Looking to get some information on my family's guns

[Heather1443]

I just inherited these two guns, I don't know much at all about guns so bare with me I was hoping to learn as much as possible about them before I make my decision possibly sell them since I have a baby on the way!

1. First one is damaged on the hammer but it is a double action so still usable. It also has my great grandpas name engraved in the side so it might be worth more as a family keepsake then I could get from selling. The model number is not behind the yoke, only the two matching assembly numbers so not much help there. It does have a hand ejector, the number on the bottom of the butt is 467XXX. It says 38 S & W special CTG on the side. Barrel length is 6". Looks like a hand ejector fixed sight. Hope that's all you need! I did try to follow the post on how to get an ID

2. Also a double action. It also doesn't seem to have a model number just the two matching assembly numbers but on one side it also has an X above the assembly number and an S below it?? It also has a hand ejector and the number on the bottom of it is K 236XXX. Some kind of symbol on the each side of "22 long rifle CTG". Barrel length is also 6" but it has different sights that look like the hand ejector post war adjustable ones.

I included a pic as well in case I didn't put the right info of something Thanks for any help!

 

[les.b]

Heather:

Welcome to the Forum!!

I'm sure that there will be lots of experts along who will be able to help you with IDs on these guns. If they belonged to your great grand father, you might want to keep them, or at least the engraved one, as family heirlooms.

BTW, they almost certainly predate 1980, so you probably should have posted in one one of the earlier sections on the forum. No big deal, the moderators might move you.

Enjoy the forum, one can learn an awful lot here.

Best Regards, Les

 

[Usmc5811]

Well I can't help much on the 38 other then I think it's a pre model 10? The other is a K22 if the grips number to the gun I would say it was made in the mid 50's. The k22 is a little finish challenged but would make someone a great shooter. There are others here that are far more knowledgeable about them then me. I would say the k22 is the most valuable maybe around $4-500. DONT DRY FIRE THE K22!! I would keep them both learn to shoot with the k22 and use the 38 for home protection. I know I would love to have another K22 shooter. Oh and welcome to the forum also.

 

[murphydog]

Welcome also!

The first photo shows a .38 Military & Police K or medium frame revolver from about 1924. The hammer spur seems to have been broken off but a replacement would be fairly easy to find and have installed. The stocks are aftermarket and may be a type of material called Catalin.

The second is a K-22 Masterpiece, from 1955 and with all original parts. Both it and the .38 M & P appear in good condition for their ages.

If you don't need the funds, as Les mentioned I would keep them as family heirlooms. They should be checked by someone familiar with S & W revolvers but I bet they would be excellent for target shooting. Standard pressure factory .38 Special and .22 LR are perfectly safe to use in mechanically sound guns. Best to try them out after the baby is born to not expose him/her to the loud noise.

Happy pregnancy!

 

[opoefc]

Welcome to the Forum, Alan has pretty well covered your questions and I would also suggest you keep the guns as family heirlooms, especially the .38 with your GF's name. Future generations will thank you, especially if your expected blessed event is a boy! Current values for the older Military & Police revolver, with the broken hammer stuff is only about $250 and the .22 is around $500, or so. Best, Ed.

 

[steelslaver]

I would say a bit more on the 5 screw K22. Clean it up with well with a light solvent after removing the grips then give it a good wipe down with a slightly oily rag and I do mean slightly. If it hasn't got any dings or scraps it, then take some good pictures in sunlight. If its not beat up only has a little blue loss on the muzzle and edges of the cylinder it could bring $600.

But, I agree, Grandpas guns are worth more than money. I understand being young and having a kid on the way. Nothing trumps taking care of the family. Don't do it unless you really have too. Then if possible use it for collateral with a trusted family member. The ultimate would be passing it down to your son some day and then on to the grandkid. It happens way faster than you think.

 

[JH1951]

Welcome to the forum from Pennsylvania!
I am in full agreement with the information and advice that you have received. I suspect that the next generation will be welcome owners/caretakers (after reaching maturity).

 

[eveled]

With those two guns, a man would not need much else. The .22 for plinking and varmints, the .38 for social work.

 

[merl67]

Welcome to the forum ! I can't add much in the way of info, but as someone who got very little in the way of family heirlooms I would have been past ecstatic to receive either one of those. Both of those are great Smith & Wessons I have similar ones and the K22 is my favorite I even taught my niece to shoot with it. At least try and keep the one with your great grandpas name on it and unless you really need the funds keep both.

 

[jhde69]

Welcome! I like others have stated would advise your keeping the revolvers. I have grandsons and one grand daughter and each has told me the guns they want. I even had the youngest grandson tell me after firing the K22 "Grandpa when you get old I want this gun." At least he thinks I'm not old.

 

[Heather1443]

Thanks everyone I have learned a lot! I didn't realize they were this old. We will for sure keep the first one from the 1920's, that's very cool! Maybe I will hang on to both until the baby is here & I have time to get them checked out then try it out at the range. We have a couple newer 38 revolvers for home defense and just assumed these were late 80s/early 90s based on family stories of who's they were and when they turned up. Thanks for all the great information!!