The following information comes from Smith & Wesson Hand Guns by Roy C. McHenry and Walter F. Roper. Smith & Wesson Hand Guns is also available to purchase in print.
MODEL No. 2—First Model
Single action. 38 caliber Smith & Wesson Central fire cartridges. Patented January 17-24, 1865; July 11, 1865; August 24, 1869; January 19, 1875. Reissue July 25, 1871. No. 1 to No. 24,633 manufactured as first model from March, 1876.
DETAIL OF DESIGN
Frame—Round butt, irregular shape side plate inserted from left side held in position with hammer stud nut and one plate screw. Solid straight guard. Bottom strap and guard slotted to receive trigger, stop, V-shape trigger spring and stop spring. Stop plate inserted to cover lock work held in position with stop plate screw. Extractor gear catch cut located in bottom strap rear of barrel joint. Finished in blue or nickel.
Barrel—Round body ribbed top, jointed to frame at bottom strap forward of guard latching to frame at bolster interlocking frame post with jointed barrel catch. Base pin screwed into body of barrel forming straight round bearing for cylinder strap slotted forward of post cut to receive barrel catch cam and cylinder hook. Cylinder hook held in position with screw let in from top strap. Barrel slotted forward of joint to receive extractor catch acting as latch holding extractor spring plunger when released disengages cylinder from barrel. Front sight inserted and pinned in slot. Patent dates stamped on top rib. Made in 3 1/4″, 4″ and 5″ lengths. Finished in blue or nickel.
Cylinder—Five chambers, grooved, inserted gas ring. Counter-bored to receive flanged head extractor with ratchet. Center hole for extractor stem made square.
Hammer—Straight side thumb piece, solid round pointed nose, slotted to receive plain main spring stirrup, hand pivoted to left side, hand spring slot cut in front face to receive flat spring. Cylinder stop actuated through trigger engaging hammer at foot. Full and half cock notches provided. Case hardened finish.
Extractor Gear—Located in barrel joint engaging round tooth rack screwed to extractor stem held against the action of barrel in opening arm by extractor gear catch.
Stock—Checked rubber with S&W monogram at stock circle.
MODEL No. 2—Second Model
38 Caliber single action. 38 caliber Smith & Wesson center fire cartridges. From No. 24,633 to No. 108,255 manufactured as second model, discontinued in 1891.
DETAIL OF DESIGN
Designed as First model with the following changes:
Frame—Joint edges beveled to match sides of barrel. Extractor gear catch cut omitted.
Barrel—Joint edges at counter-bore made without raised flanges. Shape changed forward of joint omitting slot for extractor catch.
Extractor Cam—Used to replace extractor gear and rack, sliding cam catch used to replace extractor gear catch. Bolster hushing inserted at bolster for hammer nose after this model was started, number of arm not given.
MODEL OF 1891—Third Model
38 Caliber single action. 38 caliber Smith & Wesson Central fire cartridge. Patented April 20, 1875; February 18-20, 1877; May 11, 1880. No. 1 to No. 28,107 manufactured from February 1891 to 1911.
DETAIL OF DESIGN
Designed as (Second Model) with the following changes:
Frame—Bottom strap cut for bow shape guard held in position by rear tenon and guard screw let in from cylinder cut wall. Trigger spring slot cut inside tang rear of guard—cut to receive lug of leaf spring held in position with cross pin.
Barrel—Made in 3 1/4″, 4″, 5″ and 6″ lengths. Smith & Wesson, Springfield, Mass. Model of 1891 and patent dates stamped on top strap.
Hammer—Flanged and checked thumb piece. Slotted to receive rebounding main spring stirrup, rebounding hammer into rebound notch as safety against accidental discharge. Diameter of hand pivot hole reduced. Three cock notches provided, namely, rebound half cock and full cock. Case hardened finish.
Trigger—Pivoted in frame having slender bowed finger piece.
Stock—Made in hard rubber with S&W monogram at stock circle. Plain pearl with gold plated S&W monograms inserted at stock circle.
MODEL 38 CALIBER—Single Action “Mexican”
38 Caliber Smith & Wesson central fire cartridge. This model was manufactured and numbered in as 38 Single Action model of 1891. Estimated about 7,000 made for Russian trade.
DETAIL OF DESIGN
Designed as Model of 1891 with the following changes:
Hammer—Straight sides checked thumb piece. Half cock notch omitted.
