Model 38 Manufacture Date

[hp-hobo]

Hoping to get some help with the manufacture date on my latest acquisition. It's a Model 38 (no dash) with matching serial number stocks that's been carried a lot and shot a little. There's just enough wear and handling marks to give it some character. The serial number is 33J23X. Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

Looks like maybe '63 or '64 if there's no J prefix on the serial number.

 

[hp-hobo]

Yep, exactly as posted. No "J" prefix and of course the "X" is actually a number. Thanks for your help.

 

[JPriest]

According to the catalog, the J prefix on the serial number began in 1969. In 1968 they got rid of the diamond grips. If those are the grips the gun came with maybe it's a 1968.

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

According to the catalog, the J prefix on the serial number began in 1969. In 1968 they got rid of the diamond grips. If those are the grips the gun came with maybe it's a 1968.

That's possible since the book is vague on these guns and that time period, but seeing that the serial numbers ended in '69 with 786544, the OP's serial would suggest the time frame I posted. It might have sat around in inventory for a while without any grips on it. When is was shipped they may have installed the non diamond grips it is wearing now.

 

[murphydog]

This is one of the six character with the J moving series (called the "floating J") from 1971. Hope this is helpful

 

[hotrod150]

Read the OP's serial number again! It's a five digit floating j s/n, 1971-72 per SCSW.

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

Read the OP's serial number again! It's a five digit floating j s/n, 1971-72 per SCSW.

Apparently you missed the post right above yours.

 

[hp-hobo]

This is one of the six character with the J moving series (called the "floating J") from 1971. Hope this is helpful

Let's see if I understand you correctly. The "floating J" means was manufactured in 1971, not 1971 and later. Right? Thanks so much for your help.

 

[murphydog]

Let's see if I understand you correctly. The "floating J" means was manufactured in 1971, not 1971 and later. Right? Thanks so much for your help.

Only in 1971 and '72, started with 1J1 and ended with 999J99, so a maximum of six figures (up to five numbers and the J).

 

[hp-hobo]

Roger that. I also found this thread that gives some additional explanation. Thanks.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-re...241-tell-me-about-j-frame-serial-numbers.html

 

[hotrod150]

Per SCSW, there was also a 1982-83 floating j s/n series with 6 digits (plus the j).

 

[hp-hobo]

And now that it's been officially bestowed upon me as a birthday present, this is the new look. S&W diamond grips, NOS Pachmayr grip adapter and a complete action job including Wolff 8 pound hammer and 11 pound rebound springs. Thanks honey...!

 

[Richard Simmons]

Love it! My M38 and M49 both wear T-Grips and always will.