.38 Smith & Weson Value? (With pics)

[dirkmackenzie]

I have two Smith & Wesson .38 revolvers. I am looking to sell them and could use a litte help with the value. The second one with the hammer cocked back has a broken tip. Other than that they are in good condition. They are both restricted. Someone asked me if they are .38 Special? Not sure how to tell the difference, if someone could help me out there as well it would be appreciated.

Thanks again for the help.

First one:

Second one: (Broken hammer tip)

 

[Garand]

About $225-$250 a piece. Very common handgun using ammunition that is only available cheaply if you reload.

 

[hatman1793]

Both

Both appear to be five inch barrels which takes them OUT of the prohibited class. Both also appear to be early model S&W's. The biggest downside is not the broken firing pin, but the caliber.
Both appear to be .38 S&W, NOT to be confused with .38 special. S&W made many 38S&W caliber guns, mostly for the British War effort. 38Special, one of the most common revolver cartridges, WILL NOT work in 38S&W guns, hence you must obtain a supply of this caliber or reload for it.
From my humble opinion, these two as a pair would be worth C$300.00 or around C$150.00 each.

 

[saskgunowner101]

First off, don't sell them to the first guy that says they're worth a meager sum, before you get some input. I watched the sharks circle and tell a new member his sks and 1000 rounds of ammo were worth about $200 shipped, and the guy got taken because he didn't know any better.

 

[saskgunowner101]

The easiest way to check the caliber, is to drop in a stubby 38 S&W cartridge. Then try to drop in a 38 Special. If it's one of the bubba'd ones that's been bored straight through, both will fit. These are apparently hard on brass so not so good. They can also possibly have a different cylinder to change the caliber from 38 S&W to 38 Special, or they can have lined cylinders changing it from 38 S&W to 38 Special. I would think there would be a 4ton proof mark if they were rechambered to 38 Special.

What kind of serial #'s do they have? Any letters before or after the serial? This will help you date them. Bore condition? How's the cylinder lock up? End shake?

 

[Garand]

First off, don't sell them to the first guy that says they're worth a meager sum, before you get some input. I watched the sharks circle and tell a new member his sks and 1000 rounds of ammo were worth about $200 shipped, and the guy got taken because he didn't know any better.

I'm basing my price on what I sold one for last year.

 

[AK]

I have three examples of this type of revolver and $200 each is a fair price. A very common revolver unfortunately chambered in a very uncommon cartridge. Good shooters but just not in demand. Given the broken hammer nose $300 for both would be a good deal.