S&W .38 Fourth Model

[Swiftmotoring]

I have to agree with most that said it....once you buy an Antique S&W, others will find their way into your collection! I am looking for advice on the gun pictured below. The revolver locks up very tight, chamber is very tight, hammer drops and stays as it should. Overall cosmetic condition is not good as it is a Nickel gun and most is gone. Price is negotiable and it looks like a shooter and I have been looking for a .38 to go with my newly acquired .44 DA Frontier. All comments are welcomed.
Best,
Marvin

 

[opoefc]

It's definitely of shooter value only, not a gun you want in a nice collection for display, value appreciation, etc. Top price I would think is around $125-$150, assuming it is mechanically OK and will safely shoot .38 S&W Black Powder equivalent rounds. Ed.

 

[glowe]

If you can obtain the serial number, post it and we can help you date the revolver. Pre-1898 .38s command a slightly higher price, since antiques do not have to be registered in those states that require it.

I know exactly where Ed is coming from with regards to value, but I have not seen one in working condition that has sold for under $200 for awhile now. The $150 working guns are getting few and far between, since the parts are worth way more than that now. I think people are paying more money for poor condition guns now, partialy because they can get parts that are no longer available anywhere else.

 

[Swiftmotoring]

Thanks for the opinions, truly appreciated. Serial number is 514671. This gun is a shooter as is and I agree, wouldn't spend a dime on it, just buy it, clean it and shoot it. I offered $125 OTD....we will see.

 

[DWalt]

Too bad - yours is post-1898. Cutoff fourth model .38 DA is 382002.

 

[TACC1]

If I ever find one in that condition mechanically, it'll get
refinished. I'd probably have to send it to Dave Chicoine to
keep the lettering intact. Great old gun, thanks for sharing. TACC1