Information on SW 38 CTG

[hndsup1234]

I inherited an older S&W 38 Caliber which I know nothing about. All serial numbers match 592182 frame, barrel, and cylinder and appears to have the original grips no logo diamond at screw. 5" barrel with Patented dates exactly as written here "FEB.6.06.SEPT.14.09.DEC.29.14"
6 round cylinder and SW logo being on the left side. Fixed sights. 5 screw. with a strain screw. No model Number on Yoke just matching part numbers of 77979.



I have no idea how old it is or a model number. I suspect its late Pre-War but really have no idea. Gun works reliably and is really crisp and smooth, no mechanism wear or creep in the cylinder. Bluing has some wear as to be expected from probably a holster. Tip of barrel, top of barrel and some wearing on the back strap. I'm trying to decide to refinish the bluing or just leave it be, and possibly change out the grips. Only because the gun shots very well, but with the small original grips, makes it less than comfortable to really enjoy shooting it. Anyone got any idea how old it is or Model #. and any input on re-bluing or changing the grips or is it better off to leave alone and enjoy its age?


Sorry no picture couldn't figure out how to load it.

 

[wheelgun610]

Welcome to the forum. What you've got is a late 1920's .38 Military & Police, more commonly referred to as just a .38 M&P. I'm assuming it's actually marked '.38 S&W Special'? Not much to be gained by having it refinished. To have it done right would likely cost more than the real world value of the gun. The M&P series is S&W's longest running model, having started in 1899, and is still in current production as the Model 10. The original grips would be worth hanging onto, but there are many more recent styles that will fit that gun, and might be a better fit for your hand if you plan to shoot it.

Mark

 

[hndsup1234]

Thanks, It appears to probably be an older service gun just because of the wear. Its seen some holster use. the barrel tappers down a bit , not sure if they called it a pencil barrel or not. But yes sorry It says. " 38 S&W Special CTG "

 

[wheelgun610]

I'm not sure exactly when, nor where the term "pencil barrel" originated, but it's not an official term ever used by S&W. At the time that one was made, there was only one barrel profile, and a choice of three different barrel lengths. As measured (correctly) from the front of the cylinder, there were 4, 5, and 6 inch lengths. For a period of time in the early 20th Century, there was also a 6-1/2 inch. Later, in the mid 30's, the two inch version was introduced. Those are fairly scarce in pre WWII production, then fairly common after the war.

Mark

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! There are video tutorials on how to post pictures here:
Video Tutorials on Posting Pictures


BTW, the barrel you refer to is called a "tapered barrel." Post WWII S&W introduced a heavy barrel option.

 

[GerSan69]

Another important answer to your questions: there were no model numbers prior to 1958, so the names already described are all there is. Also, welcome to the forum!

 

[Thinnes]

Welcome. Old guns with patina are beautiful. I vote no to rebluing. Get some newer target grips for shooting. Your gun might have the original service grips on it, which don’t cover much of the gun. And post some pics if you can. Dave

 

[Waveski]

We all want to see your revolver.
Although quite common, it is a classic in every sense of the word.

 

[glowe]

I do not think anyone has identified your revolver yet, so you have a 38 Hand Ejector, Military & Police, 4th Change as identified by the 1914 patent date. The 4th Change was made from 1915 to 1942. The company switched to wartime production of the same revolver, but called the US model the Victory Model. The British purchased many of the same revolver, but it was called the British Service Revolver.

Your revolver would have shipped sometime around 1928, but serial numbers were all over the board in this timeframe. My opinion is to leave it alone and enjoy it. If you want something different, there are about a million out there more or less just like yours and can be found in all configurations, condition, and price.

BTW, all S&W revolver barrels taper from rear to muzzle.

 

[DWalt]

The closest SN for an M&P on my list to yours is 594161 which shipped on 8/28/28. Yours should be nearby. Refinishing is generally not a good idea, if for no other reason than it is a very expensive proposition to get a high-quality job. It is preferable to look for a similar model that is in better original condition. Any square butt K-frame grips should fit. Look on eBay. Regarding the "4th change" nomenclature, be aware that is a collector term, and S&W itself did not use it.

 

[jlemay69]

Closest .38 M & P (4th Variant) I have is 585447 shipped 3/20/1928.

 

[wheelgun610]

I do not think anyone has identified your revolver yet...

Yes sir, it was identified, and in less than fifteen minutes after the question was posted. And in the same terminology as it was described by S&W in the advertising literature during that time period.

Mark

 

[LMLarsen]

“CTG” just means “cartridge.”