Need info on S&W 38

[b2jcz]

My grandfather gave me a Smith and Wesson pistol and I am attempting to find some info on age, style, etc.. It is nickel plate with ivory handle. Has S&W trademark and other common id. The markings on the barrel are 38 S&W CTG with serial number 731123. I have attached a pic for assistance.

Thanks,

 

[Jim Watson]

The illustrated revolver is a Smith & Wesson Military and Police in .38 S&W NOT .38 Special. Somebody will be along shortly to put a year on it from the serial number, but I suspect it is a WW II surplus revolver. S&W sent a lot of such guns to the British and some were used here for defense plant security.

The plating is aftermarket - S&W factory plating does not cover the hammer and trigger - and the grips are plastic imitation stag, not ivory.

Dollar value is low, treasure Grandpa's gun because it was his.

 

[b2jcz]

Thanks for the information. I appreciate your help and quick response. My mother gave it to me in an old paint and varnish box. I can only guess at it's colorful history.

 

[Starter52]

Welcome to THR, b2jcz.

Jim's right about your grandpa's revolver. It is chambered for the older .38 S&W round (some call this the ".38 short") and it won't fire the longer .38 Special ammo, unless the cylinder was modified (drilled out) sometime in the past.

You can still buy .38 S&W ammo, but it is not as cheap or common as the .38 Spl.

I kinda like the look of stag on a nickel gun, but if you want to replace the stocks with something less plastic, your gun is a "K-frame square butt" S&W revolver. Lots of replacements available for this gun.