The American Beagler Forum

have a 38cal Hopkins &Allen revolver 3in bbl anyone ever heard of it
it says Saftey Police made in Norwich Conn, Patent looks like Aug 28908
serial#B5XXX
any help appreciated

Looks like you got the early edition of the Hopkins & Allen Safety Police model made from 1908 to 1917. It most likely shoots the 38 S&W special rather than the earlier 38 S&W. Either way I'd have it checked by a gunsmith before I ran any rounds through it.