Help ID my 38 SW.

[merrkat]

My grandfather picked this gun up around 35 years ago in a pawn shop. The family had been shooting 38 special out of the thing since they got it. Till I came along an noticed the barrel says 38 S&W Cartrige. It will chamber either round. 38 SW or 38 Special. I think somewhere along the line it was re-barrelled. It does not have any special markings. No PD or US markings. There is no model number stamped in the crane. Does anyone know what I have here. I am slowly getting into wheelguns. This was the first one. While it isnt in great shape my grandfather gave it too me so I shall keep it. I thought about having a 2.5 inch barrel put on it in 38 special.

 

[murphydog]

More than likely, if original this is a pre-war Military & Police (later the model 10) made in .38 S & W for the British government. A few thousand (?) 4" guns were sent to South Africa. They were much more common in 5" and in a dull finish made during the war. If the number on the bottom of the grip frame and the underside of the barrel near the ejector rod match, it was made as a 4". It could also be re-barreled as you noted.

After the war many were converted to .38 Special by boring the cylinder straight to accept the longer rounds, but the Special is also smaller in diameter than the S & W, so Special cases often crack or split with firing. Personally, I would leave it as is and not put another barrel on it. Hope this is helpful.

 

[merrkat]

forgot to post serial number
768111
there is no number on the bottom of the barrel.

Is it ok to shoot 38 special in it then, or should i stick to 38sw

 

[murphydog]

If it chambers both, .38 S & W would be safest. Do you see a shoulder or ridge inside the chambers?

 

[DCWilson]

Is there a letter "V" on the butt of the gun several spaces in front of the numerals? That is actually part of the serial number. It would indicate your gun was manufactured in very early 1945.

You should also see the serial number of the back of the cylinder. The V would precede a charge hole and the six numerals would follow it.

Without the V, the gun dates to 1941. If the gun has the V prefix, it is considered a Victory model M&P. Without the V, it is considered a "Pre-Victory." Either way, it is a wartime contract gun prepared to Commonwealth specifications.

 

[merrkat]

there is no V. thanks for the info guys. I always thought it had been a police gun that had some random barrel affixed.

 

[mikepriwer]

I think it does have a replaced barrel. I can only judge by the
pictures, but the front sight appears to be set back too far. Typically
the setback is about 1/8" to 3/16" .

Mike Priwer

 

[Bell Charter Oak Holsters]

The front sight looks a bit off, like it has been soldered or welded on. It does not appear forged and integral to the barrel. The muzzle appears to have been cut. My guess judging from the photos is that the barrel length was originally longer. Could you post a photo looking down at the front sight and/or a close up of it?

Cheers;
Lefty