[jbinwa]

I'm a newbie to this site but I've owned more than a dozen S&W revolvers and have been a shooter for 55 years but this gun has me stumped as to model. I have tried googling S&W mod 3-1; S&W J frame and other variations but no success.

It is a 5-shot swing out cylinder and appears to be a J frame or about that size. The barrel is about 3.5 in. and is marked 38 S&W Ctg. When the cylinder is opened the serial # 086xx is evident and on the frame that is exposed when the cylinder is open it is stamped very faintly Mod 3-1. That area is a bit scratched up and it is possible there are other numbers but I can't make any out. On the bottom of the frame at the handle it is deeply stamped 3 and then another 3 about 3/8" in. away. Unfortunately a previous owner has drilled and tapped three holes to facilitate putting large grips on this revolver so I can't tell if there were any other numbers. It is clear however that where newer S&W revolvers had their serial # stamped on the grip frame this has only the two 3s separated by that 3/8 inchl

The revolver also has a coil spring as opposed to the flat spring I've seen in other S&W revolvers. Any help would be appreciated.
Jerry

[willfully armed]

That is a 33-1 with a poor proof strike.

Here's a manual for sale.
http://www.rediscovered-shooting-treasures.com/s&w3233.htm

[jbinwa]

Thanks very much for identifying the revolver. I'm guessing ammunition for this is going to be expensive and scarce. Sounds like a set of dies and cast bullets is in order if I'm going to shoot it much.

[willfully armed]

There is no current production ammo available. Anything you find should be safe to shoot, but will likely be 20+ years old. I think I've got 50-100 pcs of once fired brass of you're interested...pm me.

[c3shooter]

.38 S&W ammo (not .38 Special) is still in production, readily available (google 38 S&W Ammo sale) It is a bit more expensive than .38 Special.