age of smith and Wesson revolver

[sako264]

New member, want to say Hello to everyone and would please like to ask a question. Have an old Smith and Wesson 5 screw. Has Cal. 38 special stamped under the cylinder release, slightly slanted, has the circle smith logo on the right side and Made in USA at the front of the side plate under the cylinder on the right side. No model number, barrel length is 2 3/8 inches from cylinder to end of barrel, with no lock up on barrel but has groove for the button on the end of the ejector rod. serial # is 567XXX with no letters in the number model 10 size frame. thanks for any help

 

[Ron James]

About the only thing that serial number fits is the .38 Special Hand Ejector { pre model 10 }. Manufactured between 1915 and 1942. I would guess abut 1938 WAG. For 50 dollars S&W will send you information on when it was shipped and to whom ( normally a hardware store ). However you stated it had no forward lock up and the barrel was 2 and 3/8 inches. It's been cut down leaving only the rear lock up which is not satisfactory at all. The rear lock up does not offer enough support for even standard .38 Special loads. IMO

 

[sako264]

thanks for the quick reply, I had thought that the barrel was cut down, but someone done such a good job of it couldnt tell for sure, what gave it away to was some machine marks where sight had been put back on. thanks again

 

[Radagast]

Sako264: Your .38 Military & Police Model of 1905 4th Change was manufactured between 1927 & 1930. The caliber was originally stamped on the barrel, when it was cut down it it was added to the frame. Value in that condition is minimal, say $150 to $200, so don't bother with the factory letter. If you are going to shoot it stick to standard velocity lead only. I had a .357 magnum model 60 rebarreled without a barrel lug, 5 rounds of 110 grain Plus P was enough to spring the crane.