Matt

I would think that putting $2500 into a restoration would a little over the top. You'd never get your money out of it. But if recouping your investment is no object, then by all means go for it

I got a 3rd Model 44 a while back for $400 that had been chromed. It had a factory lanyard swivel, 6 1/2" bbl and matching numbered magnas and a humpback hammer. I sent it to Gene Williams and he recut the logo and some markings, stripped the chrome, reblued the gun and case colored the hammer and trigger. Gene also tightened up the action. Keith Brown freshened up the grips and now the gun looks like new. I probably have about $1000 in the gun now including the original purchase price. So your estimates of $2000-2500 may be on the high side. Sounds like a neat gun. Keep us posted on the progress

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Gary Grace
S&WCA #1837