Smith & Wesson .38 Single Action Second Model, .38 S&W, 3.25" Top-Break Revolver (1877–1880)
This antique Smith & Wesson .38 Single Action Second Model is a top-break, five-shot revolver produced between 1877 and 1880. It features the automatic star-ejecting mechanism, a 3.25" barrel, and the characteristic birds-head grip. The top rib rollmark ends with the 1871 reissue and omits the April 20, 1880 patent date, aligning with the Second Model period and helping identify its era of manufacture.
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.
Specific Condition Notes: There are heavy signs of wear even for its age. The smooth varnished wood grip panels are splintered and chipped.
What's Included
- Smith & Wesson .38 Single Action Second Model revolver
The Second Model configuration includes the short extractor housing rather than the long lug seen on the earlier Baby Russian pattern. This example retains the five-shot fluted cylinder and the classic birds-head grip with smooth varnished wood panels, consistent with the period.
Chambered in .38 S&W, it operates in single-action-only with a spur trigger. The top-break action incorporates an automatic star ejector that lifts all cartridges simultaneously when the frame is opened.
Sights are fixed, with a half-moon front blade and a rear notch integral to the latch. The barrel, frame, and cylinder are carbon steel, and the revolver was manufactured in the United States.
Production falls within the 1877–1880 window for the Second Model. The top rib rollmark ending with the 1871 reissue and omitting the April 20, 1880 patent date is a distinguishing mark that corresponds to this era.