Hello, first time poster here. I just acquired a model 38 no dash that was used by a police captain for decades. The gun shoots great, however, I can turn the cylinder clockwise when applying a small amount of force to the cylinder. I've always heard that this is cause by a problem with the cylinder stop and that I will most likely need to send it to S&W to have the part replaced. However, the captain told me that this was normal for this revolver so that the cylinder could be "clocked" if need be. He also said he had sent it to S&W a few years ago and that it had been in his safe ever since. Thoughts? Is this something normal or should I have this sent to S&W to have it rrpsited?
Model 38 question
- Thread starter Sts3912
- Start date
Nothing normal about that. It needs a new stop or at least a stop spring. Also might have a bent yoke... Needs to be examined by someone of S&W knowledge.
Double-O-Dave
US Veteran
Hi Sts3912:
Welcome to the Forum.
Ken158 is correct. A very small amount of play could be expected in an older, and heavily used revolver, but the cylinder should lock up. If it were me I'd quit shooting it until a gunsmith could evaluate and repair your revolver. By the way, I'm a "Humpback" fan (one of the nicer nicknames for the Bodyguard revolvers), and once it has been repaired, I would only shoot standard velocity .38 Special ammo out of it.
Good luck,
Dave
Welcome to the Forum.
Ken158 is correct. A very small amount of play could be expected in an older, and heavily used revolver, but the cylinder should lock up. If it were me I'd quit shooting it until a gunsmith could evaluate and repair your revolver. By the way, I'm a "Humpback" fan (one of the nicer nicknames for the Bodyguard revolvers), and once it has been repaired, I would only shoot standard velocity .38 Special ammo out of it.
Good luck,
Dave
Thanks gentlemen. The yoke does not look bent and I just took it to a local gun Smith. He says it looks like it's just an issue with the cylinder stop. I'll be sending it to S&W. Hopefully I didn't get burned too badly from this purchase of $375. Oh well, let's chalk it up as a lesson learned.
Well Sts, the old captain bought that gun for about $75.00 back in the day, it is worth whatever you wanted to pay for it.
I'm surprised your gun smith didn't repair it for you, did you check under the barrel for a crack? Anyway, S&W will TCO it for you.
You did fine with your purchase.
Once you’ve fixed it, you’ll have an example of the best pocket pistol ever made.
Once you’ve fixed it, you’ll have an example of the best pocket pistol ever made.
sw44spl
Member
you could have put a stop in it yourself very simple and cheaper. great guns you will loveit
