identify that S@W 38 special

[fightingquaker13]

Allright, a question for the brain trust here. A friend just inheireted a 4", nickel plated Smith .38. It has a groove for a rear sight. Its marked 38 S@W special CTG. great condition. The serial number is 012511xx. Any ideas of vintage or value?
Thanks
FQ13
PS I am oddly tempted to buy this from her. I don't know why as I am a semi auto guy. It just feels good in my hand and I love the trigger. Anyone with experience with this model please help me out, or at least give me a clue of a fair price as she is clueless and weirded out about selling a gun (this was her uncle's) and I don't want to take advantage.

[deepwater]

phone number for S&W
1-800-331-0852
I called to find out about a friends old service revolver. helpful.

[m25operator]

I wished you had a picture, follow the advice and give S&W a call. Being a 38 special, but not mentioning a model name, like model 10, which it sounds like to me, it is probably older and a .38 hand ejector model. Regardless, I will tell you this, with 158 grn, lead round nose, it will probably cluster the shots, at point of aim, at least to 15 yrds, and don't be surprised at 25, OK, go ahead and be surprised.

I can't give a value, until We know what it is.

[fightingquaker13]

I wished you had a picture, follow the advice and give S&W a call. Being a 38 special, but not mentioning a model name, like model 10, which it sounds like to me, it is probably older and a .38 hand ejector model. Regardless, I will tell you this, with 158 grn, lead round nose, it will probably cluster the shots, at point of aim, at least to 15 yrds, and don't be surprised at 25, OK, go ahead and be surprised.

I can't give a value, until We know what it is.

The model name is the problem, there's nothing stamped on it. It really is in great shape, the only signs of wear are the trigger, the hammer and the cylinder release are darkened. Beyond that, pretty much like new. I can read all the engraving and all I've got is Smith and Wesson on on the left side of the barrel and 38 S@W Special CTG on the other. Its got their trademark stamped and just past the trigger guard it has made in the USA, Marcas registradas , Smith @ Wesson, Springfeild Mass. She offered it to me for $150, but I know its worth more and I won't take advantage of a friend. If I can't afford it, I want her to know what its worth because it really does have a sweet trigger that we would all appreciate.
FQ13

[lettyinreno]

Smith & Wesson will be able to trace the model # by the serial #'s and when that revolver was manufactured. Try S & W online also try tracing serial #'s well. I know Ruger has that link to trace, for their revolvers.
From the model # and looking up the the gun value for it's condition in one of many commercialy sold manuals should be of help to you. Good Luck!

[Sponsor]

[blackwolfe]

Look inside the crane, model numbers are stamped there.  if there is not a model number stamped there, it is probably older before they started stamping the model numbers on them.

[Timothy]

I'm going to guess about the turn of the twentieth century....1901-1905 or '06....maybe later...

Is there a raffle for closest to the pin?   

[long762range]

If it is a raffle I am going to say it is it may be a .38 Military and Police Model 1905 3d change made around 1910.  If I win I will post a picture of my new pistol.






 

[long762range]

Request the history of your S&W handgun

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CustomContentDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=11101&content=25301&sectionId=10504

[deepwater]

last year I tried to trace back my uncle's old service revolver and eveb S&W couldn't tell me what it was... I found out here on the forum with a picture. and yes it was an old model that didn't have model # stamped on it and nobody recognized the serial #



PICTURES......