Inherited 38 special

[Joeallev972]

We inherited this from my Grandfather and am curious about production year. Nickel plated and in really nice condition. He bought it 2nd hand and registered in 1967 but i think its pre 57.
4" Barrel
Anyone here have an idea of Manufactered date?

 

[k22fan]

To hold you over until one of our serial number collectors provide a closer estimate based on the dates from owners who bought historical letters on their M&Ps, 1930s. Its silver colored hammer and trigger reveal it was refinished with chrome or nickel. The stocks are post WW II and judging from their top edge from the 1950s.

 

[merl67]

Looks like mid 1930's to me, and as it has been noted grips are from a later gun, and a post factory plating. Welcome to the forum !

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! That is a 38 military and police revolver from before 1935 and after 1930. It has been refinished. Look underneath the barrel where the ejector Rod docks, open the cylinder and see if there is a B before the serial number. If so it was originally blue when it left the factory.

Guy

 

[chiefdave]

If you would like a set of 30's grips I think I have an extra set, send me a PM. Even with the refinish a very nice revolver.

 

[Absalom]

Shipping dates in the 1930s can vary, as the Depression slowed business and guns could sit for some time. So extrapolating is not as certain as for other periods, but the serial puts it definitely into the later 1930s, likely 1935/36, but it could have shipped later.

PS: Closest to your 659919 I've been able to find is 658121, shipped in Jan. 1937. But I think the sideplate logo changed in 1936 to the right side, so yours was at least made, if not shipped, before that.

 

[Texas Star]

What do you mean the gun was "registered" in 1967?

We don't have gun registration in Texas! You list your location as Dallas.

Was the gun elsewhere in 1967?

 

[Joeallev972]

The revolver was in Mich where registration is required Texas Star,i moved here back in the 90's. Thanks for the info Gents,i wouldn't have guess 30's. ChiefDave,i'll PM you about those grips if you have an extra set. Would like to put it back as close as i can. The refinish had to have been done before my Grandpa acquired it because he was frugal and wouldn't have paid to have it done lol.

 

[Art Doc]

You will find the Magna stocks you have are much more comfortable than the old service type.

 

[Joeallev972]

This one will never fire again as long as i have it. I would like to have it checked out though and timed but as far as taking it to the range...not gonna happen. Have too many other toys to have fun with. I almost traded grips but decided not to as we found the original grips in a suit case with other goodies we never knew about including a Colt SAA early model and a couple Saturday night specials and a King Cobra. We were shocked!

 

[gmborkovic]

To OP, grandfathers gun, neat. got a few myself.

 

[JSR III]

Welcome to the forum.

If you are not planning to fire it I wouldn't worry about the timing. If you wish to do a field check, make sure the gun is unloaded and then very slowly cock the hammer. Grab the cylinder with your other hand and see if it is locked in place or rotates to the locked position. Try this operation for each chamber. If the cylinder never rotates after cocking the hammer then the gun is IN time. If the gun is not in time the chambers are not lined up with the barrel and you could end up shaving lead when firing the gun.

Again, if you do not plan on firing the gun then it is a moot issue.

Firing it a few times will not really hurt it as long as you are not using hot loads. I am pretty sure that Grandpa wouldn't mind.

 

[Joeallev972]

Thanks James...

The revolver definitely needs to be timed. The last time it was fired was late 60's possibly. Its just a neat old gun that means a lot to me because it was left to us by my grandfather who knew how much of a gun nut i am. But...didn't say anything about the other treasures found which is perfect in my book. He was 95 when he passed and a WW2 Veteran. I got the majority of the firearms while an Uncle got the Browning over under and a Browning Semi Auto that was really old and Mint. I probably will take it in to have it checked out along with some others when i can find a Smith that specializes in antiques. Thanks

 

[ABPOS]

I would shoot it. That's what guns are for. It's beautiful.

 

[JSR III]

You say it needs to be timed. Is this because you checked the timing or merely because it hasn't been fired in a while? It could probably use a good cleaning and degunking as well. This can be accomplished by removing the stocks and spraying some gun cleaner into the frame through openings in the grip frame or trigger guard. Let the cleaner soak a while and then blow it out with compressed air followed by some oil for lubrication. Many times these old guns are gunked up from years sitting in a drawer and just need a good cleaning and oiling to function properly.

Much of this can be done at home without the expense of a gunsmith. If you are married, you may wish to perform these tasks in the basement or garage and not the kitchen. (No need to ask how I know this)

Just to clarify, your gun is old but not actually considered an antique by the BATF. Antiques are pre 1899 in the US.

 

[Joeallev972]

It sat in a suitcase for 5 decades' got it home and cleaned it, all nooks and crannies are free of any gunk that built up over the years. Barrel is like new and is spotless as well as rest of it! Cylinder definitely needs to be timed! I brought it in today to a Cop friend and he's taking care of it and also confirmed its a little off. I'll have it back this weekend and we plan to test fire it for function and then Safe Queen with the other old ones. I consider it antique merely because its old and I've always called old things antiques, like some guys i work with.

 

[olskool]

aint no doubt I would shoot it! it was meant to be used. you don't have to shoot it to death, but hey to each his own. welcome to the forum!

 

[Joeallev972]

Update...all of the old revolvers have been timed and have a clear bill of health. put about 100rds through the .38 spcl pictured and it did pretty good. Held a decent pattern at 15 yds, no where near a 586 L-Comp but i was pleased with its performance. used some 1960's ammo that was found along with the other Colts in the suitcase. No misfires and the ammo didn't have any issues. Just ran a box of 50rds, still have a couple hundred rds left that I'm saving for conversation pieces.One Colt appraised pretty high while the others were fair market valued. Im not selling anything except a few Nambu's that my grandfather said i should do and to get a nice Semi auto with the $$$$ i got from them so thats the plan. Thanks!

 

[hkcavalier]

That's some of the nicest nickel plating I've seen on a S&W, factory or otherwise.

Glad to hear you shot it. There are some basic safety checks that anyone can do on a "strange" revolver that don't require a gunsmith.

Good strategy with the Nambus. They are for WWII collectors. While most WWII era handguns are fine shooters, I would not put either the Nambu or Type 94 in that category.

 

[DWalt]

6594xx shipped in 1/37.

I would personally keep the Nambus. I remember when they couldn't be given away as no one wanted them, but now I rarely see one. And when I do, it is very pricey, like $500+. They are going nowhere but up from here. No good way to shoot them as ammo is very scarce, but they do make a fine investment. I once owned a nice papa Nambu (with original holster) well over 50 years ago, wish I had kept it.