S&W 38 special information

[beachbum6582]

Hi everyone. im looking into buying a 38 special from a private party but im trying to get info on what this model is worth and how old it is. The model number is 10-5 and the serial number is D38XXXX. Can anyone out there help me please.....

[1JimMarch]

According to this page it was made between '62 and '77:

http://www.handloads.com/misc/Smith.Model.Changes.asp

If it has a "pinned barrel" it'll be worth more - look at the top of the frame where the barrel screws in, and across the top there may be a little riveted pin. It shows up particularly well on this gun:

http://www.armchairgunshow.com/ot55-pix/hb12-3m.jpg

Pinned barrels didn't need to be screwed as tightly into the frame and therefore had less (if any) constriction at the point where the barrel enters the frame.

Being a post-WW2 gun, this thing can shoot mild quantities of +P ammo and is fully safe carried six-up. It would probably make a very respectable carry gun if it's in good shape.

[bjl333]

There is a sticky on top of the handgun section to show you how to check a revolver. The Model 10 will serve you for many years and its one of my favorite handgun.

[WileyWilly]

D series K frames with the S/N prefix D38 were made from 1971 to early 1972 (D330,001 to D420,000)
Use +P ammo at your own risk, there are forcing cone cracking issues if I remember correctly.

[bjl333]

D series K frames with the S/N prefix D38 were made from 1971 to early 1972 (D330,001 to D420,000)
Use +P ammo at your own risk, there are forcing cone cracking issues if I remember correctly.

Good point ... just remember it was top strap cuts on top of the forcing cone also ??? Or was that the 13 ... Either way don't feed turbo ammo to her !!!

[1JimMarch]

No, the real problem was hot 125gr 357 ammo in the 357 versions of this gun. 38+P won't do near as much damage, esp. if you stay with the heavier weight ammo - Remington's 158+P lead unjacketed hollowpoint, or Winchester's flavor of the same thing IF the barrel is 4" or more. (Winch's lead formula is a bit harder, may not expand out of 2" or maybe even 3" tubes.)

If it's a 4" or more barrel, there's some decent choices in defensive standard pressure 38 ammo. Hornady's Critical Defense or the Federal Nyclad 125. Buffalo Bore's standard pressure stuff will work even out of a 2".

I would avoid Buffalo Bore's +P line or any of the 125gr jacketed 38+P ammo in a gun of that era. But you don't have to baby it TOO hard. A little bit of Speer's superb 135gr +P load will be OK, although the 158+Ps (except Buffalo Bore or Cor-bon!) will be both milder on the gun and more likely to print to point of aim.

[beachbum6582]

Wow thanks everyone for all the information when i get home from work i will look at it more to see if its a pinned or screwed barrel...

[littlejake]

Wow thanks everyone for all the information when i get home from work i will look at it more to see if its a pinned or screwed barrel...

A pinned barrel is still screwed into the frame. The pin was used to index the barrel with the front sight at top dead center.

From the dates suggested by others who posted, it is nearly a certainty that it is pinned.

[beachbum6582]

Hey there 1jimMarch.
I just got home and took a look at it .. and yes it is pinned. dose any one know about pricing on this gun.. It is blued and it has some wear at the end of the barrel and around the cylinder some surface scratches on it.. from my little knowledge its a square butt the barrel is 4 in long. Can anyone help to give me a good price range for this gun. Thanks again for all your help..

[shoupdawg]

Hey there 1jimMarch.
I just got home and took a look at it .. and yes it is pinned. dose any one know about pricing on this gun.. It is blued and it has some wear at the end of the barrel and around the cylinder some surface scratches on it.. from my little knowledge its a square butt the barrel is 4 in long. Can anyone help to give me a good price range for this gun. Thanks again for all your help..

So did you buy it already? Got pics?

[eaglemike]

Many thousands of those were carry guns for various LE agencies over the years. A lot of people would like to have the original grips, especially if they are good shape. ( how many of those have I seen tossed over the years?). That K frame, especially the 4" version, have a great balance and are very easy to shoot. Your gun likely still has the fixed sights which don't help much. I've seen a few converted to adjustable, but that work is very rare. Lots of parts available, such as grips (or stocks ) spring kits, speedloaders, holsters, etc. The wear you describe is normal for most of those guns. Enjoy it - everyone should have a K frame or 3. Learn how to reload if you don't already. .38 special is about the easiest to reload, components are cheap, making practice very affordable.
all the best,
Mike

[beachbum6582]

No i have not bought it yet. but i do have it in my possession. If i do buy it its from a lady i work with and she got it with her divorce she really dose not know much about it or anything so she gave it to me to get info on it and to see what they are going for. From the sound of it from what i have been learning i want it. all i have to do now is figure out what its worth and then discuss a fair price..

[INJUNTOM]

Offer her $300. Fair for both parties.

Here's my .357



It's awesome.

[1JimMarch]

Yeah, the pinned guns were still screwed into the frame, just not quite as tight as the unpinned. The pinning process was more expensive and is considered a good thing.

Blue with some holster wear, this is a very common gun, $300 isn't far off. No real collector value, this is probably the most common of the pinned S&Ws, but it's worth owning.

[beachbum6582]

Wow thanks again everyone you have been a big help. my next question is this gun is not registered to the lady im wanting to buy it from she has had it for about 25 years. like i said she got it in her divorce. is this something i have to register or can i just do like a cash and carrry thing??? can anyone help me out with this question??? thanks ..