What Early Smiths are Safe to Shoot??

[Redcoat3340]

I've got a modest number of Smith revolvers (and far too many pistols) and am semi-maxed on adding to the accumulation.

A Perfected, Terrier, and Mod 33 in 38 S&W; plus 4 Js (well, one's a Bodyguard so not really a J); Outdoorsman, 15-3, Victory, 4th Changge HE , and I just picked up a 10-6 to replace the one I "loaned" to my oldest; plus two 357s (66-2 and 28-2) are all in the safe.

So for me, adding another K or J or magnum is a bit of overkill. And I don't really need anything in .44 mag.

But as I like to shoot what I own I'm now wondering which of the older pistols would be safe to shoot? 38 S&W or 38 special is what I'm after as I'd rather not add another caliber.

And I'm not a cheapskate, but I am now retired and a lot more careful about what I spend...so I try to hunt out bargains, so cost will be a factor.

Any advice will be greatfully received and I'll be re-reading the pertinent parts of the Standard Catalog again, plus playing with Google.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

I didn't see anything that you listed that would not be safe to shoot with standard pressure ammo if in good mechanical condition.

 

[JP@AK]

one's a Bodyguard so not really a J

? Of course it is a J frame.
The original Bodyguard Airweight (later Model 38) was a JAS (aluminum, shrouded).
The Model 49 was a JS (shrouded).
Both are J frame size.

Guy's answer to your basic question is correct. Shoot away.

 

[Jerry in SC]

Pick up some more I frames, they're perfectly sized for the .32 S&W Long and .38 S&W

 

[MajorD]

I didn't see anything that you listed that would not be safe to shoot with standard pressure ammo if in good mechanical condition.

Agree. For 38 S&W, with the exception of some boutique companies like Buffalo bore, the ammo is loaded to be safe in the top breaks ( the solid frame guns like the terrier are fine with the boutique heavier loads)
The best bet for 38 S&W is to buy a few boxes and a set of reloading dies! Easy to load, if you want can even load black powder.

 

[coffeync3]

Pick up some more I frames, they're perfectly sized for the .32 S&W Long and .38 S&W

I ha e a pre model 30, 32 hand ejector. Mine is a J frame. I would love to have an I frame, especially a terrier, but I can't ever locate one in my area or, on the auction sites I look at. Do you know of any gun shops or auction sites that would be likely to carry something like this ?