My dad's S&W

[Tim DeWitt]

I have inherited my dad's S&W revolver, serial number shows it was manufactured in 1948, and the short barrel is stamped 38 S&W ctg. The cylinder is a six shot with 38 special rounds loaded. 38 S&W will not load into the cylinder. I have no idea when it was converted, but would like to find out if it was a common conversion.

 

[murphydog]

Welcome! Photos would help here, especially of the barrel stampings, as S & W never made a 2" barrel, six shot revolver in .38 S & W. In 1948 they were making 2" Military & Police revolvers in .38 Special.

If the barrel is actually stamped .38 S & W SPL, and the frame, rear cylinder face and flat part of the barrel near the extractor rod are stamped with the same number, the mystery is solved.

 

[DWalt]

Does it look somewhat like this one? Note the stamping on the barrel.

 

[Hondo44]

Welcome to the forum.

It has to be stamped .38 S&W Spl on the barrel. Not a conversion, a 2" .38 Military and Police K frame. There were no 2" K frame barrels made in the .38 S&W Cartridge, that I've ever heard of.