I may have an opportunity to purchase a S&W 38/44 Outdoorsman revolver in 98% condition. The S/N places it early in the post-war production, but does not have the "S prefix", meaning a pre-war frame used later, I would assume. It has target diamond grips.

If anybody could give me a rough idea of value that would be fair to both Buyer and Seller, I would certainly appreciate it. I have not seen the gun myself. I don't know if it has the 6.5" or
8.75" barrel as noted by Supica & Nahas. Does that significantly impact value?

Can you let us know the serial number as it was reported to you? Masking the last couple of digits with "xx" would be fine.

I love .38/44s! If this is really a postwar transitional OD, it could be quite valuable. But if there is no "S" prefix, it may be a late prewar gun that simply didn't get shipped until after the war.

Pictures would be nice if you could get them.

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David Wilson

Thanks....I need to check the S/N again. I know it was five digits w/ 62xxx, but 62940 was where the S models began.

I am aware of several Pre-war .38/44 Outdoorsman with 62,000 series serial numbers and own one myself.

I would be VERY interested in the complete serial number for my files if you are willing to share (offline) and any photos you may have available.

The Target grips are not correct (although Roper's would be nice !). Does it have a humpback hammer by any chance ? I have never seen one with an 8.75" barrel !

I would hesitate to give any guess on the value without seeing photos.

Jerry

Here is what its close cousins looks like.

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.38/44 Outdoorsman Accumulator

I do not have the gun in my possession, but will have the exact S/N Monday.

S&N mention the 8.75" barrel as one of the prer-war models.

Man Jerry, That's a real Barn Burner!

Drew

ref441:

I really look forward to hearing more about the Outdoorsman and hope you get it ! At 98% it should be a beauty !

I will have to dig out my copy of the book and check the reference then ask Supica & Nahas about who has the 8.75" barreled gun at the Tucson meeting ! I have no record of one of those !

Keep us posted !

Jerry

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.38/44 Outdoorsman Accumulator

Drew:

Thanks !

Has Spring arrive up your way? Nice and toasty yet?

Coming down to the Tucson Meeting to visit with Tom ? I will buy chili dogs and beer !

Jerry

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.38/44 Outdoorsman Accumulator

Jerry.... As much as I'd love to, probably not. I have a big contract at Camp Lejeune this year so I think I'll be tied up on the other side of the country..... Sigh. I like chili dogs and beer.....

ref441,
I will look forward to further developments on your gun - serial number and photos would be great! Actually, any post that gets Jerry to show us some of his collection is a worthwhile post.

Thanks,

Jerry

My error...to be forever blamed on my age.

The S/N is 640xx....with no "S". No pictures as of now...will see if I can get any.

Ref441, the mystery is deepening. A five-numeral N-frame S/N beginning with 64 really should have an S prefix. Is there any chance the first digit is a 5? I have had problems distinguishing the numerals 3, 5, 6, 8 and 9 on some of the 1930s era production because of the blocky numeral style they used; the deeper the numbers are punched in the steel, the harder they can be to read. This has been a particular problem for me on I and K frame guns, but I would not be surprised if N-frames shared the problem.

If the S/N on the gun you are looking at is actually 540xx, then the gun would be prewar production from (I think) 1938.

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David Wilson

My intermediary will not have access to the gun again until Saturday and will check the S/N again and get some pictures.

The highest Pre-War .38/44 Outdoorsman serial number I have record of is in the low #62000 range. The lowest Post-War transitional gun I have record of I actually own and is in the mid#69000 range.

I really look forward to getting details on your particular Outdoorsman and would love to see any photos you can make!
This could be a very interesting find !

Jerry

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.38/44 Outdoorsman Accumulator