Model 38

[h2ohhh]

I saw a Model 38 in a LGS recently. Should have taken a photo but anyway - not blued, not stainless and not shiny nickel. Were there other finishes for this model? I know there is a term for the sort of muted finish it had but can't think of it. Maybe a refinished nickel gun?

Looked in good shape I think I'll go back this afternoon when I have a little free time for a second look.

Can’t comment on the finish but I love my model 38. Not the prettiest pistol but a great pocket gun. Don’t run +p in it.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

Sort of funny but the shop "gunsmith" appeared not to understand the issue.

Someone will buy it since it looks so nice and the price is attractive and in reality, being a carry gun that they will rarely fire they will likely be happy.

The Shop Gunsmith likely spends most of his time on Glocks as those owners tend to over do the add ons.

Actually sock drawer status is more appropriate. Any carry gun needs to be fired occasionally. JMHO

 

[Piwo]

Around 1994 or so I returned my model 49 to the mothership and had it refinished in satin nickel. Looks exactly like the one Demkofour posted. Still have it.

 

[RebCop]

More common than you think. Before owning one, I didn't even consider it cracking. Later I had a Colt Agent (alloy frame) from the '60s crack. I have a fifteen year old 638 +P-rated S&W that has an alloy frame. It's been shot a good bit and has held up fine, but no more older alloy-frame S&Ws or Colt's for me.

Watch the new ones also I had a 725PD .45 ACP do the same thing and a M-12. Never had a Taurus do this.

 

[22lrfan]

I got an email a week or so later that it could not be repaired or returned to me. They sent me a new 638 with the lock as a replacement.

I've got a nickel Model 38 with a cracked frame. Looks like I need to give them a call.

 

[Dump1567]

I've got a nickel Model 38 with a cracked frame. Looks like I need to give them a call.

They're pretty good at replacing these guns. I sent them a 1980's Model 10 I bought used with the crack. They sent me a new gun.

 

[fox23]

Unfired 37-1 3", 99%+ not even a turn line. My FIL bought new, it was heartbreaking to discover the cracked frame.

 

[smithman 10]

If unfired, would that mean the crack was caused by barrel installation and it left the factory that way?

 

[fox23]

If unfired, would that mean the crack was caused by barrel installation and it left the factory that way?

I really don't believe it was like that when new. I would be certain he would have noticed as he was a S&W collector and an engineer. The contrast from the black finish to the raw aluminum really made the crack stand out. I would imagine the alloy, barrel torque and thread stretch caused it to crack. In fitting the barrel I would guess there is a range in the torque specs when clocking it and this was at the limit. Any thoughts?

 

[Rakkasan13F]

All four of these J-frames track to 1993 based on serial numbers. The 38 and two of the 442s are in satin-nickel, which was only available for a few years in the early to mid 90's. The two satin-nickel 442s serial numbers are 64 digits apart and were bought within the last couple years about 120 miles away from each other. One was bought at a gun show in Lebanon, TN and the other was bought at a gun shop in Huntsville, AL.