Guard—Made straight instead of bow shape inserted and held in position with guard screw.
Trigger—Straight checked finger piece.
Trigger Spring—Made lighter weight to reduce pull.
MODEL 38 CALIBER DOUBLE ACTION—First Model
Ammunition—38 Smith & Wesson center fire cartridges. Patented—January 17-24, 1865; July 11, 1865; August 24, 1869; January 19, 1875. Reissue July 25, 1871. No. 1 to No. 25,000 manufactured from February 1880.
DETAIL OF DESIGN
Frame—Round butt made of steel, curved front and straight edge, rear side plate inserted from left side cuts running across side of frame held in position with hammer stud nut. Guard and stop cuts in bottom strap made to receive stop and V-shape trigger spring. Tenon cuts at ends to hold bow shaped spring guard incasing double action trigger. Finish in blue or nickel.
Barrel—Round body ribbed top jointed to frame at bottom strap forward of guard latching to frame at bolster interlocking post with jointed barrel catch. Base pin screwed into body of barrel forming cylinder bearing. Joint slotted to receive extractor cam. Front sight inserted and pinned in position. Smith & Wesson, Springfield, Mass., U.S.A. and patent dated stamped on top rib. Made in 3 1/4″ length. Finished in blue or nickel.
Cylinder—Five chambers, grooved, inserted gas ring, screw to free position on base-pin held against lateral motion by lug on barrel catch. Counter-bored to receive flanged head extractor with ratchet tooth backed off using thick hand. Center hole made pentagon shape for extractor stem. Double series of stop notches with free groove extending around cylinder to accommodate action of rocker type stop.
Hammer—Flanged checked thumb piece, solid round pointed nose. Slotted to receive plain main spring stirrup. Notches cut for double action throw half and full cock positions. Case hardened finish.
Trigger—Flanged finger piece pivoted to frame held in normal position by V-shaped trigger spring operating rocker stop. Front sear jointed to trigger held in position with hand pivot, center distance sufficient to give required double action throw to hammer. Flat spring inserted in hand acting as a combination hand and front sear spring. Lug engaging rear sear to release hammer from full cock position. Case hardened finish.
Rear Sear Spring—Flat leaf spring with lug at butt pinned to inside of frame tang.
Barrel Catch—Held in normal position by catch cam and coil spring assembled in slot cuts forward of posts cut in barrel.
Extractor Cam—Located in barrel joint automatically extracting cartridges upon opening arm. Provided with sliding catch engaging frame at joint shoulder at instance of extracting shells.
Stock—Hard rubber, checked with S&W monogram at stock circle.
MODEL 38 CALIBER DOUBLE ACTION—Second Model
No. 25,000 to No. 119,000 manufactured.
DETAIL OF DESIGN
Designed as First Model, with the exception of side plate and side plate cut in frame made irregular curved edges to strengthen frame side walls.
MODEL 38 CALIBER DOUBLE ACTION—Third Model
No. 119,000 to No. 322,700 manufactured.
DETAIL OF DESIGN
Designed as Second Model, with the following exceptions:
Hammer—Changed location of cock notch to meet changes in rear sear.
Rear Sear—Changed location of latch notch to increase leverage thereby reducing weight of single action pull.
MODEL 38 CALIBER DOUBLE ACTION—Fourth Model
Patented May 11, 1880; January 3, 1882; April 9, 1889. No. 322,700 to 539,300 manufactured.
DETAIL OF DESIGN
Designed as Third Model with the following changes:
Barrel—Made in 3 1/4″, 4″, 5″ and 6″ lengths. Smith & Wesson, Springfield, Mass., U.S.A. and patent dates stamped on top rib.
Hammer—Slotted at notches to receive fly inserted and pivoted on cross pin used to protect half cock notch against breakage should hammer slip from thumb in cocking.
Trigger—Slotted through body to receive extended arm of rear sear and spring stop. Side walls made to cover exposed action of rear sear and stop.
Hand—Thickness changed to allow hand to pass ratchet tooth in carrying up cylinder, extractor ratchet tooth changed to conform.
Rear Sear—With extended arm to engage spring stop.
Stop—Spring leaf type pinned in frame extended end engaging rear sear in trigger slot.
Guard—Shape of bow changed to conform with trigger finger piece. Side walls at trigger cut extended to cover exposed action of rear sear.
