Hard to pass up, but I did model 37

[357magster]

"Its a 1955-57 year range "


I think that's a 1968 gun, not a 1950's gun. A 1950's gun would have a 5-digit serial number. Yours has 6-digits. Plus, the grips are lacking the diamond around the screw hole. Still, no matter when it was born, it has lots of character.


Early J frame serial numbers
For models 36, 37, 38, 49, 50 and pre model number versions.

1950 = start at 1
1952 = 7369 - 21342
1953 = 28916
1955 = 55050 - 75000
1957 = 117770 - 125000
1962 = starts at 295000
1969 = ends at 786544

 

[GT_80]

"Its a 1955-57 year range "


I think that's a 1968 gun, not a 1950's gun. A 1950's gun would have a 5-digit serial number. Yours has 6-digits. Plus, the grips are lacking the diamond around the screw hole. Still, no matter when it was born, it has lots of character.


Early J frame serial numbers
For models 36, 37, 38, 49, 50 and pre model number versions.

1950 = start at 1
1952 = 7369 - 21342
1953 = 28916
1955 = 55050 - 75000
1957 = 117770 - 125000
1962 = starts at 295000
1969 = ends at 786544

ahhh thanks for that info! I just haven't had the time to look it up yet.

Anyone bobbed the hammers on these? Good idea? Bad idea? I just figured cause it is already pretty ugly, and I plan to keep carrying it, might make it a little nicer if I bob the hammer... But I may not... I like having the option of single action too...

I'm looking for a set of cool grips that strike my fancy- debating on replacement wood, some wood ergonomic boot style grips with fleur de lis or something off the wall like Buffalo horn (looks like zebra stripes)

Also looking at pancake holsters for it - so far debating on the Speed Classic blackhawk, or maybe a used desantis (i like the thought of this maybe being an old timey cops back-up gun), or maybe even an ankle holster. Not sure which way I'll go on any of that yet... always open for suggestions.

 

[insider]

Nothing beats a diamond in the rough!

 

[GT_80]

I finally got out and shot this thing a couple weeks ago, and it was flawless. Love the old guns!

I have been looking around for some cool grips, and came across Altamont falconia boot grip with super rosewood insert for a cheap price, and I bought one - It is the most comfortable J-frame grip I have found yet.

This is the Altamont grip on my 637, and the Uncle Mikes grip on my 37. I want to get another altamont because even though its similar to the uncle mikes, the grip area is a little thicker, and its squishy- very absorbent which is what is good with a small gun.





I never really spent a lot of time looking at altamont grips, but the cut and shape of them is really terrific.

 

[yep380]

Nothing wrong with that gun! Looks great, in my opinion. I have an M-38 with probably a little worse cylinder bluing and the sideplate looks worse as well. Nice and tight and works great - excellent pocket gun. I'd leave those original grips on it too!

Nice find for $250. Congrats!

 

[Eddie Southgate]

Nothing wrong with $250 for that . Put the original grips back on and hip pocket carry it everywhere you go , you can't hurt it .

Eddie

 

[GT_80]

The factory grip is so worn, and the medallion on one side is sticking out the back of the grip kind of like it would hold the grip away from the gun a little bit - I kind of wanted to replace the grips and keep the originals in case I ever sell it (like that will happen) but I haven't decided yet. I will say Smith and wesson really designed this with concealability in mind. I have yet to find another gun I would rather carry than this on. It is so comfortable I hardly know it's there and I am confident I can hit my target with it, and that it won't fail. I really love .38 specials.