Model 38

[neverenoughguns]

A friend presented a model 38 in nickel today. The gun belongs to a family member. Can someone please share the manufacture date? J5790xx

Nickel finish looks pretty good. One small imperfection in the finish where the nickel is chipped. Grips look original without a lot of wear. No box.

Values on gun broker seem all over the place. He really wants me to buy it as we are good friends but I don’t really have as much discretionary funds as I would like at the moment and the truth is I probably won’t shoot this one two much if I was to buy out.

Any ideas as to value?

 

[ISCS Yoda]

Probably between $500 and $600 depending on where such guns are found in different parts of the country.

The SCSW lists it as:

$675 ANIB
$550 Exc
$475 VG
$325 VG
$275 Fair

Personally, I dislike Airweights so much that I happily sold my M642 for $300 not even 2 years ago and I was happy to see it gone.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

1978 - 1980.

Now that I've seen the photos in post #4 -- nice finish, pinned barrel, small logo on left side of the frame -- I'd say Yoda's estimate might be a bit low.

Inside of right grip should be serial numbered to the gun, minus the "J".

Appears somebody swapped the side plate screws around. Flat one should be hidden under the grip.

 

[neverenoughguns]

Photos added

Photos added

 

[charlie sherrill]

A friend and fellow office put down a perp who was trying to kill me back in 1971 with a blue model 38. It happened a long time ago so I don't mind talking about it now. He only fired one shot. It did the job. The perp is no longer with us. He later gave me the model 38. I still have it and sometimes carry it for old times sake.

 

[jeeps]

Then SW model 38 was the and is the perfect Sally Humpback to carry.

 

[sheppard]

Out of curiosity I went over to the SW homepage and priced the current production 638. It's $539.

 

[rockquarry]

I bought a '70s nickel 38 like new condition about fifteen years ago. I doubt it had been fired except at the factory. After not many rounds of standard pressure handloads the frame cracked. It was replaced by S&W with a lesser gun, a 638, but at least it was replaced.

All alloy framed guns certainly won't suffer frame cracks, but some will. The possibility is worth considering before purchasing such a revolver. If you plan on shooting it little, it might be worth the risk. I learned a lesson, twice actually. The same thing happened to a '60s Colt Agent several years after the Model 38's frame cracked.

Take note of the thickness of the bottom side of the alloy frame where the barrel screws in.

 

[Buford57]

I purchased a blue 38 a few months ago with sharp edge wear and Pachs for $350 OTD. I considered it a good deal. Yours (and it should be) is prettier.

 

[Rpg]

That’s a $600 gun to me.

I like it.