Just bought a bucket gun...

**Mike Irwin** · October 19, 2016, 09:33 AM

Sight unseen!

Friend texted me that our local gunshop has an S&W Model 38 humpback in really good condition.

I just called the shop, and they confirmed that it's a pinned gun, which means it's pre-1982ish manufacture.

I've been looking for a humpback to go with my 3" Model 36 and my Model 042 Centennial Hammerless for years...

Best news of all?

It's priced at $299.99! That's freaking unheard of in Northern Virginia for just about any revolver from a major manufacturer to be priced that low.

dgludwig · October 19, 2016, 10:01 AM

$299.99 for a Smith Model 38 humpback in really good condition? That's freaking unheard of in about any state in the Union! Congratulations-running into this kind of deal doesn't happen often in my experience.

smee78 · October 19, 2016, 10:08 AM

Wow, that's a great price, congrats. Please post some picks when you pick it up.

UncleEd · October 19, 2016, 12:24 PM

Are you sure, Mike, that if you'd gone for a $309.99 gun you wouldn't have had a much better one?

Or maybe you should have chewed the dealer down to $289.99.

**Mike Irwin** · October 19, 2016, 01:00 PM

Consignment gun, so no real avenue for getting the price lower.

samsmix · October 19, 2016, 07:24 PM

I was afraid a "bucket gun" might be similar to the automotive world's "bucket motor". I was eskeered for a minute.

deerslayer303 · October 19, 2016, 07:28 PM

You just HAD to start the thread before you had it and could post a pic, didn't ya? Ok so now I wait!

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Cheapshooter · October 20, 2016, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Consignment gun, so no real avenue for getting the price lower.

Not at my evil gunshop lady's shop. She just calls the consignee with my offer. She either gets a yes, no, or in most cases a counter offer.

**Mike Irwin** · October 20, 2016, 05:50 AM

Let's face it, $300 for a Model 38 is a rocking good deal.

In Northern Virginia, it's an incredible deal. It's not uncommon at all to see (when you actually do, which is uncommon) a humpback going for double that, or more, even ones in mediocre shape.

upstate81 · October 20, 2016, 09:13 AM

Same around here mike. I traded into a model 49 no dash that was priced at 499. I paid 500 fot what i traded. I thought that was a great deal. Not to mention the gun has been refinished in a more matte finish.

**Mike Irwin** · October 20, 2016, 11:55 AM

Got it.

It's pinned, and scuffed up a bit on the topstrap and trigger guard. The barrel is going plum colored, but overall, it's in decent condition.

It's a straight Model 38, and has ragged out Pachmayer replacement grips on it. Those will go straight away.

Now I just have to figure out when it was made.

amd6547 · October 20, 2016, 03:02 PM

Take a look at the frame under the forcing cone...Airweight ' s are known to crack there. It's why I don't shoot mine much.

psyfly · October 20, 2016, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Now I just have to figure out when it was made

Jim will tell you if you post up in the first Revolver Forum Sticky.

Mine was made in 1973 and I paid a lot more for it than you did for yours and I thought I got a bargain.

I'll post a pic if you will

Will

lee n. field · October 20, 2016, 04:19 PM

So, when are we going to see a pic of your hunchback? Excuse me, humpback.

**Mike Irwin** · October 20, 2016, 04:47 PM

I'll look up the serial number when I get home.

No cracks. In fact it doesn't appear that it has been shot all that much.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

jetinteriorguy · October 22, 2016, 08:50 AM

I got lucky last spring and scored a bucket gun. Picked up a nice 4" Model 57 no dash for $900.00. Now I just need a Model 27, and a Model 15, both in 4" and I'm set.

**Mike Irwin** · October 24, 2016, 07:30 AM

OK, it looks like my 38 was made in 1975 or 1976.

What I didn't realize is that the straight model 38 was made from 1957 until the barrel pin was dropped in 1982 (38-1). That may be the longest unaltered run for any version.

One thing that concerns me is that the cylinder bolt is quite loose in the frame window, and that allows more cylinder wobble than I like. I may have to see about installing a new bolt

As far as I can tell, the side play has never been off. I didn't take the grips off last night, but the one sideplate screw that is visible is perfect -- no indication that it was ever touched with a screwdriver, and there's no ridge on the sideplate.

It came with a clapped out set of Pachmayers, which have got to go. They don't fit well, and I've never liked Pachmayers. I'm going to go with a set of Hogue bantams.

It also doesn't appear to have been shot much at all over its life.

There's the normal finish wear that you'd expect from a gun that's been carried.

