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Old 10-20-2015, 06:17 PM
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MP1983 MP1983 is offline
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Default Western Marshall .44 Mag -- need help

My local pawn has one for $399, and I can probably get it out the door for $360-$375. It is in good shape considering it's age, and I really like the hammer/trigger on it and the gun's overall balance.

The only part that looks beat up at all is the base pin. The barrel is marked "Made in West Germany, J.P. Sauer & Son, Hawes Los Angeles," etc.

I know these were very popular while Colt was catching up on the SAA craze of 1950's Hollywood, and they have a reputation for being built like a tank. Any suggestions on what to look for in the way of wear, and what about the price you'd be willing to pay for one? What years were these made in .44 mag?

The bluing is good except around grip (to be expected). It felt light and at first and I thought maybe it was part aluminum like the Blackhawks, but I'm guessing it must be all steel? Maybe it's just the fine balance that made it feel light. Grips are smooth walnut (w/ a minor chip).

The thing I least liked about it was the crude front sight. The shape and width, and how it appears mounted, just isn't 1800's, but I could probably get over that. Rear sight is traditional fixed.

Well, any thoughts or fond memories of one of these beasts of the new west would be appreciated. Thanks.

Last edited by MP1983; 10-20-2015 at 06:54 PM. Reason: typo
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Old 10-20-2015, 06:48 PM
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My father had one for many yrs. Hawes .44 mag. Grip is a bit small for heavier loads. Cylinder throats were .435. I think you can find'em less expensive tho.
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Old 10-20-2015, 06:53 PM
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I know these things used to sell for $125 or so for years...but I think the cowboy action shooters have helped to drive the price up a little (that & the fact that anything that fires gunpowder is costing more these days).
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Old 10-20-2015, 07:07 PM
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That's waaay tooo much money for that handgun in 100% condition . Use that money for a down payment on a used ruger in 44 or a Uberti in 45 .
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Old 10-20-2015, 09:11 PM
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Back when Hawes Western Marshall came out they were $89.95.
I was still in hi school, had two buddies who had jobs in mill. They both bought the Hawes. I had to have one too, but I only
made $40 in a IGA store. Took me a couple months to swing it.
The big day came, we were going to town to get my 44. We. Walked in door and in case was a S&W 29 next to the Hawes. I
lost all interest in the Hawes, put my hard earned bucks down on
the 29. My old man caught wind of deal and payed it off couple
days later. The first session of 29 vs Hawes , there was another
trip to town made, my 2 buddies ordered 29s. Moral of story. If
you just want something to detonate 44s, buy the Hawes. There
were a lot of Hawes sold at that time. Saw many that had cracked forcing cones and guns that were siezed from cylinder
Pin peening from the rear, against the hammer.
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Old 10-20-2015, 09:20 PM
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It took me a long time to learn, "The extra you spend for quality will be forgotten long before the PIA of buying something cheap"!

I agree with the above post that said you should hold out for a Ruger Super Blackhawk, if you're really itching for a .44 Mag SA. Don't forget that Elmer Keith himself said it was the best single action ever made!

Last edited by RobertJ.; 10-20-2015 at 09:21 PM.
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Old 10-20-2015, 09:27 PM
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If you want something you will never get your money out of, but the Hawes... and when the timing goes south, good luck. Friend had one and off to the pawn shop it went. I think he got $50 for it.
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Old 10-20-2015, 09:35 PM
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I always heard these were pretty well made. Not hearing it here.

Let's be honest...4 bills don't buy much these days. If the gun functions and isn't all beat up it's probably worth $400.

The Ruger is great but not a traditional SAA. Depends on what you want in a SA revolver.
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Old 10-20-2015, 09:39 PM
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Thanks for the feedback fellas...I certainly wasn't enamored by the Hawes when I was looking it over, but I was giving it some serious thought. Thanks for the help.
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Old 10-20-2015, 09:47 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SaxonPig View Post
I always heard these were pretty well made. Not hearing it here.

Let's be honest...4 bills don't buy much these days. If the gun functions and isn't all beat up it's probably worth $400.

The Ruger is great but not a traditional SAA. Depends on what you want in a SA revolver.
I am looking for an SAA clone. Never was a big fan of adjustable sights. I owned a New Model Blackhawk in .357 briefly, but let it go in a trade.

As far as .44's go, I already have a shooters grade 4" 629 no dash.
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