info needed

[goodnightrobert]

Smith and Wesson 38 special ctg ser#332206 my dad has owned this revolver circa 1967 5 inch barrel

 

[DWalt]

It's an S&W Model of 1905, 4th Change, from shortly after WWI, probably late 1919-early 1920. It has the typical 'teens-era grips with the recessed gold medallions. Essentially the identical revolver survived through WWII. If it locks up, it should be OK to shoot. It will handle any .38 Special ammunition, but you would be better off using standard lead bullet ammunition, not +P. You might want to check if all SNs match, including the one inside the right grip. But it appears to be original.

 

[Oyeboteb]

Be sure to Oil it up well, dribble Oil in from various places so it can saturate the inside Mechanism parts.


Looks to be in very nice condition, and should be a joy to Shoot.

As DWalt relays, stay with standard Loadings and plain Lead Bullets, no Jacketed or FMJ.

Mid Range Wadcutters are also nice in these and are very eay on the Revolver.

 

[goodnightrobert]

cylinder #s and frame # match dad bought it from man in Iowa around 67 or 68 has the original holster too. I know dad hasn't put a box of shells thru it. I would bet anything it all original.

 

[Caren]

Don't mean to hijack the thread but I just got home with another rescued model 1905. Matched s/n cylinder and frame. Stocks look original but s/n is written in pencil inside the right stock. Serial number is 4108xx. Any estimate on the date. Probably a 4th change?. Thx

 

[DWalt]

Don't mean to hijack the thread but I just got home with another rescued model 1905. Matched s/n cylinder and frame. Stocks look original but s/n is written in pencil inside the right stock. Serial number is 4108xx. Any estimate on the date. Probably a 4th change?. Thx

It's a 4th. Probably late 1921, if it has no "Made in USA" stamping on the frame. That started later in 1922. Someone may have a better reading on the date, but 1921-22 will be close.

 

[DWalt]

cylinder #s and frame # match dad bought it from man in Iowa around 67 or 68 has the original holster too. I know dad hasn't put a box of shells thru it. I would bet anything it all original.

The earlier M&Ps from between the wars like yours are my favorites. Workmanship and materials were excellent, and the old long actions are normally very smooth, better than those from the late 1940s and later. They were made to be shot, so shoot it while you can. Don't keep it stored in the holster, and keep it waxed.

 

[Caren]

Yes, I plan on shooting her. Not collector quality but I love shooting them. It does have Made in USA on the right side. So 1922 or later. Hope somebody can come close for me. I did actually get an old holster with it. Really beat up. I think it is responsible for the patina. I usually store my pistols in unzipped rugs. Plenty of desiccant packs in the safe. Fortunately not must moisture here in AZ.

 

[goodnightrobert]

any idea what its worth?

 

[DCWilson]

any idea what its worth?

Any K-frame of any age in sound mechanical condition is probably at least a $300 gun. I'd guess maybe $350-400 on that one.

 

[Caren]

Wow, you are generous. I would have estimated $250, but my Catalogue is 15 years old and I just added 20%. Maybe I underestimated. Here in AZ I have yet to see any vintage Smith advertised for less than $300. I may have gotten a smokin' deal at $175.

 

[Caren]

For clarification, are you quoting 350-400 for Robert or Caren. Sorry for the confusion.