manufacture info for 2 .38 specials

LadyPistoltoter · October 17, 2013, 05:43 PM

new on here, but just trying to find out some info on 2 .38 specials that we own - one is serial # 8154XX (2" barrel, possibly bone/ivory handles) & the other is serial #7J12XX (Model 36, 2" barrel, stainless steel). would really just like to know the year of manufacture on them both - thanks

SaxonPig · October 17, 2013, 06:05 PM

My source only goes to 1983 with 1J on a model 36. If yours is 7J it is sometime after that date.

A Model 36 would not be stainless. Could it be nickel plated?

On the other, I assume it is also a S&W? Need more info to properly ID. Six shot? That number could be for a Military & Police from the late 1940s but it should have a letter S prefix.

LadyPistoltoter · October 17, 2013, 06:17 PM

it is possible that it is nickel plated, not sure about that and the first number I listed is a S&W also, quite old and not real sure about history - what kind of info would be helpful?

**Mike Irwin** · October 17, 2013, 06:24 PM

Clear photographs. Any markings on the barrel or cylinder.

Just a serial number will rarely identify a gun.

SaxonPig · October 17, 2013, 08:19 PM

Swing out cylinder?

Number of chambers in cylinder.

Exact caliber from barrel.

I do not recognize the serial unless there is a letter S in front.

Jim Watson · October 17, 2013, 09:00 PM

Just guessing as we wait for pictures.
Your Chief's Special Model 36 is, as said, likely nickel plated and made in the early 1980s.

The other .38 is probably a WW II Lend Lease revolver sent to the British and surplused back in the Colonies after the war. It was common for them to have the barrels sawn off and the plain walnut grips replaced with plastic "stag" to sell better in the US market interested in "snubbies" from frequent mention in detective novels, movies, and tv.

SaxonPig · October 17, 2013, 10:12 PM

I was hoping to avoid the possibility but if the gun looks like this it could be a butchered "Victory Model" made for Great Britain in WW II. Barrel is usually cut so far to lose front locking lug on ejector rod. Will be a hole in the butt where a swivel was located. It will also be reamed from original 38 S&W caliber to 38 Special. Such guns have minimal value.

This is what it looks like before being cut up.

October 17, 2013, 05:43 PM	#1
LadyPistoltoter Junior Member Join Date: October 16, 2013 Posts: 2	manufacture info for 2 .38 specials new on here, but just trying to find out some info on 2 .38 specials that we own - one is serial # 8154XX (2" barrel, possibly bone/ivory handles) & the other is serial #7J12XX (Model 36, 2" barrel, stainless steel). would really just like to know the year of manufacture on them both - thanks

October 17, 2013, 06:24 PM	#4
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,390	Clear photographs. Any markings on the barrel or cylinder. Just a serial number will rarely identify a gun. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

October 17, 2013, 06:05 PM	#2
SaxonPig Senior Member Join Date: April 24, 2006 Posts: 1,900	My source only goes to 1983 with 1J on a model 36. If yours is 7J it is sometime after that date. A Model 36 would not be stainless. Could it be nickel plated? On the other, I assume it is also a S&W? Need more info to properly ID. Six shot? That number could be for a Military & Police from the late 1940s but it should have a letter S prefix.

October 17, 2013, 06:17 PM	#3
LadyPistoltoter Junior Member Join Date: October 16, 2013 Posts: 2	it is possible that it is nickel plated, not sure about that and the first number I listed is a S&W also, quite old and not real sure about history - what kind of info would be helpful?

October 17, 2013, 08:19 PM	#5
SaxonPig Senior Member Join Date: April 24, 2006 Posts: 1,900	Swing out cylinder? Number of chambers in cylinder. Exact caliber from barrel. I do not recognize the serial unless there is a letter S in front.

October 17, 2013, 09:00 PM	#6
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,547	Just guessing as we wait for pictures. Your Chief's Special Model 36 is, as said, likely nickel plated and made in the early 1980s. The other .38 is probably a WW II Lend Lease revolver sent to the British and surplused back in the Colonies after the war. It was common for them to have the barrels sawn off and the plain walnut grips replaced with plastic "stag" to sell better in the US market interested in "snubbies" from frequent mention in detective novels, movies, and tv.

October 17, 2013, 10:12 PM	#7
SaxonPig Senior Member Join Date: April 24, 2006 Posts: 1,900	I was hoping to avoid the possibility but if the gun looks like this it could be a butchered "Victory Model" made for Great Britain in WW II. Barrel is usually cut so far to lose front locking lug on ejector rod. Will be a hole in the butt where a swivel was located. It will also be reamed from original 38 S&W caliber to 38 Special. Such guns have minimal value. This is what it looks like before being cut up.