New Zealand 4606 S & W 38 Special Property of United States

[oceanview]

Now I get it. You could'nt have put it in a better to understand way. I even have a few of the 2 7/8 inch 10 ga shells left from my days laying on the fence line in the praire grass at the snow goose refuges in Northeastern So Dak with my grandfather. Thanks a ton guys. The next time I see a "have to have it" gun, I will take a breath and ask your opinion.

[Oldgungeezer]

oceanview, don't fail to miss Waidmann's statement in his second post (above) "If the ejector rod is still anchored on the front end you should be able to fire the .38 S&W rounds without concern."

I agree..................

If it were mine and I was going to shoot it, I'd use .38 S&W's (not .38 S&W Special).

Best Regards,

Geezer

[Waidmann]

Oceanview,
As a matter of historical perspective. Between 1940 and 1945 officially 590,305 British Service Models were constructed. Most like yours were officially Lend-Lease, hence either "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" or U.S. PROPERTY appear on them. Additionally yours will be serialed between 950,000 and V300,000 I am betting. And it was produced between April 1942 and the end of 1943. During this period production was between 12,000 and 20,000 a month, hey there's a war going on. After the war say the mid 1950's into the early 1960's, the British and Commonwealth countries are standardizing on 9mm Hi-Powers and selling these off (not politely returning the loan). There being no real market there, they end up back here. There being no demand for 5" barreled .38 S&W's but a ready demand or 2 and 4 inch .38 Specials, S**t happens.

I am glad the analogy worked. At the first sign of trouble I know you will stop. Best wishes and drop by again.

Waidmann

[oceanview]

I found the holy grale of this topic. here is the URL.

Bad Guns: The Chopped S&W Model K-200 « Training for Life LLC’s Official Weblog

Thanks again all for some serious great help

[FlaRon]

SG Ammo has the .38 S&W short cartridge if you do decide to fire yours.

50 rds - 38 SW Winchester 145 grain LRN Ammo X38SWP | SGAmmo.com

Regards,

FlaRon

[Waidmann]

Oceanview,
Thanks we'll have to save the link and use it in the future. FYI another British import-conversion is worse, Webleys shaved to accept .45 ACP, originally they were chambered for .455 a much milder round.

One other point missed along the way. Current .38 S&W is extremely anemic because the round dates back to black powder era top-break revolvers. Okay to punch paper but nothing as a defensive round. The British Service cartridge, originally using a 200 grain lead bullet, by WWII a 175 grain one was about on par with the then .38 Special.

Take care,
W.

[Iggy]

I found the holy grale of this topic. here is the URL.

Bad Guns: The Chopped S&W Model K-200 « Training for Life LLC’s Official Weblog

Thanks again all for some serious great help

That is a great site. Bookmarked that rascal for future use. Thanks for the link.