Re: Need info about my gun

[easyx]

Just acquired a S&W 38 Spl revolver, 6" bbl, 6 shot; S/N 541XXX stamped on butt; adjustable sights; 4 screw.
Can anyone pin down date of mfr and is this a K-38?
Gun looks very clean and shoots well. Thanks for any help you can offer.

 

[easyx]

Just acquired a S&W 38 Spl revolver, 6" bbl, 6 shot; S/N 541XXX stamped on butt; adjustable sights; 4 screw.
Can anyone pin down date of mfr and is this a K-38?
Gun looks very clean and shoots well. Thanks for any help you can offer.

 

[bdGreen]

Welcome to the Forum.

First of all, is there a 'K' prefix in front of the serial number you posted? If there is then your gun was manufactured in 1963. Now, in 1961 the fourth screw was deleted from that model according to the SCS&W. So, check out and see if there is 'K' prefix.

bdGreen

 

[easyx]

No 'K' prefix.

 

[smith17]

easyx:
Is there a screw in the top of the sideplate, forward of the hammer?
Ed

 

[easyx]

There are 4 screws in the side plate; one of which is immediately ahead of the nose of the hammer. As I hold the revolver up as tho aiming it, the screw heads are on the right side. The rear sight appears to be adjustable although quite small; would require a very small slot head screw driver. Really appreciate your time and effort on this. I compete in bulls eye shooting with semi-autos; very little knowledge of S& W revolvers.

 

[smith17]

easyx:
That is a 5 screw (include the one on the front side of the trigger guard). Sounds like a target version from the mid to late 20s. Depending on condition, they can be quite valuable. What kind of front sight is on it?
Ed

 

[easyx]

The front sight is a flat steel blade; approx 9/16 long x 5/16 high, curved at muzzle end; square edge away from muzzle. Sight blade is pinned in so that a replacement blade can be fitted.

 

[smith17]

Sounds like a patridge sight which was not uncommon for target guns. 1927 production would be an educated guess. The original stocks should have been checkered walnut with a convex top (probably no medallion).
Ed

 

[easyx]

At present,grips are 'stag' material with no medallion. Did this gun have a model name or designation? So this gun preceded the 'K' designation?

 

[smith17]

easyx:
Its name depends upon what the butt configuation is. If square, a Model of 1905, 4th change, target version. If round, a Model of 1902. If you have pics and can't post them, send them to me (email address in my profile) and I will post them for you.
Regarding the K designation, it is a K frame but precedes the target model which has a K as a prefix of the serial number. Those started after The War.
Ed

 

[smith17]

Here are easyx's pics of his target version.