Smith & Wesson .38 Double Action 4th Model Top-Break Revolver in .38 S&W, 6-Inch Barrel, 5-Shot
This Smith & Wesson .38 Double Action 4th Model is a steel, top-break revolver chambered in .38 S&W with a fluted 5-shot cylinder and an auto-ejecting star extractor visible when the action is opened. It features an exposed hammer with double-action/single-action operation, fixed iron sights, and checkered hard-rubber style grips with molded S&W-style monogram medallions. Based on its features and serial range placement, its manufacturing era is identified as 1895–1909.
CONDITION
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Fair - Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Bore Rifling: Fair Rifling - Worn rifling, slight loss of definition.
Overall Mechanical Condition: The action shows fair function with wear consistent with the overall condition.
Overall Finish Condition: Fair condition, showing significant wear consistent with use and handling.
Overall Grips Condition: Fair condition, showing handling wear.
Specific Condition Notes: The revolver shows significant markings and rust from previous handling and use. The bore is described as bright and clean; refer to pictures for details.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Smith & Wesson .38 Double Action 4th Model revolver
This is a full-size Smith & Wesson top-break revolver built on an auto-ejecting pattern, with the star extractor visible when opened. It uses a top-strap/barrel latch located at the rear of the barrel rib, consistent with the design features noted on this example.
The revolver is chambered in .38 S&W and uses a fluted 5-shot cylinder. The barrel length is reported as 6 inches, giving this configuration a longer sight radius while keeping the classic fixed-sight layout.
Sight configuration is straightforward and period-correct: a rounded/half-round front blade on the barrel rib and a notch rear sight at the latch/top-strap area. The trigger guard is noted for its distinctive forward-swept/reverse-curved profile.
Markings include an S&W barrel-top rib address/patent line that is present but not fully legible in photos. The serial number 380045 is visible on the butt and was confirmed by human input; the manufacturing era is identified as 1895–1909 based on observed features and serial range placement.