Mod 38 Questions

[huck689]

Hi all!
I am new here and looking forward to talking with all of you.

I have an older S&W J frame model 38. It has a pinned bbl so I hope I am in the right forum...

I am looking to get a general idea of what year it was made and the thumb piece for the cylinder release needs to be replaced.

The screw goes through the cylinder release (thumb piece) and into the interior release mechanics. The only replacement thumb pieces I can find are the newer ones where the nut screws onto the screw holding the thumb piece in place.

My thumb piece is an older flat type if all of this is making sense..

The ser # is 333XXX

Where can I get an old type thumb piece?
Thanks in advance.
huck689

 

[murphydog]

Your model 38 was probably shipped in 1963 or '64. All the thumb latches attach to the post that releases the cylinder in the same way; you are looking for the last type of flat latch, which looks like a ramp and is widest toward the front. The little threaded hat that secures it is less visible than on the later latch you describe. A Wanted to Buy listing here should find you one.

 

[huck689]

Thank you very much!
S&W customer service was less then helpful (long story) I will check around here to see if anyone has one.

Have a great weekend!

 

[jringo8769]

hey i know a guy who does as i just bought one of three he has..try paulj84003...good luck...

 

[JP@AK]

Your model 38 was probably shipped in 1963 or '64.

Yes. Serial number 3538xx shipped in September, 1964. So, sometime earlier in 1964 would be a very good guess, keeping in mind that other J frame guns shared the same sequence with the Model 38.

Here is a photo of the style of flat latch that should be on your revolver.

 

[hotrod150]

..... All the thumb latches attach to the post that releases the cylinder in the same way; you are looking for the last type of flat latch, which looks like a ramp and is widest toward the front. The little threaded hat that secures it is less visible than on the later latch you describe......

If I am reading this right, I think that is incorrect. The flat latches on j-frames take a screw which threads into the bolt. The later contour latches takes a sort of knurled cap-nut which screws onto a threaded stud which is part of the bolt.

 

[huck689]

WOW thanks for the great info!

 

[CoMF]

If the forum classifieds turn out to be a dead end, I'd give Jack First Inc. a call to see if they could help you. They manufacture new "obsolete" parts for older Smiths and have been pleasant to deal with in my experience.