Mod 38 Info

[1CZFAN]

Model 38, Airweight,
Serial Number: 1601XX (last 2 digits concealed by me)

Does anyone have an idea on its age ?
Pictures below

 

[shouldazagged]

Can't give you the age, but it's a nice-looking little gun. Welcome to the forum, from an old J-frame fan in Louisville.

Someone will have an answer for you soon.

 

[Goblin]

Is it a no-dash model?

 

[Goblin]

It looks like the old thumb latch, which would be 1966 or earlier. The diamond grips were discontinued in 1968.

 

[2K7]

Looks like between 1958 (#125,000) and 1962 (#295,000). Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson does not breakdown the specific number by year any closer than that.

 

[1CZFAN]

Is it a no-dash model?

Correct no - model

 

[1CZFAN]

It looks like the old thumb latch, which would be 1966 or earlier. The diamond grips were discontinued in 1968.

It has a flat latch.

 

[1CZFAN]

What would be the best 38 spl ammo to use in the gun & what would be the value range as well.

Thanks

 

[Rpg]

You can safely shoot any commercially available 38 special ammo in your M 38.

I use 158 gr hard cast SWC or 148 gr hard cast wc hand loads pretty exclusively in my M 38s.

Some folks recommend limiting +p ammo to special occasions fearing a cracked frame (a problem associated with over torking the barrel on assembly rather than hot ammo).

As a practical matter, I recommend what ever ammo you shoot best, not the sexiest high priced ammo de jur.

Without examining your revolver personally, it's hard to provide a precise value, but a range of $450 - $600 is reasonable.

Enjoy your revolver: I think it's the finest pocket revolver ever made.

 

[1CZFAN]

Thanks RPG,
I have a few boxes of Winchester Train & Defend 130 gr FMJ and an old box of Black Talons 38 spl.

Do you know where I can get a set of Wood boot or rubber grips?

 

[Rpg]

Grips of various sorts are readily available on eBay.

I suggest you get a Tyler T adapter instead of replacement grips: these retain the concealability of you revolver while improving shootability for most folks.

Tyler T's are readily available on eBay as well.

 

[Richard Simmons]

Grips of various sorts are readily available on eBay.

I suggest you get a Tyler T adapter instead of replacement grips: these retain the concealability of you revolver while improving shootability for most folks.

Tyler T's are readily available on eBay as well.

Absolutely! These little humpbacks just beg for a T-grip.

FWIW this M38 is in the 259xxx range and was purchased at the factory store in August 1963.