Warning

 

Close
Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Cancel Confirm
AR15.COM
1/30/2009 6:53:52 AM EDT
I am trying to get a approximate date on a S&W. Serial number S    918XXX   38 S&W Special Ctg on barrel.  Barrel is pinned.  Any help appreciated, it belonged to a friends father who recently passed away and I am cleaning it up for her.
1/30/2009 7:46:52 AM EDT
[#1]
Quoted:
I am trying to get a approximate date on a S&W. Serial number S    918XXX   38 S&W Special Ctg on barrel.  Barrel is pinned.  Any help appreciated, it belonged to a friends father who recently passed away and I am cleaning it up for her.


The frame size would help identify it better.  If you have a picture of it, that would help even more.  An N-frame with that serial number comes back to 1959-1960.
1/30/2009 8:29:43 AM EDT
[#2]
I am sure it is a K frame. I am unable to take photo. It would appear to be old service pistol. Lots of holster wear.
1/30/2009 11:50:34 AM EDT
[#3]
Is there a model number stamped inside the frame, visable when you open the cylinder?
1/30/2009 1:01:03 PM EDT
[#4]
It looks like s1185 stamped inside the cylinder.
1/30/2009 2:21:53 PM EDT
[#5]
Quoted:
It looks like s1185 stamped inside the cylinder.



Then it's very probably a Model pre-something as the other posters surmise, IMO.

Obviously pics are going to be the quantifying edict, IMO.

1/30/2009 2:28:04 PM EDT
[#6]
Fixed sights or adjustable? & barrel length?
1/30/2009 6:08:50 PM EDT
[#7]
Quoted:
Quoted:
I am trying to get a approximate date on a S&W. Serial number S    918XXX   38 S&W Special Ctg on barrel.  Barrel is pinned.  Any help appreciated, it belonged to a friends father who recently passed away and I am cleaning it up for her.


The frame size would help identify it better.  If you have a picture of it, that would help even more.  An N-frame with that serial number comes back to 1959-1960.


While possible, I'd say it's highly unlikely to be a 38-44 Heavy Duty or Outdoorsman which AFAIK were the only two .38 specials ever built on the N frame. Also, I believe they were marked differently for the 38-44 cartridge?

Most likely, it's just a Military and Police .38. AKA Victory Model, Model 10. Possibly the most common revolver ever....
2/1/2009 8:28:48 AM EDT
[#8]
Thanks everyone. A M&P is most likely the answer.