MODEL 38 CALIBER DOUBLE ACTION—Fifth Model
No. 539,300 to No. 554,077 manufactured. Discontinued in 1911.
DETAIL OF DESIGN
Designed as Fourth Model with the following changes:
Barrel—Solid sights made from forging not inserted. Strap driller and square hole broached to receive barrel catch cam and coil spring. Smith & Wesson, Springfield, Mass., U.S.A. Stamped on top rib.
Barrel Catch—Changed at front end lug engaging cam shortened to conform with new catch cam.
Barrel Catch Cam—Made square body with spring pivot central with body.
MODEL 38 CALIBER SAFETY—First Model
Catalogued as “Safety Hammerless,” “New Departure.” Ammunition, 38 Smith & Wesson center fire cartridges. No. 1 to No. 5,000 manufactured from January, 1887. Patented February 20, 1877; December 18, 1877; May 11, 1880; September 11, 1883; October 2, 1883; August 4, 1885.
DETAIL OF DESIGN
Frame—Round butt, irregular shaped side plate inserted from left side, held in position with hammer stud nut and plate screw. Solid wall over hammer cut completely inclosing hammer. Guard, Trigger and Stop slot cuts in bottom strap made to receive V-shaped trigger spring, Trigger and Stop. Tenon cuts at ends of guard cut to hold bow-shaped spring guard incasing double action Trigger. Back strap of tang cut to receive safety lever, Tang slotted to allow engagement of a safety lever with safety latch. Frame post made flush with bolster face circle of back swung from barrel joint hole. Face of post notched to latch Z bar barrel catch post extending through barrel strap forming base for rear sight. Finished in blue or nickel.
Barrel—Round body ribbed top, jointed to frame at bottom strap forward of guard latching to frame at post with Z bar barrel catch. Base pin screwed into body of barrel forming cylinder bearing. Strap slotted and cuts let in forward of post cut to receive leaf spring cylinder hook designed to hold cylinder in position on base pin also a two piece Z bar barrel catch operated from left side of strap unlatching barrel from frame post. Joints slotted to receive extractor cam. Front sight inserted and pinned in. Made 3 1/4″, 4″ and 5″ lengths. Smith & Wesson, Springfield, Mass., U.S.A.
Cylinder—five chambers, grooved. Bushing with internal square threaded portion for base pin pressed in extending beyond face of cylinder forming gas ring. Counter- bored to receive flanged head extractor with ratchet designed to allow hand to pass by tooth in carrying up cylinder. Center hole for extractor made pentagon shape.
Hammer—Straight sides round top circle of swing concentric with hammer stud without thumb piece, straight face for firing pin impact. Stirrup cut shaped to receive rebounding main spring stirrup. Single notch provided for double action throw only. V-shaped lug at bottom to operate split spring escapement for cylinder stop. Case hardened finish.
Trigger—Flanged finger piece pivoted to frame held in normal position with V -shaped trigger spring. Front sear jointed to trigger held in position with hand pivot, center distance sufficient to give required double action throw to hammer. Flat spring inserted in hand acting as combination hand and sear spring. Trigger slotted as clearance for cylinder stop. Lug on trigger as stop to forward action stopping in guard. Case hardened finish.
Safety Latch—Inserted and cross pinned in slot rear of hammer cut in frame held in normal or latched position by latch spring locking hammer against cocking.
Safety Lever—Jointed and pinned in place on back strap of tang at butt with an L-shaped interlocking lug engaging safety latch. Edge shaped to conform to the general outline of tang checked to improve grip.
Latch Spring—Flat leaf spring with lug at butt inserted and cross pinned in position inside back strap of tang engaging safety latch.
Cylinder Stop—Commonly called “Grasshopper Stop” due to its length and irregular contour cross pinned to frame near stock circle held in normal position by flat leaf spring. Operated by hammer engaging split spring mounted on stop.
Split Spring—Mounted on and pinned to stop, split lengthwise engaging lug on hammer forcing stop down unlocking cylinder when cocking returning through slit spring when firing.
Stock—Hard rubber checked with monograms at stock circle.
MODEL 38 CALIBER SAFETY—Second Model
Catalogued as “Safety Hammerless,” “New Departure.” No. 5,000 to No. 42,483 manufactured. Patented February 20, 1877; December 18, 1877; May 11, 1880; September 11, 1883; October 2, 1883; August 4, 1885; February 14, 1886; April 9, 1889; June 3, 1890.
