manufacture info for 2 .38 specials

L

LadyPistoltoter

Inactive
new on here, but just trying to find out some info on 2 .38 specials that we own - one is serial # 8154XX (2" barrel, possibly bone/ivory handles) & the other is serial #7J12XX (Model 36, 2" barrel, stainless steel). would really just like to know the year of manufacture on them both - thanks
 
My source only goes to 1983 with 1J on a model 36. If yours is 7J it is sometime after that date.

A Model 36 would not be stainless. Could it be nickel plated?

On the other, I assume it is also a S&W? Need more info to properly ID. Six shot? That number could be for a Military & Police from the late 1940s but it should have a letter S prefix.
 
it is possible that it is nickel plated, not sure about that and the first number I listed is a S&W also, quite old and not real sure about history - what kind of info would be helpful?
 
Swing out cylinder?

Number of chambers in cylinder.

Exact caliber from barrel.

I do not recognize the serial unless there is a letter S in front.
 
Just guessing as we wait for pictures.
Your Chief's Special Model 36 is, as said, likely nickel plated and made in the early 1980s.

The other .38 is probably a WW II Lend Lease revolver sent to the British and surplused back in the Colonies after the war. It was common for them to have the barrels sawn off and the plain walnut grips replaced with plastic "stag" to sell better in the US market interested in "snubbies" from frequent mention in detective novels, movies, and tv.
 
I was hoping to avoid the possibility but if the gun looks like this it could be a butchered "Victory Model" made for Great Britain in WW II. Barrel is usually cut so far to lose front locking lug on ejector rod. Will be a hole in the butt where a swivel was located. It will also be reamed from original 38 S&W caliber to 38 Special. Such guns have minimal value.


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This is what it looks like before being cut up.


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