year on a S/W

[hawke]

Any help would be appreciated serial #338392 38spc nickle plated .Was wondering what year it was it was made Thanks in advanced.....

[RickB]

Sounds like a Military & Police model, referred to by collectors as the "1905, 4th change". That serial number puts your gun in the early '20s. Someone with a serial guide can be more specific.

[Mike Irwin]

The serial number guide won't be much more specific than the 1920s, unfortunately.

The company apparently didn't keep very exacting records at that time.

Or, if they did, they've not yet been found.

[laytonj1]

Is it a 5 shot or 6 shot?? Need to know that to figure out which model it is. S&W would reuse the same serial numbers on different models.
If it's a 5 shot it could be a "J" frame from the mid 60's.

Jim

[Mike Irwin]

I don't think any of the numbered J frames made it to a six figure serial number in the mid 300,000s.

I considered that possibility, too, but the six-digit number drove my answer.

[hawke]

Thanks for all the info i know this is a great site tho i don't post much but read alot ......... This is a 6 shot by the way its not in excellent shape put for the years not that bad at all just outta couriosty anyone have any ideal what it may be worth, lock up is good still shoots great but nickle plating is worn and flaking in some areas thanks again every one

[laytonj1]

I don't think any of the numbered J frames made it to a six figure serial number in the mid 300,000s.

I considered that possibility, too, but the six-digit number drove my answer.
Serial numbers for the "J" frame (Chiefs Special / 36/37/38/49 and 50) ran from 1 in 1950 to 786544 in 1969.
I used to own SN 322954, made in 1964.

Jim

[Mike Irwin]

Yep, you're right. I checked this evening after I got home. Sigh. Getting old...

[hawke]

Truely a great site thanks to the wonderful people