Picked up a 38 Double Action 2nd Model **Pics Added**

[Teddydog]

At the gunshow yesterday, one seller had several old .38 top break revolvers and a sign that read, "$75 each out the door." I looked them over and quickly picked up the one Smith and Wesson. It is a .38 Double Action 2nd Model. The nickel finish in only 50% or less and the black rubber stocks are very worn, but not cracked. Bore looks pretty good without major pitting, but I haven't cleaned it yet to fully examine it. Lockup, indexing and timing seem to be very good. Barrel is 3 1/4" I think, but haven't measured it yet (looks shorter than 4"). The SN is 43,330 so it was probably made around 1881/2.

I already had a very nice nickel .38 Safety Hammerless, so I was happy to add this to my collection, especially for $75. I would also like to find a .32 model. The seller said that next show he'll have a larger batch of top breaks, mostly in lesser condition and for less money. He's not sure if there will by any .32s or S&Ws, though.

(As an aside, but still about Antiques, I have also arranged to buy from him a percussion Cape Gun! 12 ga double barrel gun with one smoothbore and one rifled barrel. Probably made in the 1850-1870 range, but no makers marks on it. The seller runs a police supply shop in town and is an avid hunter with quite a few African big game safari's to his credit, including kills of the Big 3.)

Rob

 

[Teddydog]

Upon further examination, the nickel plating is more like 20% than 50%. Here are the promissed pics, including one with it posing with a Single Action Model 3 in .44 Russian.

Any and all comments are welcome.

Rob

 

[Raider]

I think that you got a heckuva deal for $75. Does it function okay? Those old revolvers have an irrestible charm for me.

Charlie

 

[McShooty]

The grips really don't look that bad. Any Smith that functions and is not loosey-goosey in the joints is a good deal at $75.

 

[Teddydog]

I agree, the grips aren't bad. The ones on the .44 are WAY more worn...they are nearly smooth!

Rob

 

[alaskavett]

Sweet deal for sure. I can't wait to see what you get from this guy in the next gun show. Kyle

 

[TACC1]

That 38 looks good to me, too. Has character written all over it.
This should inspire me to look for a 38 DA myself, as I've got 32's in DA and Safety Hammerless. They need company. TACC1

 

[H Richard]

The pic doesn't look near as bad as I had imagined from your description. You got a good deal. I'd have jumped on that fro $75.