I only started out in the S&W's a few months ago and I'm stepping into it deeper and deeper. I think I'm bit for sure. Today I acquired something I haven't even seen before much less owned. Hopefully I did ok. It is a 44 HE 3rd Model Post War transitional, 5" barrel with the matte blue finish. According to SCSW less than 1500 were produced from 1946-1949. This one is S# 71527 and is matching minus the missing diamond checkered magnas. It instead came with vintage stags and a set of pearls. It's not a NIB gun, it's definitely been used but is still in very good condition. I'll letter it in case it has some history to it, you never know.

What is the current value of a gun like this minus the magnas? I traded for it, have about $2500 in it so maybe I "bought it early" but it will do until/if I find a better example.

Now pardon my stupid question, but technically will any post war N frame diamond magnas be correct or did the original magnas have any differentiating features? I'd like to get a set of correct grips for it, though I do like the stags on it too.

Thanks,
Earl

Hmm...I took those pics before I cleaned it up..Its pretty good shape for a 70 year old gun...I'm not sure if the new favorite in my collection is this one or my pre 29...I like em both. Earl

Very nice, I only have one of the earlier third models, and one of the later Military 44s, so can't help with this transitional, other than to say I really like it. If you bought too soon, it couldn't have been much too soon. Looks like an honest gun with just the right amount of use. And I am most definitely stealing your pictures on the fence idea. Enjoy.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

Beautiful gun!

Mice find. I think 5" barrels are rather rare in most of the fixed-sight N frame variations. I like the stag grips on it & personally would not worry about getting magnas. I don't see them as making the gun any more valuable as they would not be the original factory-applied grips. I can't help you with a valuation on the piece because I am not following the market. You might check Gunbroker or some of the auction house websites to get an idea of the current market.

I picked this (http://smith-wessonforum.com/140062623-post113.html) up a few months ago. I tried to tell the seller he was light asking $1600 considering re-nickeled 1926's were fetching $1400 and pre war magnas are at least $550. He insisted so I bought. These don't come around often so I figure take like condition pre war 3rd models and add some $$.

I haven't shot mine yet but I'm super happy to own one of the few.

Congrats on the purchase and don't sweat buying early. I'm way too deep into another pre war 3rd Model and probably a few other models but they ain't makin 'em anymore so buy when you can.

Very, very nice--including the stags. I have both pre-war 3rd models and one of the Model of 1950 Military 44 (pre 21) 4th model. but missed out on getting a transitional . Good job! Color me green...

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Randy
Provenance nerd

Cool gun. I think the post-war Transitional N grip frames were about 1/8" shorter than after 1950, so later stocks will overhang a bit. Enjoy!

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Gosh, I'll be embarrassed if wrong but I think it is the other way around-the transitional N frames are about 1/8 inch longer?
Ed

Uh, could be...one of the real experts will be along 'short'ly

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I am not sure about the length of the grip frame, but the S&W monogram in post-war stocks prior to late 1949 when guns were made in the new factory on Roosevelt Avenue is slightly different.

Bill

Did you buy too soon? I don't know but if there was ever a gun worthy of buying too soon, this is. Congrats!

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NRA LIFE
Reserve Officer 9yrs

Very nice shooter!

That's a nice 3rd model 44 Spl......

All the transitional models I've owned, had the pre-war grip frame configuration.

(longer that the later shorter frames)

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"IN GOD WE TRUST"

...actually...it's a 44/44... ;-)

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A Country Boy Can Survive

Magna stocks for a post-war transitional N-frame revolvers are approximately 1/16-inch longer than stocks for "modern" N-frame revolvers (S75000 and higher serial numbers).

Bill

Thanks Bill. Sounds like this one will keep sportin’ the stags.

That is a handsome handgun, right there, Earl! IIRC, the transitional guns had a rounded upper back sideplate screwhead. The right panel on magna stocks should have a dimple so the panel can lie flat against the frame. They have black washers. But, probably the SN would be the best info. You need something close to your number...minus the S of course.

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

That's a nice, clean 3rd Model .44. Really like the stocks, keep 'em! They appear to have been on there for a very long time. I haven't shopped for a 5" 3rd for quite awhile but think one would be hard-pressed to find one like yours, in that condition, at that price. Have fun and enjoy!

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Tom in AZ
Respect the Dingbat

Sorry, I knew that,




.

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"IN GOD WE TRUST"

...I thought so... ;-)

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A Country Boy Can Survive

Thanks. Yeah the networking thing really works. This 44 came from the same collector I got the pre 29 from weekend before last. When I bought it I told him my next “grail” is a 44 special. He came back at me with this one. He’s probably going to be the cause of my wife shooting me because I know he also has a few RMs and he knows one is on my grail list. Earl.

...wow...your N frame collection is coming together fast...

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A Country Boy Can Survive

EarlB - That's an absolute beauty and more than somewhat scarce as in less than 1500 reported manufactured. I'm the proud owner of seven .44 special N frames (and one Russian and one magnum), but nary a transitional in the bunch. Probably won't be either, give the "transition" to fixed income. Get 'em while you can. Just don't let your wife shoot you with that particular gun as it would be a shame to have it go into evidence. Let us know how the RM thing turns out.

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Some collect art; I shoot it!

Beautiful gun, congrats!
Here’s my Transitional that’s been modified with Mirco sights. Many frown at such a modification, but I’d buy another one just like it if available
Oh, by the way, I love the stags on yours!







Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

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Paul
SWCA #2864

Thanks Bengal fan I really like yours too. Those sights would be better for shooting, would be a bear on unholstering though! Earl

Nice gun! I too have one of these that I'm very proud to own. #S68885 shipped in August 1946. I think that 5" barrels were the most common for this variation.