S&W 38

[Larry Vaughn]

I Have a 38 sw 5 shot break action Patents Jan 24 65, July 11 65, August 24 69, Reissue July 25 71, May 11 80, Jan 3 82, all clear letters and numbers Serial Number very clear 148053
Rock solid action Has been severly buffed maybe 10% nickel left is there a place that renickles them
How bad would I reduce the value if I blued it It has hand made wood grips have reproduction stocks coming from numeric gun parts
I want to know model date of manufacture and value
I have box of ammo coming from ammo to go in texas

thanks

 

[RenoGuy]

Could be a couple different models.

Posting pics is always the best way to tell

 

[bananaman]

Larry, I know nothing about your gun, BUT WELCOME to the FORUM!! Bob

 

[H Richard]

I;m going to take a stab that it is a 3rd model 38 Double action top break. Mfg. 1884-1895. From what you describe, the condition is probably devalued as far as it could go, and would not change any if you had it blued. The value wouldn't go up any either, so the cost of the bluing would most probably be greater than the value of the gun. Sounds like a good tackle box gun to be shot and not have to worry about getting a mark or two on it. Value might be as much as $150.