Pre-war .38 specials...

[digi-shots]

I've got a few pre-war .38 specials, a couple of S&W's and a Colt or two. I don't shoot them very often but from time to time would like to take them to the range.

I usually buy whatever ammo is the cheapest which right now isn't cheap!
I avoid +P just for the sake of extra wear and tear on some of these oldies. They are all "shooters" and are in great shape. The Colt is a 1937 Officer's Match Target.

Any suggestions on what kind of "mild" ammo to use? I've come across a dozen or so vintage full boxes of ammo that I'm thinking of using. Should I shoot it or "save" it, or use them for "target" shooting only? Boxes are about $12 each.

Here are a couple of pics..

Thanks!
Linda
S&WCA #1965

 

[GLL]

Linda:

You might consider buying all of the old stuff that is available and selling it to the collectors. Use the profits to buy many more boxes of new target ammo !

Jerry

 

[mikepriwer]

Linda

If you can date the ammo, and it goes with one of your guns, then I'd be inclined to
keep it, assuming the boxes are in really nice shape.

I'm not an ammo collector, so if the stuff is not all that valuable, I'd shoot it.
If you can buy older ammo for less than the price of new ammo, then its probably not
valuble.

Ammo collecting is a world unto itself, and requires a lot of knowledge. If you have
any doubts or questions, post pictures here of the boxes in question, and you will probably
get some good information.

Later, Mike Priwer

 

[smith17]

My opinion is that the vintage ammo which you displayed in your post will cost you less to acquire than currently produced ammo. The issue will be availability of the quantity you want. The only question might be performance and I don't think you will have a problem with stuff that has been stored decently since the 40s or 50s.
Ed

 

[Texas Star]

Linda-

I don't think you need to use wadcutters. Standard speed .38's should be fine; maybe easier to find.

T-Star

 

[pastorp]

If you can buy amo like pictured for $12.00 a box I would buy it quick. Then you can decide if you want to shoot it or keep it.

a couple of boxes goes with a display rather nicely if it's the same vintage as the gun.

Regards, Byron

 

[digi-shots]

Thanks for all the suggestions.

I'll keep at least one box of each for display with a few of my revolvers. I just need to see if I can date the boxes. I may just pick up a few extras to keep or to shoot.

Here's another pic, unfortunately there was only one of these available. I'll keep it for photo op's.

Linda
S&WCA #1965

 

[JayCeeNC]

Originally posted by digi-shots:

Linda
S&WCA #1965

I have an identical box and would love to know a manufacture era.