S&W Model 3 questions

[Stingray5]

I have an old S&W revolver and would like help from those of you who have more experience and knowledge to give me more information. From my research I believe it is a model 3 caliber .38 short. Here are some photos...

 

[glowe]

Welcome to the Forum. It appears to be a very poorly cared for and filed on 38 Double Action revolver, not a Model 3. All Model 3s were 6 shot revolvers, while the 38 DA was only a 5 shot gun. The caliber is officially a 38 S&W. Cannot read the serial number, but the trigger configuration indicates a 38 Double Action, 3rd Model, except that the bottom leg of the trigger flange seems to be removed?

There are European copies of this model made, so would like to see the stamping on the top rib?

 

[wlw-19958]

Hi There,


Welcome to The Forum!

As mentioned, this is not a "Model 3" revolver. It appears to be
a S&W .38 DA Third or Fourth model. The serial number was
located in several areas. The butt, the rear of the cylinder,
On the underside of the barrel latch and on the barrel in the cut-
out for the latch.

Unfortunately, the revolver is in such poor condition, it has little
to no collector value in itself but as a possible source for parts.
There were over 1/2 million of these .38 DA's made and are
therefore not very rare.


Cheers!
Webb

 

[glowe]

Now that you mention a 3rd or 4th Model, it gives more credence to it being a foreign copy?? The trigger guard on the 3rd and 4th models had a recurved hind leg to give the shooter's middle finger more room to avoid recoil. The 1st & 2nd Models had a rounded guard and a different trigger design. Reading the top rib should help ID the revolver.

 

[wlw-19958]

Hi There,


Yes, it is very possible (maybe probable) that this one is a fo-
reign copy. Usually one look at the back of the cylinder and the
ratchet, one would know for sure. All the foreign copies I have
seen, the ratchet is not finished like the true S&W article.


Cheers!
Webb