An old S & W wheelgun has found its way down to me.

No model markings are present. Is is marked as a Smith product. It is blued, ser # 415XXX, the barrel is marked '.38 S & W Special Ctg' and it has patent dates running from 01 to 14. The barrel length is 5 inches and the barrel narrows going out to the sight. It is blued a very deep blue.
Fixed sights, small wood grips.

What is it? When was it made? Can it safely fire modern power load 38 specials?

Thanks

Sounds like an M&P, known as a a Model 10 today. I wouldn't use +P fodder.

Okay, looked at a website. It looks like it is important that the action rod is hanging out under the barrel and just clicks into a support at the end.

Got it, thanks.


http://www.geocities.com/swede94/swmp.html:

.38S&W caliber is NOT the same as .38spl! Do NOT shoot this gun until you've had it looked at by a competent gunsmith.

It [b][i]IS[/i][/b] a .38 Special.