[im4usa]

Hello everyone, I am new and have questions about my gun I inherited from good old Grandad. It is a 38 S&W special OTG. I checked the O about 100 times it sure looks closed, im pretty positive it's not a (C)tg model. Serial # as follows 298436. Other marking's inside gun behind cylinder as for as I can tell reads the #s 798 .I would any info anyone can provide like model # how old and perhaps what branch of service used gun if any? The gun is old and pitted but other in good shape I am thinking of perhaps taking it to a gunsmith and having it cleaned and re-blued?? any and all information and or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks all,

[stoppingpower]

I re blued a pistol I bought a week or so ago and it turned out pretty good I mean it wasn't no professional job but it turned out ten times better looking. I bought the blueing at wally world for 4 bucks... just make sure you prep your gun... oh yeah welcome to the forums

[trip286]

I'm thinking an old victory model. And yeah, its probably ctg instead of otg. Having it reblued can actually decrease the value, but if you want to keep it (there would be no question for me) then that would be a fine investment.

[jordan89]

Here is a link with some serial number info. I couldn't make much of it so it might not help to much. http://www.northeastshooters.com/vbulletin/threads/68254-How-to-Identify-Date-a-S-amp-W

[im4usa]

So. is there an otg model or is the ctg just stand for cartridge and my eyes are decieving me.And if the model states 38 s&w special ctg (cartridge) does that mean i need to get speacial S&W ammo or will it shot the regular Monarch brand 38 special 158 grain bullets I bought to shoot.I am for sure, I will take it to a Gun Smith before I even attempt to shot it.I think that would be wise!

[danf_fl]

Have the gun checked before you purchase any ammo.
If it is the .38 Special, then you can buy off the shelf almost anywhere.
If it is the original .38 S&W, you may have to special order.

[c3shooter]

OK- first, your chastisement- PIXELS MAN PIXELS! WE NEED PIXELS! That means high definition pics that do not get all fuzzy when we blow the up to look at details! Snarl, Hiss, Snarl!

Now that that is out of the way, that is the caliber marking for the .38 Special CARTRIDGE (CTG). Which was created by Smith & Wesson.

The larger button on the end of the ejector is one clue that you have the revolver made BEFORE the standard Military & Police mode, which became the Model 10. Known as the Hand Ejector, yours is possibly a Model 1905 (made 1905-1940)

Yours should be capable of firing ordinary .38 Special ammo. Stay away from very hot JHP or +p ammo. Not really dangerous if a gun is in good shape, but gun will wear much faster.

Re: Rust- everyone has a pet way of dealing with it. Here is mine- Find a good penetrating oil- to me the best is a product called KROIL, made by Kano Labs. Remove the grips. DO NOT remove any parts from the gun itself. Wet gun with penetrant, wrap in a cloth with a bit more penetrant, put in a big ziplock bag, leave for a few days. Use a COPPER (check that it is copper, not copper plated steel) Chore Boy pot scrubber. Wet the scrubber with oil, gently rub.

You can remove rust. You cannot remove pitting- the steel has gone away, you cannot bring it back.

Reblue- If you want that, find a good smith, pay him for a quality blue job. Will run you ABOUT $150. You can thank me later. PS- he also cannot remove pits- other than by filing down the surface.

PLEASE have a smith check your revolver before shooting ANYTHING in it. And by the way- nice revolver.

Edit- and where ARE my manners? Welcome to the forum- when you get a minute, swing by the intro section, say hello, tell us a bit about yourself.

[headhunter]

I received a call from a friend in Idaho. She had just gotten a revolver from her dad's estate. She read the roll markings over the phone and said she had taken it to a couple of gun shops and the young fellas couldn't tell her what CTG stood for. Amazing simply amazing. Her's was a 32 S&W CTG.

[c3shooter]

Tell your friend she needs to find a better gun shop. And/or have her sign up here.

[HOSSFLY]

Dang, near broke my horizontal scrolling feature