Smith & Wesson 38 Nickel Plated with Holster near Winter Garden, Orlando, FL

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: .38 Double Action 3rd Model

Year of Manufacture: Antique

Caliber: .38 S&W

Action Type: Double and Single Action, 5-Shot, Top-Break Revolver with Automatic Extraction

Markings: The top of the barrel rib is marked with the Smith & Wesson Springfield, Massachusetts address and patent dates. The left side of the barrel 

Barrel Length: 5"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a half-moon blade pinned to the barrel rib. The rear sight is a V-notch integral to the top-break latch.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered hard rubber panels with S&W monograms at the tops. The grips show light handling and age-related wear.  No chips, No cracks. The grips are in excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Nickel

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is sharp.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 95% of its original nickel finish. The finish shows light freckling, thinning, scratches, and operational and handling wear. Overall this revolver is in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly in both single-action and double-action operation. The top-break action opens properly and the automatic ejector functions. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: Smith & Wesson's .38 Double Action series was one of the company's successful medium-frame top-break revolver lines of the late 19th century. The 3rd Model retained the five-shot cylinder, exposed hammer, automatic extraction, and double-action mechanism that made these revolvers popular as practical defensive handguns. This example is especially appealing in its 5" barrel configuration with nickel finish and checkered S&W hard-rubber grips.Their precise history cannot be established from the revolver alone, but the personalization gives this Antique Smith & Wesson a distinctive period identity. With about 95% of its original nickel finish remaining, a gray bore with sharp rifling, and a correctly functioning action, this is a well-preserved and interesting example of Smith & Wesson's classic top-break revolver. Shipping is $35.

Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition