Someone school me

NavyVet83

NavyVet83

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So I know absolutely nothing about revolvers. Hell, Ive never even shot one. However, I was given this gun for FREE today. I was told it’s an antique, but nothing else is known about it. I can see it’s a S&W and it’s chambered in .38Special…. The trigger functions and hammer drops what I feel to be smoothly. The gun opens up as it should. I was told the last time it was fired was 1950’s or so. What can you more educated guru’s on the subject teach me
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My experience with wheelguns begins and ends with my Ruger Security Six I had for a short period of time in 1983. That was a .347 Magnum but my brother and I were poor enlisted people so we only ever shot 38 Special through it.

I now have a Rock Island Armory 38 Special, which I have yet to fire.

The Security Six kicked more in my memory that my 45 ACP's
 
@NavyVet83 That revolver looks servicable. :) Give it a good cleaning and oiling and pick up a box of ammo. You might have to look around or maybe find some online? :unsure:

PS: Seein's as it hasn't been fired in 75yrs, you should crack it open and make sure it isn't loaded or bore obstructed. It should be apparent that it is a top-break model? Pull up on rear sight area and pivot the cylinder open.
 
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Bobster said:
That is .38S&W caliber NOT .38 Special. It is a little stubby round, .38Spl would blow that gun apart! :eek:

PS: Wiki LINK
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Good to know… like I said, I’m far from familiar with it. Please don’t judge me… lol.
 
NavyVette said:
WOW! A Harrington & Richardson!
Um, I mean it's worthless, but I'd let you send it to me. You know as a favor to you :ROFLMAO:
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I assume there is potentially some value here? Is there anything that I could look at to determine a potential model, production year, etc… ? I don’t really want to do anything with it if I don’t even know what it is. Lol
 
I don't know about determining the year, I know the AYE TEE FFFF has a website where you can enter the serial number and make sure a gun is not A) Stolen or 2) a gun previously used in a crime, but I do not know how far back the database goes.

For values, see this, and don't shoot the messenger
www.gunsinternational.com

Search Results

Buy and sell new and used guns online from anywhere in the world on Guns International, including pistols, shotguns, rifles, handguns, revolvers, ammo and more.
www.gunsinternational.com www.gunsinternational.com

Also, since we don't really know much about yours, we cannot judge based on these listings unless you see one with the same markings.

I love this one description "This very ugly but easily recognizable revolver" :ROFLMAO:
 
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I’m thinking it’s 234206 for the serial, can someone confirm/challenge this?
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NavyVet83 said:
I assume there is potentially some value here?
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There is probably a serial # somewhere. I'm confused over the H&R stamping and S&W grips. :rolleyes: Clean it, get some ammo and fire it, see how it functions. This was an early Concealed Carry pistol. :) I don't think there is anything fancy or rare about it--tens of 1000s were made. I'm guessing functioning value is $200-$300. Snip below is from GB...

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I’m thinking 1940/50’s… The gentleman that gave it to me is retired LEO.. he said he shot it last in the late 50’s… I think he might be realizing he don’t have much time left and he has no family, so he’s giving away stuff left and right. I mainly swung by the house to pick up a couch he was giving me. While I’m closing the trailer, he says, hey, I found this old thing in my closet, you want it? lol. I told him I’ll never turn down a free firearm lol. He wants to give me a Gun cabinet also, but I just don’t have anywhere to put it
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NavyVet83 said:
I’m thinking 1940/50’s… The gentleman that gave it to me is retired LEO.. he said he shot it last in the late 50’s… I think he might be realizing he don’t have much time left and he has no family, so he’s giving away stuff left and right. I mainly swung by the house to pick up a couch he was giving me. While I’m closing the trailer, he says, hey, I found this old thing in my closet, you want it? lol. I told him I’ll never turn down a free firearm lol. He wants to give me a Gun cabinet also, but I just don’t have anywhere to put it View attachment 32611
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Put the gun cabinet in the package with the brass you are going to send me!
:ROFLMAO: :ROFLMAO: :ROFLMAO: :ROFLMAO:
 
NavyVette said:
Put the gun cabinet in the package with the brass you are going to send me!
:ROFLMAO: :ROFLMAO: :ROFLMAO: :ROFLMAO:
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I still have these x2 1 gallon ziplock bags of mixed misc brass sitting in the shed. Ive been intending to wait till I have 4/5 bags to make the shipping worth it. I’m guessing 2 more trips to the range, and I’ll be sending it.
 
I have one just like it. It came with a trade I made. Mine is just as beat up.

I'd hang it on the wall. Keep it as a collectible or sell it. Shooting it... might not be such a good idea. You have no good way to assess any metal fatigue.

I'll repeat others... dont put a 38 Special round in it.
 

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