1923 colt 38, can I fire it?

[hoosierdoc]

I was given my great-grandfather's army special 38 from 1923 a few years ago. He served on the Ft Wayne police department and this was his service pistol. Gander Mountain gunsmith said it was in great shape but didn't recommend firing it much because today's ammo is a lot more powerful than the gun was designed for.

Can you guys give me some opinions on the truth of that statement? If true, could I have a reload guy make me some softer loads to run through it for nostalgia shooting without harming it? Appears to be in great shape.

 

[Colt556]

Is it a 38 Special or 38 S&W? Either way it should be ok to fire if it's in good mechanical condition. Have another gunsmith check it out if ya want to make sure. I'm sure some of the reloaders on here can give you plenty of info on reduced power rounds. If it were mine I'd shoot it.

 

[Hiram2005]

Being an Army special, which predates the Official Police, I wouldn't run much +P thru it. But if it's in good shape there's no problem with regular 38 special. Get some round nose lead , wadcutters or the 130 grain FMJ. Won't hurt it at all.

 

[hoosierdoc]

Not sure, left side of barrel says "colt army special 38", other side lists patents. Grip says Colt on each side, no other markings.

 

[Hiram2005]

38 special. Real early ones were made in 38 Long Colt. Made in 1923 it's in 38 special.

 

[Hiram2005]

Give me the serial number and I'll look it up for you. Look inside the crane, swing out the cylinder and find the serial number. Should be 5 or 6 digits. Give me the first 3 and i can look it up.

 

[kludge]

If it's in good condition standard pressure .38 special will be fine. It's generally recommended that pre-war revolvers not use +P.

If it's loose, then put it in a display case. It wouldn't hurt to get a second opinion, but I would follow the gunsmiths' recommendations.

 

[edsinger]

I fired my 1898 .32......

I say go for it but sparingly...