old 38 six gun
i found an old 38 that broke open at the top to load the chambers i am wondering if it has some rust in and on the barrel mostly at the end should i discard this as a shooter or give it a good cleaning and see how it shoots "the rust has removed the finish in a spot about the size of a fingernail at the end of the barrel" the bor looks good except for some lumps of rust not many thow [:p]
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Sounds like you found an old .38 S&W Scofield. I might do some research on the firearm and have a gunsmith give it a good once over to see if it's still capable of firing without the cylinder detonating on you. But, can you give more info on the gun, markings, barrel length ect... partial serial # perhaps it could be dated as well? 0 -
Since you did'nt give us a maker name and model I will give you my standerd advise for old top break revolvers. First, I doubt it is a Schoefield, they were chambered in .44 Russian. Second, NEVER,EVER, UNDER ANY CURCOMSTANCE FIRE ONE, unless and until it is checked and approved as a shooter by a GUNSMITH. Some of the old .38's are obsolete, some where not safe to shoot when new, due to very sloppy fit, and some were very good guns in their day. However, only a gunsmith can tell you this. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by cjkusnierz
i found an old 38 that broke open at the top to load the chambers i am wondering if it has some rust in and on the barrel mostly at the end should i discard this as a shooter or give it a good cleaning and see how it shoots "the rust has removed the finish in a spot about the size of a fingernail at the end of the barrel" the bor looks good except for some lumps of rust not many thow [:p]
on second thout ill take it to the next show i visit and let someone elts enjoy it thanks for the input[:p]0 -
Rldowns3 and Python, just a note for your data bases. The Smith & Wesson Model 3, U.S. Army Schofield Model was never made in either .38 caliber or in .44 Russian, but, only in .45 S&W. 0 -
I can't disagree about gun safety but at the same time wonder how I survived my mis-spent youth. We fired anything with any kind of ammo without problems. I had a real S&W Schofield that someone reworked to take .45 Auto Rims. Shot up a storm with it. Worst thing was blowing up a 1860 Colt Army using home made powder made with potassium chlorate instead of proper ingredient. Fired 5 chambers and blew out the cylinder on top and the rammer on the bottom. 0 -
OK, good to know Iroquios, I don't know jack squat about Scofields, but his description sounded like one to me. 0 -
There are many, many thousands of these old break-top 5 and 6 shooters out there. Some were originally quality guns like the S&W Double Actions, but many more were cheap Belgian, Spanish or American "Saturday Night Specials" (also known, for good reason, as "Suicide Specials"). Most were chambered in .32 S&W or .38 S&W....and most were junk when new, and they sure haven't improved over time.
By all means, follow Python's advice. Have it checked out by a competent gunsmith. He can tell if you have a treasure or a paperweight.0 -
its a H&R 38s&w the indexing feels prity sloppy when it is suposed to be locked so its getting the hatchet but thanks for the in put[:p] 0 -
Well, if it's an H&R breaktop it's not valuable, but it's not total junk.
If it's in decent condition, a 'smith might be able to tune & time it for not too much $$$$. Worth getting an estimate....worse comes to worse, you've got an interesting paperweight.0 -
I have my Great Grandfather's H&R .32 S&W breaktop. He was a Judge in South Dakota in the starting in the late 1890's-1915. He carried this with him most of the time and my Great Grandmother slept with it under her pillow after Grandpa passed away.
I had a smith look it over and it is fireable. It is not worth much, but it is very valuable to me.
Guns only have two enemies: Rust and Liberals....0
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