So, I stopped by one of my local guns shops while out and about today and spied what appeared to be a cut-down barrel N-frame. I wrote down the serial number (163**). Noted that it had non-diamond grips, no model number on the frame and was a 5-screw. The barrel has been cut down to 4" and a new front site added (actually a pretty good job). The bluing is in fair shape, except for the barrel. The action felt good and lock was pretty good too. Got out the 3rd edition and started digging when I got home. It appears to be a 2nd model .44 Hand Ejector manufactured in 1921. Seems that 6.5" was the standard barrel length. The shop owner wasn't in and the fellow behind the counter didn't know the trade history. The asking price is $300. Now, part of me runs away from "Franken-guns", but this thing is intriguing. Might be a interesting project gun. Anyway, would this old revolver be worth $300? Thanks for any input.

I'd be runnin' instead of typin' if I was you!!!

Might even be usin' my cell phone to put a hold on that rascal whilst I was runnin'!

__________________
Eccentric old coot

I will buy any shooting N frame Smith I can find for $300. Every one of em.

Sounds like a bargain to me.

If you like 4" barreled pre war .44s as I do, that's a very inexpensive way to obtain a 4" shooter. You'd pay almost $300 to have one shortened w/o the cost of the gun!

Any original 4" pre war N frame is fairly scarce and expensive! And even if you find and buy one, how many of us would carry and shoot an original to our heart's content and be able to feel guilt free?

Most of my favorite shooters and carry guns were bought in non-original condition in some way for that very reason. Sure I shoot all my nice condition original guns but wouldn't carry them in the field or shoot them excessively in competitive events.

__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819

What Iggy said!!! Beat feet to your LGS post hast or tell me where it is. Its worth over 3cs in parts alone. My most favorite S&W is the 44, any model! And you can still find long replacement barrels if you look hard enough.