S&W Model 38

thedaddycat · December 7, 2011, 06:20 PM

I was looking through my newly received Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson, 3rd Edition. It shows the Model 38 as a shielded hammer gun, with the "camel hump". Well this one has an exposed hammer and does not have the flat release tab. From the book it seems like it's a Model 36 but it definitely says Mod. 38 on the frame. So what am I missing here?

DCP05288.JPG

laytonj1 · December 7, 2011, 06:32 PM

That is a model 36. It is not uncommon to come across misstamped model numbers amongst the same frame sizes.
That said, you sure that "8" isn't a heavily stamped "6"?

Jim

model18 · December 7, 2011, 06:39 PM

Your's is def. not a model 38, but a very nice older J frame. Enjoy it!

thedaddycat · December 7, 2011, 08:20 PM

OK guys, I put on my reading glasses and then got out the magnifying glass on top of that... It is a really, really heavily stamped 6. Enough so that even then I had to turn it in the light just so in order to be able to tell that it was not an 8. This one is super clean, some very minor handling wear and other than that I can't tell if it's ever been fired at all. Maybe this one gets a good wiping down and wrapped in an oiled rag and put in a case and just stored. Not too shabby for a 40 year old revolver...

roaddog28 · December 7, 2011, 08:28 PM

Nice looking model 36. I have a model 36 no dash that I am going to have refinished. Its rough but shoots good.
Regards,
Howard

michael t · December 7, 2011, 11:40 PM

Shoot it. They were made to be shot. Not stored. It ain't going to hurt it . I shoot my S&W from early 1900's thru the 1970's even carry one now and then.
I have a 3' Chief from early 50's its a great shooter.

December 7, 2011, 06:20 PM	#1
thedaddycat Senior Member Join Date: September 25, 2011 Posts: 388	S&W Model 38 I was looking through my newly received Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson, 3rd Edition. It shows the Model 38 as a shielded hammer gun, with the "camel hump". Well this one has an exposed hammer and does not have the flat release tab. From the book it seems like it's a Model 36 but it definitely says Mod. 38 on the frame. So what am I missing here? DCP05288.JPG

December 7, 2011, 06:39 PM	#3
model18 Senior Member Join Date: March 14, 2006 Posts: 419	mod 38 Your's is def. not a model 38, but a very nice older J frame. Enjoy it!

December 7, 2011, 11:40 PM	#6
michael t Senior Member Join Date: May 17, 2004 Location: Out back Ky Posts: 4,044	Shoot it. They were made to be shot. Not stored. It ain't going to hurt it . I shoot my S&W from early 1900's thru the 1970's even carry one now and then. I have a 3' Chief from early 50's its a great shooter. __________________ Certified Armed Infidel Colt Defender ,Colt Mustang ,Dan Wesson CBOB, PPK/S, American Classic 1911,Bersa Thunder 380 http://bersachat.comHome of Bersa http://www.metroarms1911forum.com

December 7, 2011, 06:32 PM	#2
laytonj1 Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2005 Posts: 4,443	That is a model 36. It is not uncommon to come across misstamped model numbers amongst the same frame sizes. That said, you sure that "8" isn't a heavily stamped "6"? Jim

December 7, 2011, 08:20 PM	#4
thedaddycat Senior Member Join Date: September 25, 2011 Posts: 388	OK guys, I put on my reading glasses and then got out the magnifying glass on top of that... It is a really, really heavily stamped 6. Enough so that even then I had to turn it in the light just so in order to be able to tell that it was not an 8. This one is super clean, some very minor handling wear and other than that I can't tell if it's ever been fired at all. Maybe this one gets a good wiping down and wrapped in an oiled rag and put in a case and just stored. Not too shabby for a 40 year old revolver...

December 7, 2011, 08:28 PM	#5
roaddog28 Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2009 Location: Escondido, CA Posts: 961	Nice looking model 36. I have a model 36 no dash that I am going to have refinished. Its rough but shoots good. Regards, Howard