Model, Age and Value

[jogriswald]

Hi all, my first post. I have a nickel 38 special, 3 inch, serial 1D6196 in very good condition. Could anyone tell me anything about it?

 

[ken158]

That is a 4 inch model 10 or 64 if stainless. Value about $300

 

[824tsv]

Looks like stainless steel to me. A Model 64?

 

[bananaman]

Welcome to the FORUM! I would venture to say it is a 64. Open the cylinder and look at the crane. The Model # should be there. You always measure barrel length from the front of the cylinder to the end (muzzle) of the barrel. I have a 64-3 (1981). Because yours is pinned, it is probably 1981 back. They are good quality guns. Bob

 

[824tsv]

The Model# is stamped into the frame under the arm(yoke) that holds the cylinder. Open the cylinder and tell us what you see?

 

[824tsv]

^^Great minds think alike!!^^and at the same time!

 

[bananaman]

Hi all, my first post. I have a nickel 38 special, 3 inch, serial 1D6196 in very good condition. Could anyone tell me anything about it?

Your serial# is found on the bottom of the grip frame (butt) You have 6 characters listed. Am guessing you missed something. It happens. Bob

 

[JP@AK]

Your serial# is found on the bottom of the grip frame (butt) You have 6 characters listed. Am guessing you missed something.

Not necessarily. The 1D serial numbers started with 1D1 in 1976. So a serial number with 1D and only four digits after the D is a legitimate serial number from 1976.

 

[murphydog]

Welcome! It's a simple answer, a 4" heavy pinned barrel, fixed sight stainless K frame .38 Special has to be either a model 64-1 or a -3. The serial number puts it (probably) as a 1976 gun and the -3 was introduced in 1977. So, I would guess you will see MOD 64-1 stamped on the frame under where the barrel threads into it, with the cylinder swung out. Enjoy!

 

[daddio202]

Looks to me like a model 64. They are great guns very accurate and usually nice smooth triggers on them. They sell from $300 to $500 in my neck of the woods. Yours looks to be in very good condition (I wouldn't let it go for under $400). Go out to the range and shoot it some , I think you will be pleased at how well you can shoot it, and what a joy it is to shoot.

 

[jogriswald]

Model

Thanks all for the great information. Yes, it is stamped 64-1.

 

[Kframerbluvr]

You have a very nice example of one of the most popular work revolvers on the planet. Looks like someone painted the front sight red. This was a common thing to do. I have a 64-1 with the same sort of paint job that was a former PD gun that the officer took very good care of and has the best action of all my Smith revolvers. A Tyler T grip would be a perfect enhancement for your revolver. I have one ordered for mine.
Enjoy your sixgun!

 

[KalamazooKid]

I have one very similar and love to shoot it!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[murphydog]

It was the most popular service revolver of that era, and similar models were equally popular for the balance of the 20th century. Well over 5 million (?!) of these K or medium frame .38s have been produced since 1899 and you can still buy a similar new version.

If you are inclined to shoot it (and why not?), 148 gr target wadcutters would be a good first choice to try but it will shoot literally any factory .38 Special ammo. Enjoy!