ROHM RG-38?
I was unpacking alot of my grandfathers things and found what appears to be a very old ROHM RG-38 revolver.It appears to be in ok shape.The finish is rough and has a light bit of rust and pitting but none in the bore.I am considering firing this thing,I have looked it over and nothing is cracked or too loose.On the barrel it has .38 Spezial and not .38 Special.I have some .38 Special rounds and when I put the bullet up to the barrel it doesnt seem like the bullet is going to fit.Can anybody explain this gun/maker to me and what exactly I should check before I fire this weapon.I have checked the forcing cone and action and top strap.I need help to see if this gun is safe to fire.Thanks in advance.
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Rohn was a West German manufacturer who made inexpensive, generally mediocre quality handguns. Many of the various models were imported and sold in the U.S., primarily in the 60's & 70's.
As obviously your Grandfathers revolver is of questionable quality/condition, I would take it to a Gunsmith for inspection and test firing, to make sure it's safe to use.
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The RGs were made in Germany by Rohm Gmbh. and imported by RG Inc in Cocoa Florida. Some folks consider the RG to be the epitome of "Saturday Night Special". I have an RG .22 that was my Dad's and I keep it for sentimental value. They are not the highest quality, but if it is good shape, it will fire safely. Best thing to do if you want to fire it is to have a gunsmith check it out.
A bullet's outside diameter will appear to be larger than the barrel's inside diameter. I think "spezial" is German for special, but do not rely on this for confirming the caliber of the gun. If you are in doubt about the caliber, consult a gunsmith. Does the .38 Special round fit in the chamber?
I wouldn't rely on my RG for life-or-death defense, but it is a fun plinker and holds some memories for me. Even if you find it's unsafe to fire the gun, hang onto it as a momento.
Chrome don't get you home.0 -
The .38 Special rounds do fit perfetly into the cylinder.I didnt even expect to find it in there nobody told me he had more than one gun.He had a old Colt Dtective Special that one of his sons got but they split up 10 boxes of things he had saved that apparently nobody went through before they handed them out.I definately wouldnt rely on it if my life was in danger I am just curious if it will still work.It has a 68 stamped on it so I am assuming that is the year that it was manufactured.It also has what looks like a Nazi eagle mark stamped on it and the stamp on the side of HK's that look like Deer antlers. 0 -
I was thinking about taking my portable vise and clamping it in there and tying a string to the trigger and firing it that way for the first couple of shots and see how it holds up and inspect it for cracks or stress afterwards. 0 -
If you are going to fire it, use .38 wadcutters.It's target ammo and is loaded pretty light, will put less strain on the gun.
It would still be best to have it checked by a gunsmith before. Be safe.
Daniel.0 -
quote:Originally posted by 6burner
It has a 68 stamped on it so I am assuming that is the year that it was manufactured.It also has what looks like a Nazi eagle mark stamped on it and the stamp on the side of HK's that look like Deer antlers.
The "68" would be the date of proof, at the city of Ulm, ( West German ) proof house, ( single deer antler ). The post W W II eagle proof is different then the eagle use during the second W W II years, ( 1940 - 1945 ).0 -
This is not a gun with which to experiment. Quality was poor when new and age hasn't helped. Keep it as an unused memory maker or get rid of it. If kept, leave a note attached so no one else will attempt to fire it. 0 -
Rufe Snow so this gun was manufactured during the first or second World Wars? 0 -
The RG-38 is most definitely not "all steel." The frame, sideplate, and barrel shroud are of a zinc alloy casting. The hammer, trigger, internals, cylinder, and barrel liner are steel.
It was an inexpensive gun in its day, and its day is over. It is designed to be loaded and kept on the bedside table or in the glove box. It is not designed to be shot regularly. If you try to take it to the range once a month and shoot up a box of ammo each time, I am betting it won't last you two years.
It was probably made in the 60s or 70s.
FFL Dealer/Full time Peace Officer, Moderator of General Discussion Board on Gunbroker. Visit www.gunbroker.com the best gun auction site on the Net! Email gpd035@sbcglobal.net0 -
I assumed it was all steel because it is a heavy gun to be a snub nose.It doesnt have a barrel liner it is all one piece and its rifled.There are no side plates either it is one solid frame that is pinned and it seems as though all the internals come out with the handle.Both sides are one solid piece though that appear as though it all lifts off in one piece.It actually resembles one of the EAA Windicator revolvers. 0 -
The problem with the ROHM revolvers is that the parts are so cheaply made that they will soon start to breakdown and go out of battery and fail to function. There is little danger of the gun actually exploading and hurting the user.
As Nunn wrote, the old gal's day probably passed.
Dean
If they don't trust us with guns, how can we trust them with the government?0
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