question on snub nose 38

[abbafandr]

I acquired an older snub nose 38 special. My local gun shop thinks it dates from 1953. We looked through the blue book and found nothing on this.
I has a serial 979 on the handle, cylinder and barrel. Inside the cylinder swing #8222 is stamped in 2 places.
It has been modified a previous owner ( a long story for another day).

It shoots fine (no +p ammo though). It does have the S&W trademark stamped on it.
Any ideas on what I have here?

I tried to upload a photo but was unsuccessful. First time on this forum will try again later.

 

[s&wchad]

Welcome to the forum. It sound like you have an early Chiefs Special (5 shot .38 Special) and it probably dates from 1950 (the year of introduction).

I suspect it looks like this, except the front sight should be half moon shaped.

 

[abbafandr]

question on snub nose 38 reply

That would probably be it. It is a five shot, 4 screw version. I think the modifications have destroyed any value in it. But it shoots and I can use for ccw.

 

[Oyeboteb]

I acquired an older snub nose 38 special. My local gun shop thinks it dates from 1953. We looked through the blue book and found nothing on this.
I has a serial 979 on the handle, cylinder and barrel. Inside the cylinder swing #8222 is stamped in 2 places.
It has been modified a previous owner ( a long story for another day).

It shoots fine (no +p ammo though). It does have the S&W trademark stamped on it.
Any ideas on what I have here?

I tried to upload a photo but was unsuccessful. First time on this forum will try again later.

Hi abbafandr,

Hard to say without images...try again?


The Serial Number will ( or should ) be found stamped on the Butt.

If the Butt shows evidence of having once held a Lanyard Ring, and or has been ground Down, then in theory, if old enough, the Serial Number may also enough be found on the face of the Cylinder, and, on the flat area underneath the Barrel, close to the Frame, where the Ejector Rod would be when at rest.


Does your Revolver have the Under the Barrel Lug which the Ejector Rod end snaps into?


The numerals seen inside the Crane were S&W in house inventory/assembly accounting, and are not the Serial Number.

Make sure to let us know any letter prefix on the Butt, even if it has a big space between it and the numerals.


Five shot, or six?

 

[Dragon88]

I think the modifications have destroyed any value in it. But it shoots and I can use for ccw.

Please upload a pic, I gotta see this one.

 

[abbafandr]

question on snub nose 38 pic

It is a five shot 4 screw model. The serial # 979 is stamped on the butt, cylinder and barrel. No prefix of any kind.

 

[s&wchad]

It's a five screw, there's an additional sideplate screw under the right grip panel. That type of modification is commonly called a Fitz special, named after a Colt gunsmith.

edit: One more point, the early Chiefs Specials are commonly called Baby Chiefs by collectors because of the smaller roundish triggerguard and shorter grip frame than later J frames.

 

[murphydog]

This is a very early Chiefs Special, later named the model 36. It should have 4 sideplate screws and a 5th at the front base of the (former) trigger guard, which you probably figured out has been cut away. Theoretically this was thought to allow faster trigger access, but if something gets through there accidentally during holstering it could be very be uncomfortable just past the muzzle.

 

[Dragon88]

Interesting gun. It would be somewhat valuable if it had not been modified, due to how early it is. It's an interesting piece and I would not mind owning it at a bargain price, but unfortunately I do not consider it safe to carry due to the cut trigger guard.

 

[abbafandr]

Thanks for the info. I didn't use it for ccw much, have better choices there. But is does fine as a bed side piece. Not a big .38 fan so it may go on the sale table some day.

 

[Oyeboteb]

Thanks for the info. I didn't use it for ccw much, have better choices there. But is does fine as a bed side piece. Not a big .38 fan so it may go on the sale table some day.

Hi abbafandr,


I really like it!


I had a hunch it might be a 'five shot' Model.

I made the same modification ( in my instance, open Trigger Bow and Bobbed Hammer and I also shortened the Grip as well ) to an older Model 36 in the latter 1980s, and, carried it every day for about 20 years.


I'd be interested if and when you ever decide to sell it.


What a surprise...I was mostly thinking this would turn out to be an old re-done 'Victory' Model...