New member, old revolver...Help ID
- Thread starter mjonezzzz
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Looks to me like a double action 1881 Frontier revolver, .44 caliber. It competed unsuccessfully with the Colt 1877 "Lighting". Except the barrel looks a little shorter than normal.
feralmerril
Absent Comrade
The frame looks smaller to me, without pulling out the book, here is a .44 I had. I think mine had a 4" barrel, I see that one measures 3"s.
Isnt that a .38?
Isnt that a .38?
feralmerril
Absent Comrade
Yes, there are and have been various ".38s" through the years. The earlier .38 s&w was slightly fatter and shorter then the .38 special. I wouldnt shoot that gun with .38 specials even if they would go in. It would take ".38 s&w", a little harder to find but still available. Also if my prospective on the picture is off and its a .44 s&w, that also is NOT the same as .44 special! The specials came out with the swing out clyinders and NOT the top breaks.
feralmerril
Absent Comrade
I read closer your 1st post, I now see you mentioned it being a 5 shot! So it is not a .44 at all, it is probley .38, not sure but they also might have built them in .32. I will look that up later.
CMcDermott
Member
I believe it's a 38 Double-Action, Second Model. Made from 1880-1884, serial numbers 4001-11900. So I would say your gun would have been made in 1884 by the serial number. The 3 1/4" barrel is the correct length; and it should be chambered for 38 S&W, the older, shorter and slightly fatter 38 cartridge used by S&W.
Thanks guys for helping me. this gun was gifted to me so I got in cheap. Also this is my first Smith & Wesson. Now that I own one I'll be hanging around the forum, and who knows. One thing no one mentioned yet would be a ball park value. My father-in-law gave me the gun, an 1854 half dime, and a 1864 2 cent piece all on the same day. I've got to ask him now if he knew the gun was over a hundred years old. I'm guessing he did.
deadin
US Veteran
I agree with CM in that it looks like a 38 DA 2nd Model except the serial numbers don't fit the correct range. The grips are also wrong but could be after market.
Exactly what does it say on the barrel rib? There are some Spanish copies that are physically really close to the originals.
Exactly what does it say on the barrel rib? There are some Spanish copies that are physically really close to the originals.
deadin
US Veteran
My book shows it as Aug 24, 1869 (not 1865). Otherwise this is the correct barrel markings for a late issue 38 DA 2nd Model. The serial number (on the butt, rear of cylinder, bottom of latch and rear of barrel extension (These last two can be hard to see) should all match and fall between 4,001 and 119,000. (CM missed a zero in his post)
