Info for 38 Special and 357 Magnum

[CarbonBrew]

Hello brand new here. I recently inherited two S&W revolvers and am having a tough time getting more info about them. There was no paperwork so I thought I would come here for the experts. I see the 357 model is a 19-3 but the 38 Special only has a stamped "A" with "45526" above it. They both have 6" barrels. I don't intend to sell these as they were my grandfathers, but would like to know their value before I shoot them. Thanks!


38 Special photos Here:

38 Special - Imgur

357 photos here:

357 Magnum - Imgur

 

[G-Mac]

Welcome to the Forum. Two very nice examples of S&W that you have inherited.

I believe that the .38 Special is a "pre" Model 14...somebody will correct me if I'm wrong.

I'll let others speak to the values, but don't be afraid to shoot them...that's what they were made for.

 

[deanodog]

Great looking guns. The 38 looks to be a model 14 With three T's. I would be proud of those.

 

[G-Mac]

Great looking guns. The 38 looks to be a model 14 With three T's. I would be proud of those.

Target Trigger, Target Hammer, Target Grips.

Your grandfather had good taste in guns!

 

[DWalt]

If you provide the SN of both, they can be dated more precisely. The "Legal" SN is on the butt, and you will have to remove the target grips to see them. No doubt you have a pre-Model 14, known as the "Masterpiece", and a Model 19-3. They are both built on essentially the same frame.

 

[Art Doc]

Don't leave out the letter prefix. As adjustable site K frame models the serials should have a K.

 

[murphydog]

Welcome! Your grandfather obviously had good taste in firearms. The .38 Special is a K-38 Masterpiece that will likely date to about 1957 or '58, based on some visible features in the photos.

Here is a post about ID information that helps to pin down specific guns:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-antiques/326458-identify-your-gun.html

 

[G-Mac]

No doubt you have a pre-Model 14, known as the "Masterpiece"....

"Pre" model means that your gun was built before S&W started assigning model numbers. They had names like "Masterpiece". If it was built later, it would have had the model stamped just like your 19 (a newer gun) does. Your 19 is a ".357 Combat Magnum".

 

[CarbonBrew]

Thank You all for the quick responses and info! As DWalt suggested, here are the S/N

38 Special: K 319918
357: K949647

 

[murphydog]

The model 19 likely shipped in 1970, and the K-38 most likely in...1958 . The latter shipped during a period where some guns left with model numbers and some didn't.

 

[Bert Man]

According to the Standard Catalog of Smith&Wesson 3rd addition, which is our chief source of informaton on all things S&W, both revolvers would be 1958 guns. I will defer to other more knowlegeable forum members regarding the value of both. Values will differ
to some degree depending on regional factors.

You have inherited two very desirable and high condition revolvers. Congratulations and welcome to S&W Forum.
Whoops, I mis-read the M19 serial # and agree with Murphydog as 1970.

 

[DWalt]

38 Special: K 319918
357: K949647

K317,823 – K350,547...1958 (date of manufacture)
K946,382 – K999,999...1970

 

[cgspapa]

Two fine looking revolvers. You won't be disappointed in their performance.

 

[Tom_R]

If the grips on your .38 special/ pre14 are original, they alone are worth $400 - $500. They look very, very nice, as does that revolver. I am glad you are going to hold on to it. Needless to say, they don't make me like this any more.

The 19-3 in any configuration was a widespread and widely used revolver. It is one of a Smith and Wessons bread and butter guns, and they really got it right with the model 19. I have a 19-4 which is the next generation up from yours. They are mighty fine weapons. If you shoot .357 magnums with it, try to avoid the lighter loads like 125 grain magnums. They have had a history of shaking some bits loose on these. .38 special +P loads and 165 grain .357 Magnums will be fine.

They are a blast to shoot, don't worry about getting them dirty, they clean up real nice.

Congratulations on your two, new to you Smiths. I own Kimbers, Sigs, and have owned Berettas and Glocks. The Smiths you have are as good as any of those.

Enjoy!