I have a S&W in 38S&W that was found in a creek bottom here in Northern CA. The five shot gun has a spur trigger, it is single action with a 3 1/4 " barrel. It functions and I fired it once. The s/n on the butt is 17712. The shells auto eject upon opening the action. There isn't a spec of bluing on the gun. Thanks.
What model is this old S&W
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mmaher94087
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Assuming that it's not stolen, I wish I could be that lucky. You have a 1st Model, .38 Single Action. It is also known as a Baby Russian and is known as a 2nd Model, 1st Issue. Those Ivory grips (stocks) are gorgeous. It was made around 1875.
OP
Mike, thank you for the info, I have had this gun for some time and didn't have any info on it. Why was it a, "Baby Russian?"
mmaher94087
Member
It resembles the larger S&W #3 frame size Single Action that was chambered in the .44 Russian caliber. Your .38 is the #2 frame size. The cartridge (.44 Russian) led to the designation 'Russian' for one model #3 size to distinguish it from an identical model #3 chambered in the .44 American cartridge.
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Books
Member
The similarity was that the barrel assembly of the 1st Model 38 SA had a long extractor rod housing resembling the guns sent to Russia. The 44 Russian caliber was developed because the Russian government wanted an internally lubricated bullet. About 130,000 guns went to Russia between 1873 and 1878. The Russian contract spanned three variations of the Model 3. Picture below starts with 1st Model on the bottom, followed by 2nd Model and 3rd Model on the top.
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Hmm...looks a little rough for me to shoot. Be careful!
Some people have all the luck. I can't believe that had been the creek very long. Less than a "season".
Model19man
Member
Smith did not model mark revolvers or even assign model numbers until the late 1950's. That one is from 70 years before models became a reality.
In a creek?
Actually,
It’s very possible that it was in a creek for a long while. So many factors in play but fresh water relics are often found in amazing condition.
Ship wrecks as an example in the Great Lakes that have been submerged for 100 years can be found in astonishing condition.
It all depends upon the exposure, if the item is constantly under water or seasonally etc.
I once found a 5 shot cylinder in the American river (fishing) where gold was discovered in 1849. That was the early 1970’s.
The cylinder was off a Baby Dragoon from the late 1840,s or a little later. It was rusty and pitted but all the nipples were intact. It had to be in that water for 100 years I would imagine.
I gave it to the local museum for their display.
Murph
Actually,
It’s very possible that it was in a creek for a long while. So many factors in play but fresh water relics are often found in amazing condition.
Ship wrecks as an example in the Great Lakes that have been submerged for 100 years can be found in astonishing condition.
It all depends upon the exposure, if the item is constantly under water or seasonally etc.
I once found a 5 shot cylinder in the American river (fishing) where gold was discovered in 1849. That was the early 1970’s.
The cylinder was off a Baby Dragoon from the late 1840,s or a little later. It was rusty and pitted but all the nipples were intact. It had to be in that water for 100 years I would imagine.
I gave it to the local museum for their display.
Murph
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