Please help identify

[DrFlintlock]

Can anyone help me identify this firearm? Serial #668xx, 5 shot .38 S&W, matte finish. I have assumptions but I want you guys to give me a definite answer. Thanks. I am not trying to be lazy; I just want the opinions of those that are more experienced because I can't figure this one out. Sorry if pictures don't come across.

http://www.shutterfly.com/lightbox/view.sfly?fid=4249f10816ebb4052a944dfefaeb216b[/IMG]

http://www.shutterfly.com/lightbox/view.sfly?fid=4249f10816ebb4052a944dfefaeb216b[/IMG]

 

[DrFlintlock]

Right side

 

[DrFlintlock]

left side of firearm

 

[scha]

This looks like a .38/22 Terrier (Pre-Model 32). This is a 5 shot, 38 S&W (Not 38 Special), built on the modified I frame. Most likely 1953-1955 vintage.

Hope this helps.

Steve

 

[Green Frog]

This looks like a .38/22 Terrier (Pre-Model 32). This is a 5 shot, 38 S&W (Not 38 Special), built on the modified I frame. Most likely 1953-1955 vintage.

Hope this helps.

Steve

+1 to Steve's call. Maybe a year or so earlier. The odd thing is that I would have expected it to be marked "TERRIER" on the right side of the barrel. That's what it is, though!

Froggie

 

[Alk8944]

This looks like a .38/22 Terrier (Pre-Model 32). This is a 5 shot, 38 S&W (Not 38 Special), built on the modified I frame. Most likely 1953-1955 vintage.

Hope this helps.

Steve

What he said, except it is "Improved I Frame".

 

[DrFlintlock]

Thank you guys very much. This one has had me stumped for a while especially the finish is odd. Its not refinished but its a matte blue. What is improved about the I frame?

 

[Hondo44]

Thank you guys very much. This one has had me stumped for a while especially the finish is odd. Its not refinished but its a matte blue. What is improved about the I frame?

Very nice Terrier. It's actually a 5 screw, pre Model of 1953, not a pre model 32. A pre model 32 would look just like a model 32 but not be stamped Mod 32 yet.

Here's an example: Model of 1953 Chief Special in 38 Spl. This happens to be a Pre Model 36 but you get the idea: it has 3 or 4 screws, the longer J size grip, enlarged, egg shaped trigger guard, flat latch, as well as ramp sight and barrel rib. All exact characteristics of Model #'d I and J frames.

The matte finish is indicative of the early post war factory finish resulting from the factory desire to feed a hungry gun market as rapidly as possible following the war. On the more expensive model guns one could pay a c. 25% premium for a "bright" finish.

The Improved I frame has a coil mainspring (hammer spring).

Pre and early Post war Original I frame with leaf spring and strain screw:

Improved I frame coil spring. Note it still has the small trigger guard and short grip: