionally carried a Colt 1917 that was built during WW I during my time as a police officer, retiring in 2001.

 

[K Frame Keith]

My Dad was an Officer in the sixties and seventies and carried a Colt 1908 as his off duty. I did some research and found it was from around 1923. He had no idea it was that old. Still runs fine.

 

[AC Man]

Why not? It chambers .38 special, which was the most common police caliber from the 1920s into the 1980s. The 1920s .38 M&P was and is a quality firearm.

I occasionally carried a Colt 1917 that was built during WW I during my time as a police officer, retiring in 2001.

I don't know. Just seems all the cops that I know carry what ever is the new recommended firearm Not something 50 years old. 40 call, 9mm, what ever is the flavor of the month they are told to carry, Had know idea you can just carry a 50 year old firearm.