Newbie aquired a 38 regulation police

[dre442]

I am new to this forum so thanks in advance for any help. I been reading a lot of the posts trying to figure out what I have. It is a nickle plated 4 inch barrel regulation police in 38 s&w. It has a fair amount of wear on the nickle but the bore is pristine so I surmise it was carried a long time but not fired a lot. It has the number 7584 on the front tang of the grip (?) and on the cylinder. also has 338 stamped on the frame in front of the cylinder where I believe the model numbers are. I am curious to the age and value. Was also interested if the general opinion is leave as is or refininish? It does have different grips so it is not totally original. I will attempt to add some pics. Thanks again.

[Oldgungeezer]

Hi Dre442 and welcome to the forum.

Have you removed the grip panels and confirmed that there are no numbers on the bottom of the grip frame? Indeed, some had numbers on the front of the grip tang, but the bottom is usual.

If 7584 is the correct s/n, the SCSW lists it as 1917-1940 year range (broad).........and my guess is your four digit number would put it into the first year or two........but, please look at the bottom of the grip frame to see if there are any numbers there.

Personally, I wouldn't have it refinished.......also, I'd avoid getting Hoppes on the nickle finish (especially around the worn spots). Hoppes can react with the base copper plating (below the nickle) and cause further deterioration/damage to the nickle plating.

If it locks-up good and the timing is correct, it should be safe to shoot .38 S&W's (it is not .38 Special).

Correct grips would be nice, but the ones you have (although incorrect) don't look bad on your revolver.

Hopefully, one of our resident expert forum members will jump in here and give you additional info........maybe even correct me......chuckle.

Best Regards,

Geezer

[Injunbro]

Welcome to the forum. The cost of refinishing won't be recovered in added value, I'd keep it as is.

[RDLouks]

Looks like Geezer and Injunbro answered your questions, so all there is to add is: to the Forum from Michigan.

[gearchecker]

Welcome to the forum.
Your Regulation Police should be a real fun wheelgun to shoot. Make certain you're shooting only .38 S&W ammo (.38 S&W Short),
and you should be good to go. The ammo can be a little difficult to find, but once you have a source, sticking with them will do you both a world of good. After a while they may offer you some discounts if you're a regular customer. I have a local pusher that's constantly offering me discounts to buy more of his ammo. He always brings a couple extra boxes of his 38 S&W's especially for me to the local gun show, knowing I'll be buying them once I get over to his booth.
Like old gun geezer mentioned stay away from any cleanign agent that has Ammonia init. Hoppe's is one of them to always avoid with this pistol.
It's the ammonia in it that's the culprit.


Enjoy the shooter
Gearchecker