All in all, I'm very happy with this purchase.

amd6547 · October 24, 2016, 08:08 AM

I have tried various grips on my Model 38, and find I prefer the small Magna wood grips with a T-grip adaptor.

amd6547 · October 24, 2016, 08:21 PM

Since this thread needs pics, here's one of my Model 38...

psyfly · October 25, 2016, 08:39 AM

Quote:

All in all, I'm very happy with this purchase

I’ll just bet. The ridiculously low price is icing: You’d have been pleased even if you’d had to pay more.

You really need to do something nice for your friend.

My 1973 M38. I bought it after seeing a (very crude) photo online and it turned out to look much better in person. The Bantams are an excellent choice BTW:

Now show us.

Please.

w

jrothWA · October 28, 2016, 09:46 PM

LUCKY!!!

volkstrm · October 28, 2016, 10:56 PM

Yea maybe I should buy my bucket gun. A Walther PPK PPKS? I had one in my hands many times over the years but never pulled the trigger. LOL. Just love the history of it. Not a big fan of the 380acp but would do as a bug/range toy. I should have bought the blued west German one that I could have gotten a few years back.

bannockburn · October 30, 2016, 10:06 AM

Mike irwin

Great gun at a great price! My first Model 38 was nickel plated and always a favorite of mine just to slip it inside my coat pocket when taking the dog for a late night walk. Currently I have two versions: a Model 649 and it's lighter weight brother, a Model 638.

Obambulate · October 30, 2016, 05:23 PM

That 649 looks sweet. Very business-like.

mrcharlie3531 · January 23, 2019, 04:06 PM

I recently picked up this M38. I did a trade for it, no cash out of pocket. About 400-450 in it. Overall, I thought it looked very nice. bluing looked great. It dates Aprx. to 1955. (Thank you Jim) It'ss the oldest and ugliest gun I own, I really like it. It is very tight. The grips were purchased on Ebay for 11.99 free shipping. I found the two speed loaders in my local flea market for 15 bucks. I keep it on my night stand. Charlie

I found this previous post, when looking for info about. I didn't want to make a new thread about it.

October 19, 2016, 09:33 AM	#1
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,390	Just bought a bucket gun... Sight unseen! Friend texted me that our local gunshop has an S&W Model 38 humpback in really good condition. I just called the shop, and they confirmed that it's a pinned gun, which means it's pre-1982ish manufacture. I've been looking for a humpback to go with my 3" Model 36 and my Model 042 Centennial Hammerless for years... Best news of all? It's priced at $299.99! That's freaking unheard of in Northern Virginia for just about any revolver from a major manufacturer to be priced that low. __________________ "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 19, 2016, 10:01 AM	#2
dgludwig Senior Member Join Date: February 12, 2005 Location: North central Ohio Posts: 7,486	$299.99 for a Smith Model 38 humpback in really good condition? That's freaking unheard of in about any state in the Union! Congratulations-running into this kind of deal doesn't happen often in my experience. __________________ ONLY AN ARMED PEOPLE CAN BE TRULY FREE ; ONLY AN UNARMED PEOPLE CAN EVER BE ENSLAVED ...Aristotle NRA Benefactor Life Member

October 19, 2016, 10:08 AM	#3
smee78 Senior Member Join Date: July 14, 2008 Location: South Carolina Posts: 2,918	Wow, that's a great price, congrats. Please post some picks when you pick it up. __________________ We know exactly where one cow with Mad-cow-disease is located, among the millions and millions of cows in America, but we haven't got a clue where thousands of illegal immigrants and terrorists are

October 19, 2016, 01:00 PM	#5
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,390	Consignment gun, so no real avenue for getting the price lower. __________________ "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 19, 2016, 07:24 PM	#6
samsmix Senior Member Join Date: June 29, 2006 Location: Montana (Montucky?) Posts: 1,273	I was afraid a "bucket gun" might be similar to the automotive world's "bucket motor". I was eskeered for a minute. __________________ You'll probably never NEED a gun. I hope you never do. But IF you do, you will need it worse than anything you've ever needed in your life. IF we're not supposed to eat animals, howcome God made 'em outta meat?

October 19, 2016, 12:24 PM	#4
UncleEd Senior Member Join Date: April 13, 2013 Location: N. Georgia Posts: 1,150	Are you sure, Mike, that if you'd gone for a $309.99 gun you wouldn't have had a much better one? Or maybe you should have chewed the dealer down to $289.99.

October 19, 2016, 07:28 PM	#7
deerslayer303 Senior Member Join Date: January 10, 2011 Location: Leesville SC Posts: 2,653	You just HAD to start the thread before you had it and could post a pic, didn't ya? Ok so now I wait! Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

October 20, 2016, 05:50 AM	#9
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,390	Let's face it, $300 for a Model 38 is a rocking good deal. In Northern Virginia, it's an incredible deal. It's not uncommon at all to see (when you actually do, which is uncommon) a humpback going for double that, or more, even ones in mediocre shape. __________________ "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 20, 2016, 09:13 AM	#10
upstate81 Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2011 Location: NY Posts: 801	Same around here mike. I traded into a model 49 no dash that was priced at 499. I paid 500 fot what i traded. I thought that was a great deal. Not to mention the gun has been refinished in a more matte finish.

