S&W Break Top ...What did I buy?

[rbertalotto]

I was in my LGS and saw this for $225..............Looked in great shape so I grabbed it.

What did I buy. I know near nothing about this type of revolver:

S&W Break Top
38S&W
4" barrel
Serial # 370289

http://images108.fotki.com/v1629/photos/2/36012/12946444/DSC_5942-vi.jpg

http://images107.fotki.com/v71/photos/2/36012/12946444/DSC_5943-vi.jpg

http://images60.fotki.com/v367/photos/2/36012/12946444/DSC_5944-vi.jpg

http://images116.fotki.com/v695/photos/2/36012/12946444/DSC_5941-vi.jpg

Anything else you could tell me about it would be greatly appreciated

[prsman23]

Don't know anything about it but I would have bought it at that price too

[Harry O]

Looks like a Model 1883. They had several versions with minor changes. Mine is a Third Model. Yours is in nicer condition. Have fun shooting it.

[OuchHot!]

I've got no idea but for that price I would have jumped on it. It looks in fine shape and the 38S&W is easy to load for.

[runfiverun]

just remember that the 38S&W is not the 38 special...
it's a shorter case and uses a larger diameter boolit.

[Komodoj]

You can definately use 38sp brass as long as you load some sort of wad-cutter in it!

[DeanWinchester]

I wouldn't advise that at all, it would be a very sloppy fit. Most of these things were a touch loose in the first place. Get the proper brass.

[rbertalotto]

38 special brass will not fit in the chamber. Diameter is a just a smidg smaller but the brass is too long. Lots of folks cut down 38Spl to fit.

I found a box of 38 S&W at a rifle match on Saturday for $12 !!...And a fellow on another forum is sending me 100 cases for zip...........Nice folks you find on these forums!

I ordered .361 bullets from Matt's Bullets.

[jumbeaux]

.38 Double Action 4th Model Top Break...your revolver is pre-1898 manufacture. SN range 322701 - 53900...manufactured 1895 to 1909.... Looks to be in VG condition...should be fun...

rick

[MtGun44]

.38 Spl brass will bulge badly and about 1/2 or more will split, not good.

Well made, but NOT for souping up loads. Stick to stock loads in that nice old revolver.

Bill

[osteodoc08]

I must confess. I am a tad jealous. That is a gem. Should be fun to shoot and if only that revolver could talk.....

[Michael J. Spangler]

That's a sweet looking revolver.
I'm jealous.
Now I need to find one and buy it

[cuzinbruce]

That is a pretty gun. Since it is pre-1898, I think I would stick with black powder loads in it. Smokeless can do nasty things to older guns that aren't repairable. I have seen some.
Have fun with it.

[Buzzard II]

.38 S&W brass ONLY! Slug the bore first. These bores varied in size. Someone makes a mold for this, I can't remember who. If you shoot it with blackpowder, use Ballistol Moose Milk to clean it and Ballistol spray oil to lube it.

[JSH]

I was in a pinch when I acquired mine. I had some range pick up 38 super brass and cut it down. Worked fine and I used some bullets I had that dropped at around .361-363. I also used 38 super dies to size with. I did finally get dies and brass for a song. Guy as much as paid me to take it as "no one shoots those old things any more" so I was told.
Jeff

[atr]

Nice looking revolver ! I would have bought it too.

[Uncle R.]

What a great thing to find!
<
I never gave much thought to S&W top breaks - but one look at yours and I want one.
Although it IS a better quality gun than most of the no-name "suicide specials" you'll run across it's still a relatively weak system and as noted above was designed for black powder. If it was mine I'd want to shoot it for sure but I would restrict its diet to "starting level" loads or better still actual black powder.
<
Congratulations! You have a treasure there. Shoot it, enjoy it.
<
Uncle R.

[rintinglen]

Stick with starting loads and you'll live long and prosper.
2.0 grains of bullseye under a 150 grain 358-477 sized .360 works well in my old Forehand and Wadsworth. Keep the loads soft and you and the gun will like it. Those small, skinny grips hide better than they hold.