Smith & Wesson Double Action Revolver, 4th Model, .38 Caliber

Collectible Smith & Wesson revolver with a 5-inch barrel

History

The Smith & Wesson Double Action revolver in .38 caliber enjoyed considerable success and was produced in five successive versions between 1880 and 1911, with total production exceeding 550,000 units. Each new version introduced improvements—whether minor or significant—while retaining a consistent aesthetic. The revolver was notable for its compact size, ease of use, affordability, and top-break mechanism, which facilitated reloading. Its compact nature allowed it to meet the high demand of the era effectively, even amidst intense competition; however, Smith & Wesson’s superior build quality clearly set it apart from its rivals. This specific example is a "4th Model," manufactured between 1895 and 1909, with a production run of over 200,000 units. This model incorporated the latest design evolutions and was offered with barrel lengths ranging from 3¼ to 6 inches.

Our model

This Smith & Wesson Double Action revolver in .38 S&W caliber—featuring the long-barrel configuration—arrives in excellent condition. At least 95% of the original nickel finish remains, showing only minor signs of wear. The trigger guard and trigger retain their original blued finish. The markings are deeply stamped, crisp, and correct. Serial number 189XXX identifies this revolver as a 4th Model. The number matches perfectly on both the frame and the cylinder, ensuring the piece's overall consistency and authenticity.

Mechanically, the revolver is in excellent working order and is fully functional for shooting. The action opens smoothly, and the cartridge extraction operates flawlessly. The indexing is precise and reliable, and the firearm shows only slight play from use, which does not affect its operation. The 5-inch barrel is well-preserved; it features deep, crisp rifling—testament to its quality of manufacture—along with a few minor signs of use. This collectible Smith & Wesson double-action black powder revolver (chambered in .38) is representative of the models that established the brand's success.

The firearm comes with a certificate from St. Étienne classifying it as a Category D weapon.