smith wesson mod, 1899 in 38 special

peddler

February 10, 2010 15:40

This revolver was made between 1899 and 1902 but is still in very good condition, was black powder used back then, and will it be safe to shoot some light reloads in this fine old revolver?

0

• 

  Herschel

  February 10, 2010 16:13

  Your revolver is not likely in .38 Special caliber as the .38 Spec. was not introduced until 1902. Make sure the barrel is marked .38 Spec. as it is probably for the earlier .38 cartridge. Smokeless powder came out in the 1890's. The pistol was probably designed for smokeless powder.
  
  Edited after seeing your second post.
  
  If Cartridges of the World is correct about the date the .38 Spec was introduced, then your gun must have been made in 1902.
  
  I think the regular .38 spec. cartridges or wadcutter cartridges would be safe to fire in the revolver. I would steer clear of +P loads.
  I am not an engineer or gunsmith so others will be better qualified to comment as to the safety issue.

  0
• 

  peddler

  February 10, 2010 16:36

  this revolver says 38 special, and the 2 books I have say that the 1st model 1899 was made between 1899 and 1902.

  0
• 

  peddler

  February 12, 2010 03:22

  Thanks for the info

  0
• 

  cussedemgun

  February 12, 2010 12:14

  peddler,
  
  There is an informative article on the 38 Special at
  
  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.38_Special#History
  
  I believe some confusion as to intro. date comes from "re-introducing" as a smokeless cartridge.
  
  Jim

  0
• 

  ruger41

  February 12, 2010 14:01

  S&W didn't heat treat the cylinders til later on so do NOT run +p ammo through it. As old as it is you should be ok shooting mild loads like the 148 grain full wadcutters--I do all the time in a 1905 Colt .38 Special--but have a competent gunsmith check it out if you are not sure.

  0

Please sign in to leave a comment.