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Dans Club
December 7, 2020
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Seller says it's a model 11. I think it's not.
It's semi-local.....(In Texas, 100 miles is local 
)
Needs restoration AND a new hammer.
Which begs the question of what is it and can I use a Model 14/15 hammer if I acquire this?
October 17, 2017
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Looks like a 14-2 gun, but not sure about the barrel assembly. I’ve never seen an 8-2, but that’s my best guess.
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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Yup, an 8-2. Actually, it is identical to a 14-2 but only chambers 38 Special unless it is fitted with a 357 cylinder.
All small frame DW hammers are interchangable. They may differ slightly in the dimensions of the hammer face that strikes the transfer bar but that doesn't affect performance. Early guns have a shorter hammer spur.
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Dans Club
February 22, 2009
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To add-
1. Collectors Firearms is always high priced; there's room for negotiation $500 is steep for that specimen
2. Since the hammer is bobbed, there is the additional cost of replacement, so figure that in the total
3. Since there has been obvious work done- it may be a .357 now; check the chambers
4. If you just want a tackle box gun; go ahead and get it.
Technically, the glass is always full; half liquid, half air....
Dans Club
December 7, 2020
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rwsem said
To add-1. Collectors Firearms is always high priced; there's room for negotiation $500 is steep for that specimen
2. Since the hammer is bobbed, there is the additional cost of replacement, so figure that in the total
3. Since there has been obvious work done- it may be a .357 now; check the chambers
4. If you just want a tackle box gun; go ahead and get it.
I made an 300 offer this morning not knowing if it;s a 8 or a 14 and needing a hammer. Requested he try a to insert 357M cartridge in it to help me ID the model. If it is an 8, if restorable, I will be looking for a Hammer, and sending it to Fords for reblueing. If it is too deeply scratched, the a tacklebox gun.
Followup: they will not come down on the price. they did try a 357 cartridge which did not go all the way in, definitely a 38S. So, it is likely a Model 8. (Did they make ant 14-2s in 38S?) Too steep for me @ 500.
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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Pretty sure they made an 8-2. And a 708. But not as many in 38 Special as they did the porkchop models. They were made for law enforcement before semis and then Glocks dominated. I think that considering the rarity of an 8-2 $500 is not unreasonable. A hammer is a $35 part on eBay and easy to replace. It is a drop in part. "The Average Joe Tuneup" in gunsmithing is a picture tutorial on how to fix and tune a small frame DW.
Sending it to Ford's will cost more than will be returned in value. Polish with Flitz and wax with carnuba wax and enjoy it. Too good for a tackle box. Just right for a night table gun.
Dans Club
December 7, 2020
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Ole Dog said
Pretty sure they made an 8-2. And a 708. But not as many in 38 Special as they did the porkchop models. They were made for law enforcement before semis and then Glocks dominated. I think that considering the rarity of an 8-2 $500 is not unreasonable. A hammer is a $35 part on eBay and easy to replace. It is a drop in part. "The Average Joe Tuneup" in gunsmithing is a picture tutorial on how to fix and tune a small frame DW.Sending it to Ford's will cost more than will be returned in value. Polish with Flitz and wax with carnuba wax and enjoy it. Too good for a tackle box. Just right for a night table gun.
I found this one locally yesterday. She ain't too pretty but the price is right. I might end up with both?
February 8, 2014
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Nice 38. It would be a nice addition to your safe.
Steve S.
Dans Club
February 24, 2013
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I believe, if it’s a Dan, it’s beautiful no matter what! 
Dans Club
December 7, 2020
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Well, lesson learned the hard way is still worth the experience and advice to other.
When going to look at a gun that says "38 Special", ALWAYS take a 357 Mag cartridge with you to be sure!
Found out too late. When I got home, I found it to be a 357 (Model 14?) with a 38 Special shroud. Seller offered to buy-back, but I don't have 2+ hours to spare to return it.
Disappointed. $300 lesson
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January 24, 2009
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Scout, the way I see it, you have two good things going for you...
1) At least it's not a 15-2 shroud, so the POA will still be correct to a fixed sight gun.
2) The .38 SPL shrouds are a whole lot more rare. If it was me, I would find a correct 14-2 BA, then put the .38 BA out there with a high reserve to see if it has any potential. Or just use it here for a good trade bait. 
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