DETAIL OF DESIGN
Designed as First Model with the following changes:
Frame—Shape changed rear of post adding stock to incase barrel catch lifter.
Barrel—Cut rear of post to receive barrel catch. Slotted front of post slot to receive cylinder hook. Cherry cut in top strap to operate hook.
Trigger—Shape changed forming shoulder notch as stop against forward action.
Guard—Cross pin added as stop for trigger forward action.
Barrel Catch—Inserted and cross pinned in position rear of post latching in notch cut rear of post.
Barrel Catch Lifter—Inserted and pinned in position in frame rear of post cut engaging catch, unlatching same from frame post by pressing down on checked thumb piece exposed rear of barrel strap.
Stock—Hard rubber checked with S&W monograms at stock circle. Plain pearl stocks with gold plated S&W monograms inserted at stock circle.
MODEL 38 CALIBER SAFETY—Third Model
Catalogued as “Safety Hammerless,” “New Departure.” No. 42,483 to No. 116,002 manufactured.
DETAIL OF DESIGN
Designed as Second Model with the following changes:
Frame—Shape slightly changed rear of post to receive hammer stop.
Barrel—Cuts changed rear of post slot to receive two piece catch. Made 3 1/4″, 4″, 5″ and 6″ lengths.
Barrel Catch—Made in two pieces screwed together consisting of catch and thumb piece. Thumb piece, checked and mounted on catch. Catch inserted and pinned in position rear of post cut in barrel latching in notch cut rear of post.
Hammer Stop—Inserted and pinned in position in frame rear of post directly beneath barrel catch and over top of hammer. Acting as stop against hammer when catch is pressed downward in opening arm engaging stop notch cut in top of hammer as a preventive against accidental discharge.
MODEL 38 CALIBER SAFETY—Fourth Model
No. 116,002 to No. 190,064 manufactured. Patented October 2, 1883; August 4, 1885; April 9, 1889.
DETAIL OF DESIGN
Designed as Third Model with the following changes:
Frame—Shape changed rear of post to match barrel catch. Back of post circle changed to a circle concentric with barrel catch pivot hole. Monogram S&W stamped on right side.
Barrel—Strap cut to straddle post, slotted to receive barrel catch, catch cam and spring. Shim insert under barrel strap to cover cam cut. “38 S&W CTG.” stamped on left side of body. Smith & Wesson, Springfield, Mass., U.S.A with patent dates stamped on top rib.
Cylinder—Tempered steel shims inserted at top notches.
Barrel Catch—Inserted and pivoted in strap interlocking and swinging over frame post. Checked buttons raised from either side as a thumb and forefinger grip. Rear end circle shaped to conform to frame edging.
Barrel Catch Cam—Located front of catch held in contact by coil spring holding same in latched position. Made rectangular shape with spring pilot.
MODEL 38 CALIBER SAFETY—Fifth Model
No. 190,064 manufactured.
DETAIL OF DESIGN
Designed as Fourth Model with the following changes:
Barrel—Solid sight made from forging not inserted. Strap drilled and square hole broached to receive barrel catch cam and coil spring. Base pin pressed and cross pinned instead of screwed to position. Smith & Wesson, Springfield, Mass., U.S.A. stamped on top rib. Smith & Wesson stamped on left side of body. “38 S&W. CTG.” stamped on right side of body.
Barrel Catch—Changed at front end lug engaging cam, shortened to conform with new catch cam.
Barrel Catch Cam—Made square body with spring pilot central with body.
Stock—Made of black walnut checked.
MODEL 38 CALIBER DOUBLE ACTION—”Perfected”
Ammunition 38 Smith & Wesson center fire cartridge. No. 1 to No. 58,398 manufactured from January 1909 to 1920. Patented August 4, 1896; December 22, 1896; October 8, 1901; February 6, 1906; September 14, 1909.
DETAIL OF DESIGN
Frame—Round butt, solid trigger guard. Side plate inserted from right side held in place with four plate screws. S&W monograms stamped on left side. Frame post made flush with bolster face circle of back swung from barrel catch screw hole. Slot cut in left side wall at lock work cut for bolt thumb piece. Stop slot cut through cylinder wall at bottom strap. Finished in blue or nickel.