October 20, 2016, 11:55 AM	#11
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,390	Got it. It's pinned, and scuffed up a bit on the topstrap and trigger guard. The barrel is going plum colored, but overall, it's in decent condition. It's a straight Model 38, and has ragged out Pachmayer replacement grips on it. Those will go straight away. Now I just have to figure out when it was made. __________________ "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 20, 2016, 03:02 PM	#12
amd6547 Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2006 Posts: 2,313	Take a look at the frame under the forcing cone...Airweight ' s are known to crack there. It's why I don't shoot mine much. __________________ The past is gone...the future may never happen. Be Here Now.

October 20, 2016, 04:19 PM	#14
lee n. field Senior Member Join Date: October 12, 2002 Location: The same state as Mordor. Posts: 5,569	So, when are we going to see a pic of your hunchback? Excuse me, humpback. __________________ "As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven. "

October 20, 2016, 04:47 PM	#15
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,390	I'll look up the serial number when I get home. No cracks. In fact it doesn't appear that it has been shot all that much. Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

October 22, 2016, 08:50 AM	#16
jetinteriorguy Senior Member Join Date: April 28, 2013 Posts: 3,176	I got lucky last spring and scored a bucket gun. Picked up a nice 4" Model 57 no dash for $900.00. Now I just need a Model 27, and a Model 15, both in 4" and I'm set.

October 24, 2016, 07:30 AM	#17
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,390	OK, it looks like my 38 was made in 1975 or 1976. What I didn't realize is that the straight model 38 was made from 1957 until the barrel pin was dropped in 1982 (38-1). That may be the longest unaltered run for any version. One thing that concerns me is that the cylinder bolt is quite loose in the frame window, and that allows more cylinder wobble than I like. I may have to see about installing a new bolt As far as I can tell, the side play has never been off. I didn't take the grips off last night, but the one sideplate screw that is visible is perfect -- no indication that it was ever touched with a screwdriver, and there's no ridge on the sideplate. It came with a clapped out set of Pachmayers, which have got to go. They don't fit well, and I've never liked Pachmayers. I'm going to go with a set of Hogue bantams. It also doesn't appear to have been shot much at all over its life. There's the normal finish wear that you'd expect from a gun that's been carried. All in all, I'm very happy with this purchase. __________________ "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 24, 2016, 08:08 AM	#18
amd6547 Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2006 Posts: 2,313	I have tried various grips on my Model 38, and find I prefer the small Magna wood grips with a T-grip adaptor. __________________ The past is gone...the future may never happen. Be Here Now.

October 24, 2016, 08:21 PM	#19
amd6547 Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2006 Posts: 2,313	Since this thread needs pics, here's one of my Model 38... __________________ The past is gone...the future may never happen. Be Here Now.

October 28, 2016, 09:46 PM	#21
jrothWA Senior Member Join Date: November 11, 2006 Posts: 2,519	Just one word... LUCKY!!!

October 28, 2016, 10:56 PM	#22
volkstrm Senior Member Join Date: November 10, 2007 Posts: 222	Yea maybe I should buy my bucket gun. A Walther PPK PPKS? I had one in my hands many times over the years but never pulled the trigger. LOL. Just love the history of it. Not a big fan of the 380acp but would do as a bug/range toy. I should have bought the blued west German one that I could have gotten a few years back.

October 30, 2016, 10:06 AM	#23
bannockburn Member Join Date: October 15, 2016 Posts: 21	Mike irwin Great gun at a great price! My first Model 38 was nickel plated and always a favorite of mine just to slip it inside my coat pocket when taking the dog for a late night walk. Currently I have two versions: a Model 649 and it's lighter weight brother, a Model 638.

October 30, 2016, 05:23 PM	#24
Obambulate Senior Member Join Date: February 22, 2011 Posts: 582	That 649 looks sweet. Very business-like.

January 23, 2019, 04:06 PM	#25
mrcharlie3531 Senior Member Join Date: February 22, 2013 Posts: 112	I recently picked up this M38. I did a trade for it, no cash out of pocket. About 400-450 in it. Overall, I thought it looked very nice. bluing looked great. It dates Aprx. to 1955. (Thank you Jim) It'ss the oldest and ugliest gun I own, I really like it. It is very tight. The grips were purchased on Ebay for 11.99 free shipping. I found the two speed loaders in my local flea market for 15 bucks. I keep it on my night stand. Charlie I found this previous post, when looking for info about. I didn't want to make a new thread about it.