I'm not familar with this one---------

[Maddog 521]

I was at the LGS and they had some interesting revolvers. They said they bought them from a lady who lost her husband recently. I bet that is another story also. Anyway the one I was interested in is marked 5th change. It is a nickle 5 shot tilt up revolver. I think it has a 4" barrel, original grips and is in unbelievable condition. They also said as far as they know it was original and not redone in any way. The serial number is 2274XX. I am looking for information about this gun, date of manufacture, and anything else you have will be appreciated. Also what is the value of this gun? Thanks

I found out this revolver is a " Safety----Hammerless" model.

 

[DCWilson]

That particular gun was made around 1913, give or take a couple of years. The .38 Safety Hammerless (which chambers the .38 S&W round, not .38 Special) was a popular model, and S&W continued to catalog it for sale up until the onset of WWII. It was the last top-break revolver they retired; the company began to move in the direction of the swing-out cylinder (hand ejector) design beginning in the 1890s.

These guns are not rare because so many were made. (There is a slightly smaller version in .32 S&W as well.) Average guns can be had at quite reasonable prices; the best specimens carry a collector premium. If this one is not refinished and reflects the high condition in my mind's eye, it sounds as though it might be reasonably priced at $400 or more depending on local interest. Worn but shootable guns of this type can be had for $200, and better ones for $300. If you can find one new in its box, those go for nearly a thousand, which is actually kind of low compared to what you can get for similar early hand ejectors.

 

[Maddog 521]

Thanks for your reply. The asking price is $300. I am really thinking about buying it as I have never had one like that. I would probably shoot it also. It is rather unique.


Is 38 S&W brass still available?

 

[glowe]

38 S&W ammunition is still manufactured by the major companies. I have bought Remington 38 S&W and found it easy to shoot. I also reload the ammo using brass obtained from various reloading sites. Many people trim down 38 Special cases, but that brass is slightly smaller diameter and will bulge when seating the .361" bullets. I don't think it affect the accuracy and the brass will swell to fill the chamber after a couple of reloadings.

Original bullets for this ammunition was 146 grains. Don't confuse the 38 S&W with the 38-200 ammo made for the wartime S&Ws that went to Britain. They are higher pressure loads and heavier bullets. You do not need to stress these little top breaks too much. Simple to load as you can fill the case with Trail Boss and get about 450 to 500fps. Unique or Bullseye can be loaded to higher velocities.

 

[DCWilson]

The European ammunition producers call the .38 S&W the .38 Corto. They make good ammo and it is reasonably priced. It can be bought on the Internet from major ammo supply houses.

$300 sounds like a good price for what you describe.

 

[bobsdad]

If you buy it, a photo or 2 posted here would be appreciated. I'd like to see what you got for your $300. I have a few of these safety hammerless revolvers in .38 S&W and a few in .32 S&W. Just be forewarned that they can become a bit addictive.