My first impressions of my first top break

[Brew]

So, i got to pick up my 4th model tonight. I have to say I am very impressed. The fit and finish is impeccable, i would say it easily out does my Performance Center 627. It is tight as can be and wears a lot more of its original finish than I expected. I pulled the grips off and they are wearing the serial number as the gun, so I assume they are the originals.

One thing I found interesting is either the previous owner who carried this thing the most was most likely left handed. the right side of the gun and the right grip panel show the most wear. Just a little something that I think gives it a little bit more character.

Stay tuned for some pictures when I dig my camera and other gear out this weekend.

One last question, the serial number is 145xxx. I think I remember seeing another one who had 154xxx sn's that were made in 1902-03. So am I correct to assume this one would be more like 1899-1901? Or am I way off base.

 

[cflier]

hello Brew,
Welcome to the forum. You haven't told us if it was a Double Action or a Safety Hammerless. From your post I assume it is a Safety Hammerless 2nd model and if so you are very near the mark on the date of shipment. It most probably shipped in 1901 but the only was to know for sure is to send the $50 to Roy Jinks the S&W Historian and get the letter of authentication.
If it was a Double Action it shipped much earlier and is an antique.

 

[glowe]

Brew - you also haven't told us the caliber. Is it a 32 or 38 or something else??

 

[H Richard]

If the wear is on the right side of the grip the person would have had it in a right side holster, the left side being protected by the body while the right side bumped against everything and the rubbing of his arm and had against it.

We need a picture of your new gun so we can drool also.

 

[Brew]

Hey, sorry in my excitement and exhaustion last night I forgot to give more details. It is a .38 Safety hammerless.
As for the wear, my normal reaction would have been the same as yours Richard but there are not many scratches and dings. This looks more like the wear my buddies HK P7 has shown being left handed. It is more a discoloration of the bluing rather than wear.
I will try to get some pictures done tonight if I get the time.

 

[glowe]

Your 38 Safety Hammerless did indeed ship around 1901. These revolvers did not go out the door in order, so a year or so either way is possible. This gun would be classified as "modern" by the ATF, having been made after 1898.

We do like pictures, so someone might point out other features, or perhaps comment on a condition, rare barrel length, grips, etc.