Been on the hunt for a correct 33/44 pre war. This one I have a correct box not numbered to the gun, correct grips numbered to gun. I almost passed on it because of the grip adapter. After some discussion with one of my mentors and a strong gut feeling this is a very cool gun I went ahead and picked this one up. One of the coolness factors shipped 1937 New England Police Revolver League.

Mega cool factor for sure.

There's just something way way cool about those pre-war Outdoorsmans...



I love the custom modifications and that grip adapter is very nicely done. Since the above photo was taken, I've picked up another column, all of which have custom modifications (one King Super Target, one with a 4" shortened barrel and a really cool front ribbed sight, and one that has been engraved and pinto'd).

Thanks for sharing that beauty,

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Richard
Engraved S&W fan

Nice gun! When you consider where it shipped, the aftermarket grip adapter becomes understandable, forgivable, and interesting.

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}-----Jim----->
~SWCA #2732~

Very nice, thank you for sharing.
That Sir, would be a grail gun for many of us.

Regards,
Bruce

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Regards,
Bruce

Well done. I like it!

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Living a dream - S&WCA #2364

Sounds like it was a very good show for you. Congratulations, that's a real beauty.

Wow, I sure do like that one!

How is the grip adaptor attached; with spring clips or a screw?

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Jim
S&WCA #819

I would put that grip adaptor on my pre war outdoorsman in a hot minute. Let me know if you want to get rid of it.

That's a beauty. Grip adapter doesn't bother me in the least.

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Oh well, what the hell.

I think I would have bought it BECAUSE of the grip adapter.
Jeb

Screw.. The reason I almost passed on it...

Well, I have a near identical gun from 3 years earlier without the grip adaptor if you are ever looking for a swap. Being I collect cop guns more than the model itself, the grip adaptor and history is my sort of thing.

Well done sir! Pre-war Magnas always get my attention. That grip adapter is pretty darn sexy too! Congratulations on a terrific find, enjoy!

IMG_2743.JPG
.44HE 2nd w/ Magnas, 1939.

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Tom in AZ
Respect the Dingbat

I love that walnut grip adapt or, but is it attached by a screw to a hole drilled to the front strap?

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

You found a very nice gun with some interesting history. Good addition to the collection. Nice set of Ropers behind the barrel, what is the other set that looks like something set by the escutcheon. Larry

Yes by screw.. I've gotten over it.

Not exactly sure... General consensous Alvin White carved K frame from the mid 50's best guess.. Good eye!!

Super wow!! I can't take it anymore please post the pinto and the engraved!!!!!

Not trying to create thread drift but those grips are sweet, thanks for the close up. Larry

Thanks Larry.. Here is a recent post about those grips..
Kit Gun Engraved 19-3 and a terrific set of carved grips

I was born & raised in Sana Barbara, 1949 - left in 1977 to further my education. I don't remember there being any gun shows there in those days, and considering the liberal mindset of the locals, I am surprised to hear of one these days. Where was the venue, the E.W. showgrounds or a private location?

Santa Barbara Historical Arms & Blades Show | 2016 Gun Show

bigl,

Just stunning. The grip adapter seems like a factor to enhance the uniqueness factor in a very refined way. I like it!!!

Best Regards, Les

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SWCA 3084, SWHF 495, PGCA 3064

Very nice!! I really like the letter also!!

Find of the year!

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Cheers, Charles
SWCA #2442

Here you go - engraved by Phil Quigley with Keith Brown wood (complete thread is here Pre-War Engraved Pinto Outdoorsman - Exceeds My Expectations! (K22 Photos - Post 59)

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Richard
Engraved S&W fan

Me too!

I have an adapter of (what I believe is) period correct and similar material on a Model of '91 target revolver. It fills only the space between the trigger guard and front strap----does not extend downward on the front strap---and springs/snaps into place---no screw/no tabs/no nothing---only one such I've ever seen. (I say similar material---unless this one is actually wood----as it appears.)

I have no clue about how it springs/snaps into place, because the material seems rigid.

Ralph Tremaine

Wow!!! Amazing. Thank you for sharing!!

Jodi (GF) and I were discussing why I fixate on certain firearms and leave others behind (she made the trip up to Santa Barbara as was the case with another friend last weekend). I explained the adapter and more specifically the letter and where this Smith landed. When a gun has history we as collectors can research and put dots together - well it is like a drug. We started a very quick google search and came up with this:

"75 Years Ago
April 24, 1937

The Gardner police department’s revolver team captured first place in the annual 1936-1937 postal shooting competition conducted by the New England Police Revolver League which was recently concluded, according to a summary of the contest just issued by the league. Members of the team have received gold medals as trophies of their prowess. Patrolman Joseph Renes, high man, received a second medal for placing second in an individual competition with a mark of 1140 out of a possible 1200.

Other members of the team were Chief Cyrille Leblanc, Patrolmen Clay McKean and Arne Reponen and Reserve Officer Clyde Thompson. Although five men shot, only the four highest scores were taken. The team’s total was 4450 out of a possible 4800."

Makes me wonder if my gun was there..

Here is a picture of the 1947 New England Police Revolver League Team with their guns! I wonder if one of them is mine?
1937 Police Revolver League Bulletin New england 5th an (03/21/2011)

Wanted to thank everyone for the kind and thoughtful posts.. Really nice of everyone of you to take time and and say such nice things.. I was worried the buy might have been an error.. No one whats to get stuck with a blighted gun.. I found this one to very interesting and it is really great to see so many others feel the same as I do. The Ontario Show is this weekend here in SoCal. I don't expect to find anything but you never know..