Smith & Wesson Top Break (not Lemon Squeezer)

johnm1 · February 18, 2013, 11:40 AM

This one I've had for years. It locks up well but the finish is very worn. This one is in .38 S&W. At one time I was close to identifying the model/version. It has some mechanical issues. The stud for the sideplate is broken and the screw is missing. Also, the single action notch is either worn or someone has filed it off to make it double action only. the hammer appears to be a replacement. Can someone help identify the model/versio. The last patent date is Jan 3 82. Serial number 148,5xx.

Thanks.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/6032394...in/photostream

http://www.flickr.com/photos/60323943@N07/8486366954/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/60323943@N07/8486367422/

Just updating my wall hanger collection. Thanks.

Jim Watson · February 18, 2013, 01:58 PM

It is a .38 Double Action Third Model as made from 1884-1895

johnm1 · February 18, 2013, 02:46 PM

Thank you Jim.

johnm1 · February 18, 2013, 02:57 PM

Jim,

Do you know what the 'Old Style' vs 'New Style' is in this model? Numrich lists some parts as available but does list old and new styles on some of the parts. Are old and new styles interchangable. Also, what is a 'Hammer Fly'. I wouldn't mind replacing the hammer on mine as either the single action notch has been ground or worn out. Cylinder stop, hammer, side plate, trigger guard, sear, are all parts that are listed as both old and new.

Jim Watson · February 19, 2013, 09:32 AM

Sorry, I do not know what they mean by Old Style and New Style.
Flayderman recognizes five models of the .38 Double Action with mechanical differences in each. I don't know how Numrich boils them down to two.

James K · February 19, 2013, 05:45 PM

The differences depend on the part. Some parts, like the latch, underwent several changes; other parts remained the same. The hammer stud nut is the same for all models and for the .38's as well (check the GPC Item number).

Note that what looks like a sideplate screw is not a screw. It is a nut that fits down over the hammer stud to hold the sideplate on. The hammer stud may be broken but there is no "screw".

Gun Parts Corp (www.gunpartscorp.com) shows parts for those guns; if you give them the model as I gave it to you and the serial number, they should be able to find the right part.

Jim

johnm1 · February 19, 2013, 11:43 PM

Thanks James. As it turns out I need a hammer strut nut and they are out. I may have to get creative and fabricate one.

February 18, 2013, 11:40 AM	#1
johnm1 Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2006 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 652	Smith & Wesson Top Break (not Lemon Squeezer) This one I've had for years. It locks up well but the finish is very worn. This one is in .38 S&W. At one time I was close to identifying the model/version. It has some mechanical issues. The stud for the sideplate is broken and the screw is missing. Also, the single action notch is either worn or someone has filed it off to make it double action only. the hammer appears to be a replacement. Can someone help identify the model/versio. The last patent date is Jan 3 82. Serial number 148,5xx. Thanks. http://www.flickr.com/photos/6032394...in/photostream http://www.flickr.com/photos/60323943@N07/8486366954/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/60323943@N07/8486367422/ Just updating my wall hanger collection. Thanks. __________________ John M. Mesa, AZ

February 18, 2013, 02:46 PM	#3
johnm1 Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2006 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 652	Thank you Jim. __________________ John M. Mesa, AZ

February 18, 2013, 02:57 PM	#4
johnm1 Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2006 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 652	Jim, Do you know what the 'Old Style' vs 'New Style' is in this model? Numrich lists some parts as available but does list old and new styles on some of the parts. Are old and new styles interchangable. Also, what is a 'Hammer Fly'. I wouldn't mind replacing the hammer on mine as either the single action notch has been ground or worn out. Cylinder stop, hammer, side plate, trigger guard, sear, are all parts that are listed as both old and new. __________________ John M. Mesa, AZ

February 19, 2013, 11:43 PM	#7
johnm1 Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2006 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 652	Thanks James. As it turns out I need a hammer strut nut and they are out. I may have to get creative and fabricate one. __________________ John M. Mesa, AZ

February 18, 2013, 01:58 PM	#2
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,543	It is a .38 Double Action Third Model as made from 1884-1895

February 19, 2013, 09:32 AM	#5
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,543	Sorry, I do not know what they mean by Old Style and New Style. Flayderman recognizes five models of the .38 Double Action with mechanical differences in each. I don't know how Numrich boils them down to two.

February 19, 2013, 05:45 PM	#6
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	The differences depend on the part. Some parts, like the latch, underwent several changes; other parts remained the same. The hammer stud nut is the same for all models and for the .38's as well (check the GPC Item number). Note that what looks like a sideplate screw is not a screw. It is a nut that fits down over the hammer stud to hold the sideplate on. The hammer stud may be broken but there is no "screw". Gun Parts Corp (www.gunpartscorp.com) shows parts for those guns; if you give them the model as I gave it to you and the serial number, they should be able to find the right part. Jim