How did I do? (.38 Safety Hammerless)

[9245]

I just impulse bought an old6 inch .38 S&W Safety Hammerless on gun broker for $150, but it has some issues, namely a well worn nickel finish, a chipped grip panel, incorrect grip screw, stuck grip safety, a dark bore and a non resetting trigger, how did I do?

What year was this made? The serial number is 103711.

Are the grips original, I know later ones had the medallion, but the earlier ones didn’t, but when did they switch? Also, the grips seem to have a chip, is there any way to fix that?
Based on the seller’s description I am gambling that it is just gunked up with black powder fouling and a deep clean should fix most of the issues, but I’ve looked up the price of the internal parts and most seem not overly expensive and I seem to be able to find most everything so if I have to replace something I probably can. I’m a bit leery at $150, I’d have been more comfortable at $100, but the 6 inch barrel (by the looks of it) sold me, I don’t think many of those were made.

 

[Model19man]

I just impulse bought an old6 inch .38 S&W Safety Hammerless on gun broker for $150, but it has some issues, namely a well worn nickel finish, a chipped grip panel, incorrect grip screw, stuck grip safety, a dark bore and a non resetting trigger, how did I do?

I get this message if I click on any of your images "Invalid Attachment specified."

You need to figure out why your pictures are not working.

 

[9245]

I get this message if I click on any of your images "Invalid Attachment specified."

You need to figure out why your pictures are not working.

No idea why it is doing that, I went ahead and direct linked the photos, maybe they will work now?

 

[9245]

More pictures.

 

[9245]

More pictures

 

[9245]

The last of the pictures until I can get it in hand.

 

[reddog81]

It looks like the side plate screw is missing as the side plate is sitting above the frame. It should be flush with the frame.

It might be gunked up or it might just be a buggered up old gun. I'd guess the latter. They weren't very robust to begin with. I'd be hesitant to throw much money at it.

At least for $150 it's not like your out much...

 

[JSR III]

Hard to tell from the photos if those stocks are Franzite or something else. I know that the black hard rubber stocks can be repaired and I think that there is someone here on the forum that does it. Replacement stocks should be available.

I also noticed the raised side plate but not familiar enough with this model to know the issue. Also looks like something is missing in the center of the left side.

Hopefully more knowledgeable folks will be along and can clear up some of these questions.

 

[gmborkovic]

An OK entry level 6" SH. $150 would have been my highest price to pay.
Shame it does not have a "US" stamped on it.

 

[Boulder350]

My guess its a 5" barrel. On my 6" Safety Hammerless the length from the end of the barrel to the front of the hinge is the same as from the back of the gun to the front of the hinge. Your is not, based on the pictures.

Mine is a very early 6" barrel gun in the 47,xxx serial range and, per the historical letter, shipped in 1894. Mine does not have a S&W logo stamped on the side of the frame like yours. Yours is a later 3rd model and was probably made in 1897 or 1898

 

[9245]

It looks like the side plate screw is missing as the side plate is sitting above the frame. It should be flush with the frame.

It might be gunked up or it might just be a buggered up old gun. I'd guess the latter. They weren't very robust to begin with. I'd be hesitant to throw much money at it.

At least for $150 it's not like your out much...

Could it be the Hammer Stud Nut? Looking at the schematics it’s the only thing that looks like it would make sense.

 

[reddog81]

Could it be the Hammer Stud Nut? Looking at the schematics it’s the only thing that looks like it would make sense.

You are correct. It is that nut.

Sorry for incorrect terminology. Current models use screws so I'm used to that terminology.

Good luck getting it running if you go down that road.

 

[9245]

You are correct. It is that nut.

Sorry for incorrect terminology. Current models use screws so I'm used to that terminology.

Good luck getting it running if you go down that road.

YIKES it seems that is the only part I cannot find, numrich does not have them, Jack First does not have them, no one seems to, does anyone know where I can find a spare?

 

[wlw-19958]

Hi There,

YIKES it seems that is the only part I cannot find, numrich does not have them, Jack First does not have them, no one seems to, does anyone know where I can find a spare?

That is the reason I got into Machining and Metal Working in the
first place.

Cheers!
Webb

 

[9245]

Hi There,


That is the reason I got into Machining and Metal Working in the
first place.

Cheers!
Webb

Would you be interesting in making me a part? I seriously can’t find one anywhere. The only guy I found that claims to have one (or more accurately, claims to “have access to a network and can get one in a few weeks”) refuses to sell it unless I hire him to gunsmith the whole thing for $160 plus parts, screw that.

 

[gmborkovic]

Mr. 9245, pls come back with a pic of a ruler on the barrel. Im curious as is everybody.

 

[wlw-19958]

Hi There,

Would you be interesting in making me a part? I seriously can’t find one anywhere. The only guy I found that claims to have one (or more accurately, claims to “have access to a network and can get one in a few weeks”) refuses to sell it unless I hire him to gunsmith the whole thing for $160 plus parts, screw that.

Possibly. I will have to look at the "nut" and see the thread size.
I have a couple of 2nd model Safety Hammerless's in my collection.
I will remove the nut from one of those and make some measure-
ments and let you know.

I think this nut is the same one used on the .38 DA.

Cheers!
Webb

 

[gunbarrel]

There are newly made Hammer Stud Nuts for the .32 Safety Hammerless for sale on eBay. If they are the same size as the ones for the .38 caliber, you are in luck. I'm sorry I can't post a link; it's against Forum rules.

 

[walter o]

you could pm a message to him direct with the information

 

[mmaher94087]

It looks like a 6" barrel. Good luck finding the Hammer Stud Nut as many were buggered by Bubba trying to tighten it with a poor fitting screwdriver. As for the "US" stamp, be glad it doesn't have that stamp as that stamp was only applied to 6" Blue Safety Hammerless revolvers in the 41xxx range and then only 100 were so marked. Yours would be an obvious fake.