Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: .38 Double Action 3rd Model

Serial Number: 206186

Year of Manufacture: 1884-1895

Caliber: .38 S&W

Action Type: Top Break Double Action / Single Action Auto-Ejecting Revolver with 5 Round Cylinder

Markings: The bottom of the grip frame, the rear face of the cylinder, rear face of the top strap, and the underside of the barrel latch are marked “206186”. The top of the barrel rib is marked “SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. PAT’D JAN. 24. 65. / JULY 11 65. AUG. 24. 69 REISSUE JULY 25. 71. MAY 11.80 JAN. 3.82.”. 

Barrel Length: 5 Inches, Ribbed

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a thin half-round blade pinned to the barrel rib and the rear sight is a “U” notch in the top of the barrel latch.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered hard rubber stocks that fit the round butt of the grip frame. The grips have an S&W logo at the top and a smooth diamond around the upper grip screw escutcheon. The grips have a few scattered light marks. The checkering is strong with sporadic rub wear. The grips rate in about good condition as Antique. 

Type of Finish: Nickel

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is grey and the rifling is appearent with some light edge wear. There are some scattered spots of erosion and heavy pitting. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 4/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 35% of its metal finish. There are some swirls and draglines from use and storage. There are some scattered little spots of finish loss and light erosion, the most noticeable are on the cylinder with its specks of flaking and the barrel with its complete lack of finish. There are some cloudy areas, the most noticeable are on the grip frame. The trigger guard has a few little spots of oxidation. The screwheads show use with strong slots. The frame has been smoothed of its finish in plenty places. Overall, this handgun rates in about poor to fair condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is minimal side-to-side play in full lockup. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Holster with floral pattern in good condition.

Our Assessment: The .38 Double Action was first introduced in 1880 and manufactured until 1911 with a total production of 554,077 revolvers, it was the company's first .38 double action.Four different design changes were made, resulting in five separate models for the collectors to use in distinguishing the different variations. The 3rd Model was introduced in 1884 and manufactured until 1895, with a total production of 203,700 revolvers produced. This one was made in the middle of the 3rd Models production run and is serial number 206186. It has seen alot of use but is still a charming little revolver at over 125 years old with 35% of its original finish and an action that is still spot on.