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01-10-2016, 02:23 PM
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.38/44 Outdoorsman of 1950 shoot or dont shoot?
Got This Piece yesterday serial #S1410xx nicer condition than Ive seen on Utube? only slite ring around cylinder can anyone help with dob.? & estimate value? Ill work on pics.
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01-10-2016, 02:32 PM
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Probably a 1955 production gun, but not a super fast seller at that time so it may not have shipped (sold) that year. Photos will tell us if it is nice and in original condition, so estimates of value will follow.
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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220
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01-10-2016, 02:34 PM
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shoot it: that's why the cylinder is round, so it will turn as you fire it. give a range report along with the pics. lee
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01-10-2016, 02:52 PM
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Unless high condition with original box & contents I'd shoot it . I know I shoot mine . 12.5grs 2400 with a Lyman 358429 or 358439 ( Keith designed ) SWC shoots quite well in mine & is equal to a mid range 357 load . Can hold the 10 ring on a NRA B-6 target @ 50yds . Other loads that work well are 6.5grs Unique & 7.5grs 800X with the same bullets . Original Keith load was 13.5grs 2400 , but newer Alliant 2400 is faster than the old Hercules 2400 . I'd start @ 12.0grs & work up .2grs @ a time until you find a load you like . Std pressure load that shoots well is 5.0grs Unique with same bullets . If you don't cast , Rimrock sells the same bullet ( get the 12BHN alloy ) with good lube .
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01-10-2016, 04:42 PM
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I would definitely shoot it. I shoot mine.
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01-10-2016, 08:03 PM
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I did The only single action trigger I can remember that compared to this was on A circa 1970's Colt python someone let me shoot years ago! Boatbum are you suggesting to not run jacketed bullets thru this barrel? Thanks. No box or contents but like new condition?
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01-10-2016, 08:38 PM
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Jacketed bullets will accelerate bore wear compared to lead, but not enough to worry unless at higher velocities and large quantities.
If it appears new, I would guess $1000-1200. Guess we can't see pictures .
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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220
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01-10-2016, 09:03 PM
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I can't imagine myself having the willpower not to shoot it.
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Oh well, what the hell.
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01-10-2016, 09:07 PM
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Hell yeah, shoot it. I shoot my 1950 Army every now and then. It's what they were made for and, as long as you maintain it correctly, a little shooting won't hurt it. It's a fine revolver. Enjoy it.
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01-10-2016, 09:18 PM
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S&W made that gun to shoot. If it was designated as a museum piece it would have come in a frame, not a cardboard box. Shoot it, enjoy it, they don't make guns anywhere this nice any more, and saving it for you grand kids is great and all, but you deserve to enjoy it before you leave this place
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On the Oak Savannah
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01-10-2016, 09:20 PM
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I don't get the "don't shoot it" philosophy.
With rare guns, few people own them. Even fewer have ever shot one. Which group would you rather be in?
Your call.
To me it's like buying a 60" plasma you never watch because you're afraid of burning out the bulb.
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01-10-2016, 10:49 PM
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I have 20 some S&W revolvers now and except for a alloy framed 38 pre model # body guard I shot them all. I got it for a decent price and figure it is good trading stock. Not a big fan of alloy guns myself.
If you had a 1957 Corvette would you drive it?
Last edited by steelslaver; 01-10-2016 at 10:53 PM.
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01-11-2016, 08:29 AM
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Bruno2/
Shoot this piece all you want to!!! I've owned an early 50's vintage model and it is one of my favorites. Worst part is it will take at least a day to get the grin off your face after a shooting session with the aforementioned suggested loads. Go for it!!
Gary
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01-11-2016, 11:05 AM
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Awe shoot, it. S&W only put it in a box to protect it until the customer gets it. That is why there are not many boxes. Folks throw the box out and shoot the gun.
Boxed guns are an affront to what a pistol was designed to do, shoot.
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01-11-2016, 11:44 AM
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Recently picked up a c.1955 .38-44 and plan to shoot the daylights out of it.
It is far from being a museum piece, and it only seems right to enjoy using it.
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01-11-2016, 12:25 PM
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musieum piece
I Did shoot it & started planing for honeymoon! Value doesn't matter anymore Shes A Keeper! I just hope I look & work this good when I'm 65,ish
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01-11-2016, 12:56 PM
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It looks very nice and original. You chose wisely to shoot it, enjoy!
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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220
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01-11-2016, 02:13 PM
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Neat gun.
The bright blue only became standard toward the end of the 5 screw era- probably well into 1955. It was special order in earlier years.
Shoot and maintain it. 10-20 years down the road, it will still be worth WAY more than you have in it, even with reasonable extra wear.
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Regards,
Lee Jarrett
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01-11-2016, 02:33 PM
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Thanks All. I guess the only way to know for sure is to get the Letter?
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01-11-2016, 04:09 PM
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Shoot lead & 20 years from now it'll still be a great shooter .
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