Ammo for Colt 38 Bankers Special

[cbunt1]

That was what I was assuming, concerning the vintage.

Here's a couple quick grabs. The barrel says "38 Bankers Special". I'm guessing the holster is same vintage but no idea. It's pretty hard, dried leather, maybe I'll try some mink oil on it. I have learned that these were only made up until WWII. Also, the serial number is 127xxx which doesn't jibe with any reference I've been able to find.

If I'm seeing things right, that's a square butt model (square vs. round is relative, so without another version to look at it's a hard call to make) and if it is, that pins the mfg date to pre-1933. Round butt model was standard from 1934-1940, when production ended.

NICE NICE NICE gun. As for the holster, I would consider treating it as an old saddle, and try some neatsfoot oil--but without seeing or handling it, even that's hard to say. I've rescued ancient saddle parts with a soak in neatsfoot oil, but I've also had them crack if the oil doesn't penetrate properly. It also makes the leather soft, but if it were a saddle-type leather rather than a shoe-type leather (I know, real technical, huh? ) that's how I'd go.

Nice vintage stuff, with a family history. There's stories in there! My favorite kind of guns!

[oohrah]

appreciate the offer on reloading - maybe one of these days.

Thanks for all the info on ammo sources. looks like some will be available. I didn't check collector's prices, I have no intention of parting with it, except to eventually hand it down.

[Mike1951]

Before the shortage, I had no trouble finding .38 S&W and even .32 S&W.

No doubt when supply reaches something approaching normalcy, it will be available again.

At least enough for us old timers to feed our old timers.