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Author Topic: Got a question about .38 special  (Read 1241 times)

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Offline snuffer#1

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Got a question about .38 special
« on: July 03, 2006, 12:36:08 AM »
I was given my father's 38 special about a week ago. I need to know where I can find the model # at. I've been told to open the cylinder and the model # will either start with K or L . If that is the case, it's a L model.
What I'm interested in is I would like to shoot the +p 125 gr HP in it. But I was looking in my Lyman reloading manual comments section and it said not to use the +p ammo in handguns that may have a aluminum cylinder and barrel. I have emailed S&W to find out, but your comments will be appreciated!
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Offline TNrifleman

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Got a question about .38 special
« Reply #1 on: July 03, 2006, 09:22:49 AM »
Early S&W revolvers did not have the model number stamped inside the crane on the frame. This started around 1957. Your gun may be older than that. Please give us some more information. For example, what is the barrel length? Measure from the front of the cylinder to the end of the barrel. Does it have fixed or adjustable sights? Is it a six shot or a five shot revolver? Likely, your gun is a M&P (Military and Police Model) which became the Model 10 in 1957. If your gun is an older one, I'd recommend against the use of +P ammunition. There is no need to needlessly subject a family heirloom to the additional wear from higher pressure ammunition. I hope this helps a little.

BTW, I have a Model 10 that belonged to my father. I cherish it because he owned and carried it.
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Offline TNrifleman

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Got a question about .38 special
« Reply #2 on: July 03, 2006, 09:23:56 AM »
Early S&W revolvers did not have the model number stamped inside the crane on the frame. This started around 1957. Your gun may be older than that. Please give us some more information. For example, what is the barrel length? Measure from the front of the cylinder to the end of the barrel. Does it have fixed or adjustable sights? Is it a six shot or a five shot revolver? Likely, your gun is a M&P (Military and Police Model) which became the Model 10 in 1957. This Model is on the "K" frame. If your gun is an older one, I'd recommend against the use of +P ammunition. There is no need to needlessly subject a family heirloom to the additional wear from higher pressure ammunition. I hope this helps a little.

BTW, I have a Model 10 that belonged to my father. I cherish it because he owned and carried it.
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Offline TNrifleman

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Got a question about .38 special
« Reply #3 on: July 03, 2006, 09:25:28 AM »
Early S&W revolvers did not have the model number stamped inside the crane on the frame. This started around 1957. Your gun may be older than that. Please give us some more information. For example, what is the barrel length? Measure from the front of the cylinder to the end of the barrel. Does it have fixed or adjustable sights? Is it a six shot or a five shot revolver? Likely, your gun is a M&P (Military and Police Model) which became the Model 10 in 1957. This Model is on the "K" frame. If your gun is an older one, I'd recommend against the use of +P ammunition. There is no need to needlessly subject a family heirloom to the additional wear from higher pressure ammunition. I hope this helps a little.

BTW, I have a Model 10 that belonged to my father. I cherish it because he owned and carried it.
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Offline snuffer#1

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Re: Got a question about .38 special
« Reply #4 on: July 04, 2006, 08:36:22 AM »
Well, I found out it's a L frame model, with fixed sights, 4 inch barrel. Kind of an oddity, since most of the 357's were on a L frame. It's a handgun that was made for the police market. And from what I gather, one of the strongest 38 spec. made.
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Offline Old Griz

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Re: Got a question about .38 special
« Reply #5 on: July 23, 2006, 11:15:32 PM »
Sorry folks, I'm not an expert on S&Ws, but I sure do love the ones I have. I've got several K-frames and one N-frame, but no L's. What model # was an L-frame .38?
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Offline Hammerdown

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Re: Got a question about .38 special
« Reply #6 on: August 11, 2006, 04:19:03 AM »
Quote
4 inch barrel. Kind of an oddity,

Hello
It appears that your revolver is a model number 681 L-Frame Fixed sight revolver. S&W made Three variations of this odd low production revolver one being the 681-2 series for the Ohio State Police and marked accordingly, I assume on the side of the barrel or side plate of the revolver. The next one was for the New York City Police and they are the same 681-2  series and marked NYCPD and the rarest as they only made and sent TWO of these total. The final and most common variation, was made for ConRail Police. This series will be a 681-3 series marked in the cylinder frame crane area as such, and will also have "CRPD" stamped over the trigger guard on the side plate as well, with a total of approximately 460 revolver's sent. I hope this helps, and it sure is a low production revolver as well that you have there. Hammerdown
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