This old gun needs an identity.

[D V US]

The pinned barrel is a S&W feature from the earliest hand ejector through 1982, after which it and recessed cylinders on Magnum revolvers were discontinued. There is no reason to believe the barrel has been changed.

 

[dennishoddy]

Before you Scared the fellow off, you should have asked him. No telling what kind of action the old girl has seen.
Finally made it back to American Soil.
Cool.
Glad you made it back Also.

Korea in the 70's was pretty good duty. This was the only incident we had other than some self-generated shenanigans of our own cause!

 

[JokerofDeath]

Definitely a 1905 4th change with a serial number falling within late 1919 and early 1920

 

[dennishoddy]

That puppy be old!
ETA: if this link is correct it’s a 2nd change

SMITH & WESSON .38 Hand Ejector Model of 1905 :: Gun Values by Gun Digest

A continuation of .38 M&P Hand Ejector series. Built from 1905 to 1906. Available in 4-, 5-, 6- and 6.5-in. barrels. Finished in blue or nickel, with round or square butt. The .38-caliber serial number range 62450-73250, with about 10,800 produced. Note: Prices for the following four variations...

gunvalues.gundigest.com

Considering the S/N is in the lower range of the 4th change, We can easily assume it is well over 100 years old and still a shooter. How it got to Korea in the 70's is something we will never know.