Is it worth saving ?

[hoosiertraps]

I purchased an old smith & Wesson revolver at a gun show yesterday.Barrel is approx. 6.5 in marked 38 S&W Special Ctg.
patent dates July 1 84. etc, thru OCT 4, 98. Serial number on butt reads 7762 with frame under crane stamped 6250 gun appears to have been nickle finish but has now gone to grey metal, grips are black hard rubber. This gun has been rode hard a put away wet, bore is poor and cylinder has end and side shake... timing appears to be in the ball park. could it be economically restored to a shooter ? would post photos but not computer literate.

 

[cgt4570]

That would be a Model 1899, the very first 'Military & Police' model that later became the Model 10. You'll notice that it is the only K frame that doesn't have the locking lug on the front of the ejector rod. The rod just hangs out there like a Colt. Even in the condition you describe, it is a neat piece. I have several in both .38 Special and .32-20 plus one of the US Army purchase guns. My earliest is a two digit serial'd .32-20. If you wan't a very neat shooter, there is a vendor on Gunbroker who has several brand new barrels for these for less than $100 each. I think it's the online listing for Poppert's gun parts if I remember right. As for endshake, you can install bushings or correct it with a new barrel.

 

[hoosiertraps]

Thank you for the information................will see what I can find re new barrel etc....

 

[Hondo44]

I don't imagine you'll do any serious target shooting so shoot it as it is. You might be surprised at how well it shoots even with a sewer pipe barrel. If it's just for fun shooting why not keep it original with serial numbered matching barrel?