Need a little help and advice please

[TXBryan]

This was my first S&W acquired from my maternal grandfather's estate in the early 70's. I've finally got around to doing a bit of research and would like to know if I'm close.

Chambered in .38 S&W. S&W top-break (lemon-squeezer) known as the "Safety Hammerless." Perhaps also as the "New Departure?" Likely manufactured between 1888 and 1898; guessing 1893 or 1894. Serial number indicates it's a 3rd Model (serial number range 42484-116002 made from 1890 to 1898. Last patent date on the top of the barrel rib is "Jun.3.90"

The cylinder does not index and the trigger does not return. I've never had the side plate off. Is this a relatively easy fix or should it continue life as a perennial non-functional safe queen?

The revolver is in pretty good shape otherwise. Who knew in 1971 this revolver would eventually kindle a twisted romantic relationship with every other S&W revolver I ever laid eyes on?

 

[Jim Watson]

Aftermarket nickel plated, maybe the bumper shop bogered it up.
I bet there is a poster here who knows the ins and outs and can fix it if at all possible.

 

[deadin]

I would suggest a nice shadow box with a picture of grandpa and any other little possessions of his as a homage to him.
These ND's can give you grey hair trying to get them to run.

(Even if all of the parts are there, I have a feeling they will be well worn...)

 

[mrcvs]

These have little value even if in pristine condition, as most of these spent their life in a sock drawer. Unfortunately, yours has been heavily buffed and refinished. It probably is not worth putting anything into it to make it function properly and so I might consider parting it out for salvageable component parts.

 

[H Richard]

Since this was Grandpa's gun, a shadow box with the gun, a picture or two of Grandpa & Grandma, maybe a card describing what it is, and any other memorabilia such as a pocket watch would make a great and interesting picture for you and someday your children.

 

[mrcvs]

Since this was Grandpa's gun, a shadow box with the gun, a picture or two of Grandpa & Grandma, maybe a card describing what it is, and any other memorabilia such as a pocket watch would make a great and interesting picture for you and someday your children.

I did not pick up on this being a family piece. This being the case, a shadow box, as described, is a better approach than piecing it out.

 

[merl67]

I too vote for the shadow box idea. While it might made to work properly finding parts might be an issue. They are relatively easy to take apart. Getting one back together will "enhance" your vocabulary...

 

[Heinz]

I think it deserves a little respect. You should get an exploded view drawing and the takedown instructions. Try pointing the muzzle downwards and see if the cylinder will rotate. Gravity may push the "hand" into place. If that is the case, you just have a broken spring. It is not going to hurt anything to take a look. Then you can put it in the shadow box feeling like you have taken care of Granpa's gun.

 

[mmaher94087]

"The cylinder does not index and the trigger does not return." Both have the earmark of a broken spring. Try Gunparts or Jack First for the trigger spring. As Heinz suggested , point it down and see if the cylinder indexes. This could be another broken spring problem that the two vendors above might be able to supply. And, yes, an exploded diagram would help you.

 

[gertieharry]

Where would I get an exploded view, and takedown instructions?

 

[gmborkovic]

Mr. harry, its your gun and diving into it to fix it is not going to harm it.
All true comments entered so far. The grips look nice for what it has been thru. Put it in a box.

 

[mmaher94087]

"Where would I get an exploded view, and takedown instructions?" I would look at "Gunsmithing Guns of the Old West", David Chicoine. The exploded view might be available on Gun Parts Corporation. The NRA also published NRA: HANDGUN ASSEMBLY. I'm sorry I don't know the date but it was around 1970.

 

[TXBryan]

Thanks for all the advice and info! Always count on this forum and it never disappoints. I believe I will take a chance and open it up and am grateful for the sage advice about being more difficult to get back together than to take to pieces. Lot's of other toys to play with but it would be nice to make it operational. Then I think the advice about a shadow box for "grandpa's gun" is very sound. Thanks to one and all!

 

[george_lehr]

Try here for the schematic:

Smith & Wesson 38 Safety Hammerless Revolver Parts | Numrich Gun Parts

Looks like they have a trigger spring.

George

 

[Heinz]

TXBryan. your cell phone is your friend when taking it apart. take lots of pictures as you go.

 

[max503]

Nothing to lose by trying to fix it. Kind of reminds me of this: