Top Break 38

[dfhawkins]

I came across a S&W Top Break in .38 CTG, nickle finish. The trigger was not like those labled "Lemon Squeezer". The cylinder does not lock up and the trigger appears not to return when pressed although the hammer rises and falls. Is this repairable? The gun looks like it will clean up nicely and the bore appears unpitted.

It was impossible to get images given the Christmas crowds and the anti-gun control stock up fever in the gun shop.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[DWalt]

Meager information to go on. Probably some model of the S&W DA .38, but it could be something else. Without a picture or at least a SN, no one here will be able to say what it is. If it is not in working condition, it can be fixed, but the cost of that may well be more than the gun's value. Unless it is going for a giveaway price, maybe $50 or so, I would avoid it like the plague.

 

[scooter123]

I agree with DWalt, pics are really essential. I'll also point out that the market value for the 38 DA Top Breaks isn't very high unless it's a rare barrel length. Considering the potential cost to repair it I think that you would spend more fixing it that it's value even if the gun shop sold it to you for a dollar. Basically I think the best approach is to treat it as a display item and offer a fair price based on it's value for display, meaning I would only offer 15-25 bucks for it. If you gun shop finds that insulting tell them to get it working properly and you'll consider a better offer.

 

[Jim Watson]

Spare parts for these old DAs are about used up and the gun is not valuable enough to pay somebody to make parts or scrounge them out of junked guns.
Pass.

 

[cedrummo]

.38 double action s&w 2nd edition 1880-84. top break 3 1/4 " barrel 95% + nickel finish remaining. fully functional ss#41xxx.