Barrel—Round body ribbed top jointed to frame at bottom strap forward of guard latching to frame at bolster interlocking post with jointed barrel catch. Base pin pressed and cross pinned in position in body forming cylinder bearing. Joint slotted to receive extractor cam. Solid forged front sight. Smith & Wesson, Springfield, Mass., U.S.A. and patent dates stamped on top rib. “38 S&W CTG.” stamped on left side of body. Made in 3 1/4″, 4″, 5″ and 6″ lengths.
Cylinder—Made of nickel steel. (Not heat treated). Five chambers, grooved. Center hole made with square threaded portion for base pin. Extractor bushing inserted and staked in place having round hole with dutchman. Counter-bored to receive flanged head extractor with ratchet designed to allow hand to pass by tooth in carrying up cylinder. Extractor held in position by dutchman and one dowel pin.
Center Pin—Straight round body with small flanged head extending through extractor locking cylinder with frame rear end, held in latched position by coil spring located in extractor post.
Lock Work—Designed as Model 1 32 caliber hand ejector model of 1903. Third, fourth and fifth changes.
Stock—Hard· rubber, checked with S&W monograms at stock circle.
MODEL 38 HAND EJECTOR—”Military & Police” First Model
Ammunition 38 caliber long Colt U.S. Service cartridge. Patented July 1, 1884; April 9, 1889; May 21, 1895; July 16, 1895; August 4, 1896; December 22, 1896; October 4, 1898. No. 1 to No. 20,975 manufactured from March 24, 1899. 2,000 made for U.S. Navy, 1,000 made for U.S. Army, 6 1/2″ barrel.
DETAIL OF DESIGN
Frame—Round butt irregular shaped side plate inserted from right side held in position with four plate screws. Large S&W monograms stamped on side plate. Side swing yoke jointed to frame forward of guard held in by pivoted plate screw at stud swinging out to left side carrying cylinder on arm. Slot cut through right side wall at lock work for bolt thumb piece. Frame threaded to receive barrel at top strap. Solid trigger guard. Bolster flange crimped on left side to engage center pin. Frame lug inserted in left side lower strap as buttment for cylinder in extracting shells. Finished in blue or nickel.
Barrel—Tapered round body, threaded to screw to frame held in position by cross dowel through frame. Solid front sight. Flat boss raised from body underside to close space between barrel and extractor rod. Patent dates stamped on top. Cartridge stamp on left side. Made in 4″, 5″, 6″ and 6 1/2″ lengths.
Cylinder—Six chambers, grooved, inserted gas ring. Counter-bored to receive flanged head extractor with ratchet designed to allow hand to pass by tooth in carrying up. Circle cut to receive ends of extractor arms acting as dowels. Center hole made with solid key or dutchman for extractor stem. Chambered for 38 caliber long Colt U.S. service cartridge.
Hammer—Straight sides checked thumb piece, round pointed nose inserted and pinned to place in slot allowing motion sufficient to result in straight thrust to primer, guided by and through bolster bushing. Sear jointed to hammer front face held in latched or normal position with coil wire spring engaging trigger for double throw. Notch cut at foot for full cock position. Slotted to receive plain mainspring stirrup. Bottom of foot made flat to engage rocker rebound. Made of decarbonized steel, case hardened.
Trigger—Pivoted on trigger stud screwed to frame. Straight sides, slotted to receive trigger lever, hand lever and hand lever spring. Hand pivoted to right side engaging hand lever through moon slot in side wall. Cam or hook extending from body forward of stud hole to engage cylinder stop. Made of decarbonized steel, case hardened.
Trigger Spring—Flat leaf spring with lug at butt inserted and pinned in slot inside of frame tang acting as combination trigger and rebounding lever spring.
Rebound Lever—Pivoted to frame engaging hammer at foot rebounding same through action of trigger spring holding lever against face of trigger at the instance of trigger recovery.
Cylinder Stop—Pivoted on stop stud screwed in frame held in normal position through plunger and coil wire spring in body of stop. Spring plunger latch inserted in side located to engage trigger hook, designed to operate stop upon first action of trigger pull receding and latching under hook on trigger recovery.
Extractor Rod—Screwed to extractor extending forward of yoke having sufficient action to extract shells from cylinder. Knurled knob screwed to end as stop and buttment for hand ejector action.
