Help identifying .38 New Departure...
- Thread starter Boatergent
- Start date
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Alk8944
US Veteran
Your gun is correctly referred to as the Model .38 Safety, 4th change. The SN range for this specific model runs from ca. 116003 to 220000. This model was made between 1898 and 1907, so I would say that 1902 or 1903 is probably very close, within 1-2 years.
Welcome to the forum! You already have some info on the date. It is hard to tell just from photographs, but it appears to have been buffed up some and, perhaps replated? Family heirlooms always have a unique value.
This pistol would be chambered for the 38 S&W cartridge, originally a black powder round . This cartridge continued in use until the mid 20th century. Your pistol is over 100 years old. Treat it with care.
This pistol would be chambered for the 38 S&W cartridge, originally a black powder round . This cartridge continued in use until the mid 20th century. Your pistol is over 100 years old. Treat it with care.
The gun has been replated. Smith & Wesson did not nickel plate the triggers. Also looks to be some pitting under the plating.
You can shoot this with commercially available 38 S&W ammo. I would not put hundreds of rounds thru it, but a box or so for fun should be fine.
You can shoot this with commercially available 38 S&W ammo. I would not put hundreds of rounds thru it, but a box or so for fun should be fine.
