Top break info

[kent rogers]

I was given this S&W top break some years ago. I am having trouble loading any pic's. My question is what ammo is best (safe) to use in it?

Serial# 193983

One the barrel is stamped Pat# 24.65
July 11.65
Aug 24.69
reissue July 25.71
May 11.80
Jan 5.82

Some of the Pat#'s are hard to make out but I think I got them right.

It is 38 cal. 380 I'm guessing. Can these number verify any spec"s?

Thanks for any help.......

 

[BMur]

Safety first

Welcome to the forum Kent,
Your antique Smith and Wesson was manufactured in the 1880’s and chambered the original 38 cal center fire cartridge introduced in 1876.
The original load was 147 grain lead bullet in front of 15 grains of FFF Black powder.
Your antique must be thoroughly inspected prior to safe discharge by a qualified person. Attention to detail and very close inspection often will reveal damage that renders antiques unsafe to fire.
So have it looked at closely first.
Cracked forcing cones, bulged barrels, cracked cylinder chambers, poor action and lock up, damaged ratchets, loose barrel to frame fit, heavily pitted bores, etc etc.

These are just a few problems that are common to 100 plus year old antique firearms. All of these conditions will render the antique gun unsafe for discharge.

Murph

 

[glowe]

Assuming it is a 5 shot hammer revolver, it is likely a 38 Double Action, 3rd Model. Made from 1884 to 1895 with over 200,000 made. If not that configuration, let us know.

 

[kent rogers]

Thank you both for the information...