yet another S&W .38 Special CTG. Question

[ozarkmountaindave]

I have a Smith & Wesson .38 Special CTG. on right side of barrel. Serial# on butt is C 113120, Frame Serial # there is a symbol 5_ 18487 Cylinder is same C 113120 unable to remove Checkered pistol grip at this time. Need any info you can muster.

 

[SDC]

You'll get more information if you provide some more basic info; number of shots, barrel length, finish, type of sights, hammer or hammerless, etc.

 

[Will5A1]

Hi Dave and Happy New Year - your revolver was made sometime between 1948 - 1951, I believe it is a Military & Police (aka commonly called a pre-model 10 as S&W did not start the model numbering system until 1957), and without seeing the revolver or more info I can't say much else about it except that these are excellent revolvers, the traditional workhorse of the S&W line, and still in production today. Post back with the barrel length and finish (blue or nickel) and someone will be able to give you a value range. Pictures would really help.

 

[Old Fuff]

The number on the butt (C 113120) is "the" serial number. The number stamped on the frame behind the yoke (18487) is an assembly number, unrelated to the serial number. Smith & Wesson did this because the yoke (the part the cylinder swings out on) and frame were fitted together before the frame was serial numbered, and it was necessary to insure these pre-fited parts got back together later.

Besides the butt and cylinder rear face, the serial number is also stamped on the bottom of the barrel (above the ejector rod), inside the sideplate, and the inside of one stock panel - if the stocks are original to the gun.

Mass confusion has occured now because later the company moved the serial number to where the assembly number used to be behind the yoke. The reason was that they were more likely to fit revolvers with stocks that covered the butt.

 

[ozarkmountaindave]

S&W .38 Special CTG. Additional info

yet another S&W .38 Special CTG. Question

This .38 is blued has hammer with 4" barrel. 6 shot

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I have a Smith & Wesson .38 Special CTG. on right side of barrel. Serial# on butt is C 113120, Frame Serial # there is a symbol 5_ 18487 Cylinder is same C 113120 unable to remove Checkered pistol grip at this time. Need any info you can muster.

 

[Old Fuff]

Yup...

Your picture confirms that the information in Will5A1's (post #3) is correct. It appears to be in pretty good shape, and estimated value is about $300 (and going up) on today's market.

 

[ozarkmountaindave]

Per my other post, and I have to tell you I am not sure I am posting in right spot. Many thanks for replies. The 38 special 4" Barrel Serial# C113120 was refurbished by Smint & Wesson on 2/01/08. New Blueing, hand grips, completely reconditioned to new, etc. Gun appears new from their return box, and hasn't been fired since return. What is the estimated value for sale and insurance purpose now. A appraiser in Denver said it was only worth $200.00. You would have to pry it from my dead cold hands with more than $200.00, I will take the dam gun with me. Note unable to get red highlights out of picture, but gun is mint.

 

[Jim Watson]

Well, the grips don't fit and are some sort of laminated mung wood besides.

It is a good factory reblue, but it IS a reblue.

More than $200? Yes, but not a LOT more.
Insurance? Can't see the point.
Sale? Ask what you want and let the market decide. Or auction it.

 

[Oro]

I would say it's about a $325 to $350 gun. It is the real deal and recently factory finished, which is nice. Unfortunately, it has, as Jim Watson pointed out, seriously crap current-production factory grips for it. A pair of original grips for it in that condition will set you back another $100.

People are paying $300 all day for good M&P's - that will at least equal those prices. Make a hobby out of learning about the grips and try to find an affordable pair of period correct ones at gun shows or online.

 

[krs]

I hope that those grips were not provided by Smith & Wesson during the factory refurbishment.

 

[bobx]

info

just inherited a .38 s&w special ctg sn c413643. looks like a 4 screw model with tapered barrel. any ideas on manufacture date/value? bluing well holster worn, no rust, grip worn but no cracks/chips. grip finish dull.