Old Smith and Wesson 38SW ID

rattus

rattus

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Maple Ridge, BC
I have this old Smith and Wesson in 38SW. It was manufactured in 1890 and is a five shot break top. It is nickel plated and has a six digit serial. It appears to be a double action but the trigger mechanism is iffy. I'd like to know what model it is so I can either buy some parts or have it repaired at a gunsmith.

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So no one knows anything about this pistol? It's registered but the registration doesn't list model? Maybe someone knows where I can get parts for it? Seriously, anything would help.
 
Looks like a S&W 3rd model to me. But I'm definitely no expert. I just did a little googling and looked for pictures that were similar. Apparently depending on the year of production some were black powder and some smokeless (post 1898??). I'd take it in to a good gunsmith or find someone who knows their Smith's before shooting it with modern ammo.

Hopefully someone who knows more will chime in and correct if I'm way off???

Nice find! Enjoy. :D

Edit: removed URL from other forum. Check smith and wesson forum for more info.
 
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Ganderite said:
It is a Model 3 and a collector's item. Send it to a good pistolsmith that works on Smiths.
Click to expand...

No it's not a "Model 3". A "Model 3" is a 6 shot .44 cal frame size.

If the OP has the manufacture date correct, it is a Smith & Wesson .38 DA 3rd Model. It would be a 4th model if manufactured after 1898.

[]http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-antiques/255857-s-w-38-da-4th-model.html[/url]
[]http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-antiques/214391-s-w-38-da-reassembly-question-problem.html[/url]
[]http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-antiques/270706-s-w-38-da-pics-questions.html[/url]

more illustrative as he doesn't ship to Canada and you can't ship to him:
http://www.oldwestgunsmith.com/gunparts/38da.htm
 
According to the RCMP FRT, that model is listed as a Smith & Wesson Top Break No2 Double Action Model 3. FRT 24466-?
Cheers
dB
 
Lee Enfield said:
If the OP has the manufacture date correct, it is a Smith & Wesson .38 DA 3rd Model. It would be a 4th model if manufactured after 1898.
Click to expand...

Thanks. I am certain of the manufacture date because of a letter from Smith & Wesson confirming that. The problem is that in all the paperwork, and there is a mountain of it going back to the 1930s when my great grandfather first registered it, there is no model listed. The CFC spent some time trying to identify the model when I transferred it from my Dad to me using the patent numbers but had no luck.
 
Hi yes its a 38 S&W D.A.3rd Model made from 1884-1895 Serial range 119,001 to 322,700 roughly 203,700 made very nice 6 inch gun cool.Theres not much to the innards in those firearms probly needs a good cleaning before you take it to a gunsmith spray tons of brake cleaner in there or carb cleaner and will loosens all the old dried out grease and dirt and blow it out with air compressor or can of air and you will notice a big difference 95% of the time there all gunk up. Enjoy that gun shes a beauty. They also had problems with the sear in those 3rd models. The 4th model they put a heavier sear in them for better Double Action trigger pull. But i dont think its your problem may just be dirty inside..

Rick
 
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