Gun value question

If it still fires reliably (it most likely does), then it's still a good glovebox/boat gun.

Give the steel itself a good visual once over for anything that might indicate it's weakened/compromised, and if it looks okay, punch the cylinders and barrel out to clear any obstructions, then test fire it with fresh ammo.

The finish/surface is already wrecked, so you won't lose any sleep over stashing it someplace like a boat, farm truck, etc.

I’ll give yo $50 for it.

Could be a cool Ceracote project.

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Like others have said, it isn't worth much in that condition but it might still be useful. If anyone in the family is a gun person, you should give it to them if you have no use for it.

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Thanks everyone for the input. Good idea about giving the gun to a family member. That’s what I am going to do.

The real value is in the gun’s story. That old thing may have saved countless lives and ended several others. It may have protected your family just enough to make it to today.

I don’t part ways with family stuff like that.

I’d pay top dollar to a gunsmith to restore it. Take it to the range a few times. Keep it for home protection and pray you never have to use it.

Then give it to your kids or the next generation of your family.

Looks like a early model S&W Military and Police 38 Special. They started production in 1899 and were originally made with the round butt grip. With that and the hand ejector style, I would think it is quite old. It would be worth looking into restoring it, as the older smiths are becoming more and more collectible. If not, clean up the surface rust with oil and extra fine steel wool. Whatever you do, don't sell it for a few hundred bucks.

Here's a blued model in similar condition