I inherited an old S&W 38 special. Have no idea how to determine model or age. It is not in the best of shape but belonged to my father so, I want to know a little about it. Here is what I know.
a) caliber - 38 special
b) bbl length (from cylinder to muzzle) - 5 inches
c) grips shape (round or square) - square
d) number of shots/cylinder bores - 6
e) type of sights. - front sight is fixed blade integral to the barrel. Rear sight is a recessed grove indented into the frame
f) serial number, and if there is a letter in front of or anywhere near the s/n on the bottom of the grip. - I can't read the serial number. It could be 595129 or 395129 or S95129. Several numbers can't be read.
g) Model number if it is under the crane. - Nothing under the crane. The serial number is on the bottom of the grip.
That number, if it is the s/n, should come from the butt of the grip (or under the barrel or face of the cylinder).
There are a bunch of dates on the top of the barrel. I guess patent dates? Can't read them well. One example is Sept.14.08
The firing pin might be part of the hammer? On the right side of the frame I see 3 small screws and 1 large screw up by the top of the cylinder. The barrel is pinned.
Any ideas or suggestions on where to look for model and manufacture date.
All help appreciated.
AKC47
a) caliber - 38 special
b) bbl length (from cylinder to muzzle) - 5 inches
c) grips shape (round or square) - square
d) number of shots/cylinder bores - 6
e) type of sights. - front sight is fixed blade integral to the barrel. Rear sight is a recessed grove indented into the frame
f) serial number, and if there is a letter in front of or anywhere near the s/n on the bottom of the grip. - I can't read the serial number. It could be 595129 or 395129 or S95129. Several numbers can't be read.
g) Model number if it is under the crane. - Nothing under the crane. The serial number is on the bottom of the grip.
That number, if it is the s/n, should come from the butt of the grip (or under the barrel or face of the cylinder).
There are a bunch of dates on the top of the barrel. I guess patent dates? Can't read them well. One example is Sept.14.08
The firing pin might be part of the hammer? On the right side of the frame I see 3 small screws and 1 large screw up by the top of the cylinder. The barrel is pinned.
Any ideas or suggestions on where to look for model and manufacture date.
All help appreciated.
AKC47