S/W mod 38-2

[aatruong]

Hello everyone, long time lurker and first time poster here. I'm hoping that your collective input can school me a little more about my new found pocket resident. I had a chance to pick up a mod 38-2, 1 7/8 inch barrel, blackened aluminum, airweight, shrouded hammer, wood panels (with medallions) j-frame. This is my only second sought after revolver of any kind in over 20 years of collecting, shooting and hunting so I'm somewhat of a noob. My questions are:

1) there seems to me a rattle sound inside the side plate when I move the revolver...normal?

2) it's not rated for +p so is it a reproduction or is it a precursor to the 438/638?

3) is there a way (my sigs and hk's have date codes) that I can track the dob based on sn#?

With the exception of a mar on the left frame next to the hammer shroud, this thing could have come from the factory yesterday. Thank you all. Andy

 

[OHIOUP]

I have a model 38-3. It is not stamped +p but it does have a magnum length frame which means it was made in 1996 or shortly after. I have verified with S&W that it can handle +p ammo. I'm not sure what this means relative to your 38-2 model and it's date of manufacture. I just checked and there is a dull rattle evident when I gently shake the revolver, empty or loaded. I am not concerned about this as I've fired many rounds through this revolver, including some +p without issue. It has as fine a single action trigger as any I've ever owned and with 158 grain standard pressure ammo point of aim is point of impact at 25 feet. Certainly, people here with more knowledge than me will be able to tell you more about your revolver.

 

[aatruong]

Thank you OHIOUP...should have read your post on the 158 grain. Love the gun but I didn't care for the recoil (I may have used the +p of the 125 grain variant). I stopped after 10 rounds...wimpie I know. I'll keep on trucking till I get the right ammo...I've been after this lil piece for quite some time (well, the 438 actually). Thank you again. Andy