Need help Identifying gun.

[jhathcoa]

Ok I have an old Smith & Wessson snub nose .38 revolver. No model #'s . When I open the cylinder it says 0 and below that 85311. On the bottom of the grip it says C 169844. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[scha]

A C169844 serial number would likely be from 1949 or 1950. The number seen when opening the cylinder is merely a factory assembly number and is not significant. The revolver should have the "half round" front sight and should have diamond magna grips. The serial number of the revolver should be stamped on the inside of one grip as well as on the rear of the cylinder and bottom of the barrel flat. These are usually very nice revolvers if in good condition.

Hope this helps.

Steve

 

[s3dcor]

Welcome to the forum, lots of good people here. The 85311 was a production assembly number and has no value. The C169844 is the serial number. The "C" prefix was used on revolvers from 1948 to 1967 when they started using model numbers stamped under the crane. Your revolver was made about 1950-1951. We would need a photo or more information to determine the correct model.

 

[jhathcoa]

That describes it to a T thank you. It's in decent condition. Do you know the value of this revolver?
Thanks again
Josh

 

[jhathcoa]

I'm having a hard time figuring out how to post pictures. Can you not do it from your phone?
Thanks
Josh

 

[S&W Fan]

Without photos it's hard to fairly offer opinions on price. I've seen many that were described as "very good/excellent" that were far from it-not a slam against you, just saying that it can be tricky. If you can post a few photos it will greatly help.

Welcome aboard by the way!

 

[jhathcoa]

Yeah mines not in the greatest condition. I'll try to figure out how to post a picture.
Thanks
Josh

 

[murphydog]

Here is a link with instructions:

Smith & Wesson Forum - FAQ: Reading and Posting Messages

 

[jhathcoa]

Thanks
Josh

 

[jhathcoa]

I was in the right spot just wouldn't let me post from my phone. Thanks for the link Alan.

 

[scha]

Based on the condition of the finish and assuming the mechanical condition is good, I would think it would be worth $250 to $350. As always, the local market and supply and demand impact the price. In my view, this is a "shooter" rather than a collector's item.

Just my opinion - others may differ....

Steve

 

[jhathcoa]

Thanks Steve! I appreciate it. That's kind of what I was thinking.

Josh

 

[george_lehr]

Josh,
I've got one with a semi-bobbed hammer and really beat finish that I got for $200.00. It's one of the best shooters that I have (way better than my newer M36 snubby). The SN is C1496XX which I thought made it around a 1950 gun. If yours is in good mechanical condition, I think that you're going to really like the way it shoots.
George

 

[jhathcoa]

Thanks for the info George.

 

[hotrod150]

At $350, I'd pounce on either of those M&P snubbies.