Some info on this oldie please.

[jbouwens]

I was hunting some info about this gun. I think it is a 38 DA model 3. I picked it up today from my local gun joint for $40.00. The serial number is 361337. The gun has some pitting and does not alway lock up on the DA stroke but it functions fine SA. I has some 38 S&W reloads that are pretty light to shoot "IF" I shoot the thing. Can you guys tell me more about this oldie?

 

[jbouwens]

I was hunting some info about this gun. I think it is a 38 DA model 3. I picked it up today from my local gun joint for $40.00. The serial number is 361337. The gun has some pitting and does not alway lock up on the DA stroke but it functions fine SA. I has some 38 S&W reloads that are pretty light to shoot "IF" I shoot the thing. Can you guys tell me more about this oldie?

 

[cgt4570]

It's actually a 4th Model (according to SCSW #3). 3rd Models ended at serial 322,700. Only differences were internal. It's also a pre-1899 gun, meaning it's exempt from FFL-BATF requirements. There's a slight premium for that due to lack of red tape to buy-sell. (prior to 382022 are considered antique). That being said, your gun was made between 1895 and 1898. If you wanted an exact date, you would have to get a factory letter.

As for price, if you got it for $40, you did great. I would say book value for that condition is around $150. The last shooter I bought like that cost me $100.

For the DA locking problem, there's a good chance that a good disassembly and cleaning will correct the problem. I'm sure there's 110+ years of crud inside. Take it apart, clean everything, and lightly lube it.

I shoot mine (over a dozen various top breaks) with light loads or black powder. As long as you can get it locking up, it won't hurt to shoot it.

Hope this answers all your questions,

Chris

 

[jbouwens]

UPDATE

I broke it down and cleaned it out. I didn't have any prior knowledge of this type, but I took pictures along the way and did ok with the reassembly. I cleaned a good bit of rust out of the innards; I was pinching the trigger spring a bit when I snaped in half. I said ahhh "^@$# as I held the two pieces in my hand. I rushed in and found that Numrich has that spring (not many parts are availible) and I ordered the spring. Thanks for the info CTG4570. I'll let you guys know how the project turns out.

The story with the gun being 40 bucks was I went to my local pawn shop to get my Glock certificate on it's way to Smyrna GA--won a Glock at the GSSF event at the Dawsonville GA match last month )best amuture in the Sub Compact division. When they were getting the FFL junk together I spotted the old revolver in the case and asked to fondle the Smith while I was waiting; The price was $139 and and was tagged as a non-shooter and I was not really thinking of buying the gun when after shooting the bull for a while the owner of the place (Knowing that I am Smith nut) said "are you going to take that damm thing home or what"? Before I could say no-- he told his son to charge 40 dollars for the gun. I said for the shape that the grips are in, I'll take it for that. He told me; he was proud to see me win the Glock and he said that 40 bucks was all he had in the gun. So I guess hanging around the local place enough pays off sometimes.

 

[m657]

I'm looking at a very similar pistol, same design and rear trigger guard shape.

This one is nickle, in a better grade (I'd say about 85%?) and has sharp rifling and good grips.
It has been shortened to about 2 1/2" just enough that a few letter on top of barrel are missing, along with caliber mark. It is a nice piece, with a good front sight that looks like expert install. Appears to be 38 S&W cal.

The 5 shot cylinder has unusual factory appearing grooves in the stop-bolt notch line, which are long between the notches but separate from them by a certain amount. This is definite machining feature, and not wear....they are all identical and with sharp edges.

This serial is in 83xxx range. Can post photos in the next few days. Would like speculation tonight if possible.

Thanks for any help in ID/value.

 

[Old 44 Guy]

I bought the same gun only 3rd. #269,xxx. Shoot it oftn with real low pressured loads. You would be surprised how accurate these old guns are, Even with small sights & small grip frame at 25 to 50 ft. they will stay in a very small group. Paid 90 bucks for mine in about 50% condition.

 

[mmaher94087]

M657, Your revolver sounds like a .38 DA, 2nd Model. The grooves around the cylinder are "Free Grooves" and allow the cylinder stop to operate correctly. The stop was redesigned and the 3rd Model was introduced. I can't venture a guess as to the value. Mike