Bolt—Incased in slot in frame with stud extending through side carrying thumb piece, pivoted at head end engaging center pin located in extractor unlocking cylinder from frame at bolster. When in forward position rear lug of bolt blocking hammer against cocking with cylinder unlocked also blocking action of bolt when hammer is cocked thereby acting as a double prevention against accidental discharge.
Stock—Hard rubber, checked with monograms at stock circle. Walnut stocks, checked without monograms.
MODEL 38 HAND EJECTOR—Military & Police, Second Model 1902
Ammunition 38 S&W Special cartridge. U.S. Service cartridge. Patented April 9, 1889; March 27, 1894; May 21, 1895; July 16, 1895; August 4, 1896; December 22, 1896; October 4, 1898; October 8, 1901; December 17, 1901. From No. 20,976 to No. 33,803 manufactured.
DETAIL OF DESIGN
Designed as “First Model” with the following changes:
Barrel—Round lug raised from body of barrel forward of extractor rod, incasing round locking bolt acting as front lock for yoke.
Extractor Rod—Dia. of body increased to allow material for hole through rod incasing extended length of center pin. Knurled extractor rod knob screw on outside of rod. Center hole beveled at throat to receive locking bolt. At the instance of the forward action of frame bolt unlocking cylinder at bolster the center pin extending through extractor and rod engaging and releasing locking bolt from rod.
Yoke—Diameter of center hole front enlarged to receive increased dia. of extractor rod.
Hammer—Two pins drawn through hammer protruding beyond surface of sides as bearings to prevent chafing of finish.
Cylinder—Stop notches lined with hardened steel shims to prevent upsetting.
MODEL 38 HAND EJECTOR—Military & Police, Model 1902
First Change October 27, 1903 Ammunition 38 S&W Special cartridges. From No. 33,804 to No. 62,449 manufactured.
DETAIL OF DESIGN
Designed as Model 1902 with the following changes:
Frame—Diameter of barrel hole enlarged to receive changed barrel thread diameter. Yoke cut changed to allow stock for barrel hole. Tang changed for square butt stocks. November 18, 1904, about No. 58,000. Both round and square butt frames made.
Barrel—Thread diameter increased to add strength to walls at breech. Collar raised from body diameter at thread shoulder to compensate for increased diameter of thread.
Yoke—Thickness of wall around center hole and top angle reduced to allow stock added in frame at yoke cut for the larger barrel hole.
Stock—Round butt, checked wood and rubber. Square butt, checked wood only.
MODEL 38 HAND EJECTOR—Military & Police Model 1905, May 1905
Ammunition, 38 S&W Special cartridge. Patented April 9, 1889; March 27, 1894; May 21, 1895; July 16, 1895; August 4, 1896; December 22, 1896; October 4, 1898; October 8, 1901; December 17, 1901. From No. 62,449 to No. 73,250 manufactured.
DETAIL OF DESIGN
Designed as Model 1902, First change, with the following changes:
Frame—Stop cut and slot changed to allow for reciprocating action of stop. Hole drilled through frame forward of guard to stop cut to receive stop plunger, spring, and screw.
Cylinder—Stop notches elongated to allow for action of stop in latching.
Trigger—Hook shape engaging cylinder stop changed to extend across face to function with reciprocating action of stop in latching. Chafing bushings added to protect side finish.
Extractor—Diameter of bushing hole for center pin reduced, making head of center pin alike diameter eliminating shoulder.
MODEL 38 HAND EJECTOR—Military & Police, Model 1905 First Change February 1906
Ammunition, 38 S&W Special cartridge. Patented April 9, 1889; March 27, 1894; May 21, 1895; July 16, 1895; August 4, 1896; December 22, 1896; October 4, 1898; October 8, 1901; December 17, 1901 ; February 6, 1906. First and Second change combined. From No. 73,251 to No. 146,- 899 manufactured.
DETAIL OF DESIGN
Designed as Model 1905 with the following changes:
Frame—Lockwork cut changed to provide straight flat bearing for new rebound slide. Rebound slide stud added, located rear of slide bearing as guide and abutment for slide and trigger spring. Trigger spring boss and slot removed from inside tang.
Hammer—Shape changed at foot to engage rebound slide. Diameter of stud hole increased to allow for larger stud.
Rebound Slide—Operating upon recovery of trigger between hammer foot and frame, incasing wire coil trigger spring. A key or feather raised from bed side operating in slot in frame to prevent slide from raising in action.
