local pawn shop as an outdoorsman that is about 90-92% it has blue wear at the muzzle and some on the lower frame edges, non relieved diamond targets in good condition. overall it could stand a good cleaning. it locks up tight and does not have any timing issues. I got them down to $850 and have it on hold until tomorrow. as a shooter buy or pass? thank you

What's the age? Which hammer does it have?

new style serial# S 73197 around 1950 I believe

It probably shipped around mid-1949. Picture would help, but if it is a solid 90%+ , I'd sure buy it. Grips are likely not original, but are still very desirable.

That is probably a transitional model. Somewhat rare.

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S&WCA 1729

If it's good mechanically and in the outside condition you describe, I'd be there at daylight with the money!

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So long ... Ken

Had I found it I would have bought it.

Dave

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RSVN '69-'71
PCSD (Ret)

Tennexplorer is right on!
Mine is a 79xxx, not a transition model.

Attached Images

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NRA LIFE MEMBER

Don't get confused about the "Transition" description It is just a term some collectors use to describe a change in the internal lockwork and hammer which occurred around 1950 for the N-frame revolvers. Some consider the earlier post-WWII "long action" revolvers to be more desirable than the later "short action" models. This one would be the earlier long action type. My preference is to not use the term "transition" but others can do whatever they wish. Of course, given equal condition, the pre-WWII N-frame Outdoorsman revolvers (long action) are the most desirable.

I've had one for years. It's from the same era as yours and in about the same condition. Mine is easily the most accurate .38 Special revolver I own among several S&Ws and Colts. The Outdoorsman has just the right heft and barrel length to make it fairly easy to shoot well.

I would certainly buy another if I found one at a decent price. Sounds like you did.

Only reason to pass is that it has the same bulk as a M-27, which would give you .357 capability. I think that's what killed off the Model 23/Outdoorsman., especially after the M-28 arrived.

Check the chambers to see if some rotter had them re-chambered to .357. I'm not at all sure that's a safe practice.

You could point out that it's a big gun that won't take Magnum ammo and see if they 'll sell for maybe $800. I doubt they'll go below that.

Buffalo Bore has a Heavy Plus P load that they call the Outdoors one, I think. It's probably the most effective ammo made in .38 Special. Should be good for bears and coyotes and small deer or javelina. I think they also sell a 180 grain hard-cast SWC load for bears. This assumes bear defense. I don't recommend actually hunting bears with a handgun.

Better go buy it before some collector beats you to it.

Tell us how it shoots.

I think tne outdoorsman in a collector grade gun is one thing but you said for a shooter and as far as value goes you have to decide what you want . I personaly wouldn't hesitate to carry one or feel under gunned with one then again I am from the if you hit what you shoot at you don't need as much power or as many rounds school of thought .850 dollars us a substantial amount of money but you are getting a substantial gun and they make dollars everyday they ain't making any more outdoorsman revolvers so yes I would buy it if I wanted it and laugh at the seller for being foolish enough to part with it .I don't get buyers remorse anymore when it comes to firearms especially classic S&W shooters .

Boys, money comes and goes..........

Good ol Smith ODs are harder to come by.


.

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"IN GOD WE TRUST"

... I'd buy it, but I'm not sure that I am the right person to ask, as I've been accused of not being very objective when it comes to S&W Outdoorsmans...

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Richard
Engraved S&W fan

To a collector, and regarding a high-condition ODM, having lengthened chambers for the .357 is definitely detrimental to value. But to a shooter, not so much. I have a mid-1950s HD in average condition with lengthened chambers and it handles both .38 Special and .357 loads just fine. There is a lot of metal around the chambers which should be plenty adequate to withstand the higher pressures. But as is the case for all my .357s, I rarely shoot anything in them but .38 Special loads anyway. What's the point of shooting .357s? Paper targets don't know the difference.

I'll bet you can find another $850. easier and quicker than you can find another pistol like that. I'll also bet that if later on you sell it for a dollar you won't lose as much as you did on your last car. Larry

At that price and in condition stated, I'd buy it in a heartbeat!!!!

Oh, we few, we happy few, we band of enablers!

I bought the Outdoorsman this evening, will post photos tomorrow after work. thank you all.