Two Tone Model 38

[cruzans]

So I picked this up cheap. Seller said it appears the frame was stripped - I thought at first he was correct but noted it was really clean ( the S&W marking is not faded, just angle/light ). I looked up this model and it says it came in blued, nickel and two tone, but blued with nickel cylinder. I was confused, but then saw another one exactly like this in every way for sale ? Any info. would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[murphydog]

The frame does appear to be bare (anodizing removed), and the factory "two tone" model 38s had stainless cylinders with blued barrel and frame. Yours is a cool gun in any case .

 

[mauiblue]

If was cheap and runs well, might be worth having it refinished. I love shrouded hammer revolvers. Enjoy and be safe.

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[two-bit cowboy]

Congratulations. That is a very cool looking Bodyguard. I'd have to leave it just as it is. I believe it might be too old for a stainless cylinder. Will you share at least the first three digits of the serial number so we can get an idea of the vintage?

 

[Richard Simmons]

An interesting little carry gun. I'm pretty sure that is not a factory finish. Someone stripped/removed the finish from the alloy frame so it looks like a reverse pinto. The trigger looks awfully dark, they might have blued it as it should be case hardened. The stocks look original but I can't tell if they are the "high horn" or not. The front sight looks odd. It's either got a wear spot or someone added a light colored insert to it.

 

[cruzans]

Thanks all. I don't have the gun in hand yet, when I do I will give the first 3 of serial number - that would be great to get year of manufacture. Yes, the seller says the front sight has white paint on it - I will remove that

 

[cruzans]

I was sure the frame was stripped, but then I saw another one exactly like it on GB for sale, it made me start to wonder. Here's the other one I saw on GB that appears to be very similar to the one I bought :

 

[cruzans]

Picked gun up, definitely finish taken off but done really nicely ! Serial first 3 are 330xxx
Thanks!

 

[murphydog]

With no letter in front of the number, probably early 1963; with the letter J in front, 1975.

 

[cruzans]

Thank you Sir ! No letter, so 1963 it must be

With no letter in front of the number, probably early 1963; with the letter J in front, 1975.