I have a Nickeled 38/44 with a 6.5 Barrel ,adjustable sights, checkered magna grips. The strange thing is it has a 357 magnum cylinder, serial numbered to the gun #57695, I have shot 357s in it ,but I now stick to 38spls. the mystery is - It also has a drilled and taped small hole on the left wing or what ever its called, behind the cylinder.

The nickel is quite worn in spots. Could this have possibly bin an experimental transition 357 magnum gun?

It has a super smooth action and trigger that would put a colt Python to shame, I know because I have two. Its also super accurate, A great target gun. So what is your opinion of this gun? Your help is appreciated.....Mac McGuire

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The gun looks to have had the Nickel finish applied some time later. If it were original nickel the rear and front sights would not have been nickeled.

As to the .357 Cylinder, when .357s first came out they were pretty hard to get ahold of, many .38/44s were reamed out to accept .357 magnum. It's a pretty common modification to come across.

I'm not sure what the extra hole means, would need a picture of that I think.

All in all these are amazing guns, even refinished and modified. I can understand why you like it so much.

the hole may have been for some kind of after market rear sight.

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38-44heavyduty.com

Welcome to the forum.

If the hole you refer to is directly under the cylinder release latch, that is how the hammer stud is mounted to the frame, from the inside.

It appears the gun was refinished due to the Made in USA lettering being rounded off and not sharp.

Congratulations on a good shooter.

"It has a super smooth action and a trigger that would put a Colt Python to shame"
Welcome to the wonderful world of 38/44

One more of us, one less of them.

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Halfway and one more step

Welcome to the Forum.
The Outdoorsman could be had with a nickle finish. Not sure how common they are.
Yours has definitely been re-bored to .357 Magnum. I can see the case heads sticking out. If S&W had made one on special order with a 357 Magnum cylinder it would have been recessed.
Just enjoy it as a shooter.
Jim