MODEL 38 CALIBER HAND EJECTOR—Military & Police Model 1905, Second Change
Ammunition, 38 caliber S&W Special cartridge. Patented March 27, 1894; May 21, 1895; August 4, 1896; December 22, 1896; October 8, 1901; December 17, 1901; February 6, 1906.
DETAIL OF DESIGN
Designed as Model 1905, First change, with the following changes:
Frame—Key slot for rebound slide removed.
Hammer—Rib added at seat cut from joint to foot strengthening hammer when rebounded.
Rebound Slides—Key removed from bed side.
Extractor—Doweled with two pins driven in cylinder instead of circle cuts at end of arm.
MODEL 38 CALIBER HAND EJECTOR—Military & Police Model 1905—Third Change, September 14, 1909
Ammunition, 38 Caliber S&W Special cartridge. Patented March 27, 1894; May 21, 1895; August 4, 1896; December 22, 1896; October 8, 1901; December 17, 1901; February 6, 1906; September 14, 1909. From No. 146,900 to No. 241,703 manufactured.
DETAIL OF DESIGN
Designed as Model 1905, second change, with the following changes:
Hammer—Shape at foot forward of rebound seat made to engage notch in trigger for double action throw.
Sear—Lengthened to engage trigger.
Rebound Slide—Shoulder engaging hammer made straight in place of angle shortening action of rebound, allowing greater surface of flat. Patent dates removed.
Extractor Rod—Knurled knob made solid on rod with separate rod collar, nickel steel.
MODEL 38 CALIBER HAND EJECTOR—Military & Police Model 1905, Fourth Change
Ammunition, 38 caliber S&W Special cartridge. Patented October 8, 1901; December 17, 1901; February 6, 1906; September 14, 1909; December 29. 1914. From No. 241,704 to No. 497,509-July 1924 manufactured.
DETAIL OF DESIGN
Designed as Model 1905, third change with the following changes:
Side Plate—Slotted to receive hammer block with hole drilled in end of slot for round shank of block. Hammer block plunger hole drilled at right angle to slot at hand free cut.
Hand—Shape of back made as a cam with rounded edge to operate hammer block through plunger. Hand pin removed. Hammer block plunger spring acting in combination as hand spring.
Hammer Block—Made as leaf spring located in side plate with head projection to operate between hammer face and frame when hammer rests at rebound being withdrawn from this normal position only through the full rearward action of trigger at the instance of firing.
Trigger—Made omitting hand pin slot, hand lever pin hole, and hand lever spring hole. Chafing pin removed.
Hammer—Chafing pin removed.
Extractor—Made for one dowel pin the pin nearest to the spline removed.
Cylinder—Heat treated with No. 316,648.
Sight—Made square cut rear with flat top strap. Front sight flat top. No. 406,301, April 1, 1922.
Target—Made with front and rear tang corrugated for improved grip also furnished with corrugated trigger finger piece, August 14, 1923.
MODEL 38 H.E. REGULATION POLICE—First Model
Ammunition, .38 Smith & Wesson; .38 S&W Gallery. Patented February 6, 1908; September 14, 1909; December 29, 1914. Manufactured February 6, 1917. No. 1 to No. 28,465 to date July, 1924.
DETAIL OF DESIGN
Designed as Model I hand ejector, 32 caliber Regulation Police with the following exceptions.
Frame—Cylinder cut enlarged at top and bottom strap to allow for increased diameter of cylinder. Side wall at cylinder cut on angle to allow clearance for cylinder in swing cut position. Hand slot changed with No. 4,801 to improve action of hand in carrying up cylinder. Finished in blue or nickel.
Cylinder—Five chambers, with smaller extractor stem to allow for larger cartridge chamber. Heat treated chrome nickel steel.
Yoke—Arm and center hole diameter reduced to receive smaller diameter center hole in cylinder.
Barrel—Made for 38 caliber in 4″ length only.
Extractor—Smaller diameter stem held in position in cylinder with dutchman and one dowel pin.
Center Pin—Straight, round body extending through extractor and rod with spring collar stopping on extractor stem end.
Extractor Rod—Screwed to extractor made to receive center pin spring.
Sight—Made square cut rear with flat top strap. Front sight flat top with No. 26,966.
Stock—Checked walnut, square butt only.
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