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S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 All 5-Screw & Vintage 4-Screw SWING-OUT Cylinder REVOLVERS, and the 35 Autos and 32 Autos


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Old 02-09-2013, 03:36 PM
lmjyahoo lmjyahoo is offline
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Default 38/44 Outdoorsman - Pre-23 W/Fitz Target Grips

Just purchased a 38/44 Outdoorsman Model of 1950 - Pre-23 with an interesting set of Wood Target Grips with the name "Fitz" on the bottom. The gun and grips are above very good condition. Curious if the grips add or detract from the value. No, the gun did not come with the original grips, though I'd like to find a pair. It did come with the Gold Box, but its not in good shape. Beautiful N frame from 1953.
Any information is greatly appreciated.
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Old 02-09-2013, 04:47 PM
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First of all - Welcome to the forum!

I would expect that the stocks in question look a little like this:





These are Fitz stocks on an early 4-screw Model 48. I don't think they add to the value, but they probably do not detract from it either. They are comfortable in my hand and so they will probably stay on the 48. Interesting to note - most of the later Fitz stocks that I have seen are the same shape but they were made from some sort of plastic.

Let's see a couple of photos... I love the Outdoorsman's and I have some aftermarket target stocks on one of my post war ones. I like them too, but I think they are made by Sile or Stile (something like that - I just cannot remember). They are on the top gun in this photo (the bottom gun has the factory stocks):

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Old 02-09-2013, 07:34 PM
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Very nice, I have some wood Fitz grips but the checkering on mine is different.
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Old 02-09-2013, 09:14 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Combat View Post
.... I have some wood Fitz grips but the checkering on mine is different.
I've seen a lot of unique sets of grips in my time, but never a set with basket weave carving... Those are beyond cool.

Do you know if the carving was original, or maybe carved at a later date?

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Old 02-09-2013, 09:56 PM
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Those old wood Fitz stocks are great.
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Old 02-10-2013, 12:25 AM
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The .38/44 Outdoorsman is one of the great target .38s of all time. You are going to love your Pre-23.

Please post some photos of your new gun when you have the chance.
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Old 02-10-2013, 10:21 AM
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Yes, please post pics soon. I want to see what your Fitz grips look like. Got mine off flea-bay.Don't have any info on them and I have never saw a catalog or ad for the wood ones.There are always several plastic ones for sale from the-bay on a daily basis, these were the only wood ones I've come across there.
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Old 02-10-2013, 10:36 AM
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There are a couple different Fitz names you'll see on the bottom of the wood stocks. Some are carved, like yours, Combat, and others will have the name "fire-branded" into the wood, similar to the old Herrett's branding.

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Old 02-10-2013, 09:45 PM
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Default Pics of Pre-23 (38/44 Outdoorsman) Model of 1950 .38sp

Now that I had some time to study this website more, here (hopefully) are a few photos of the Pre-23 Outdoorsman.
RKmesa: thanks for your input, the Fitz grips are identical to yours. I only wish the "gold" box was in better shape.
Serial number dates to 1953. Someone took very good care of this one, as the bluing is excellent.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg Outdoorsman#5.JPG (52.0 KB, 145 views)
File Type: jpg Outdoorsman#4.JPG (52.0 KB, 128 views)
File Type: jpg Outdoorsman#2.JPG (42.6 KB, 133 views)
File Type: jpg Outdoorsman#3.JPG (39.6 KB, 123 views)
File Type: jpg Outdoorsman#1.JPG (30.4 KB, 123 views)

Last edited by lmjyahoo; 02-10-2013 at 09:48 PM.
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Old 02-10-2013, 10:02 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lmjyahoo View Post
.... I only wish the "gold" box was in better shape....
I wouldn't worry for a minute about the condition of the box as long as it's numbered to the gun. Just be thankful to have gotten the original box. Boxes were quite often discarded and deemed unnecessary clutter and no thought was ever given to the future value of the complete package.

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Old 01-10-2017, 07:13 PM
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RKmesa, the upper set of target grips is a nice Herrett's thumbrest: SILE are different, half way between Fitz and Herrett's shape.
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