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03-25-2020, 07:38 AM
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Pre War and Post War Transition 38-44 Heavy Duties
After quite a few years of collecting 38-44 Heavy Duties, I finally have an example of all three standard barrel length Pre War and Post War Transition 38-44 Heavy Duties. I would have completed this "want" a long time ago, but my addiction to Pre Model 27's, GI 1911's, and other milsurps had me sidetracked for a while!
As those of you HD collectors know, the 6.5" barreled HD's are the most difficult to find. I wouldn't know what I know, or have the collection I have if it wasn't for "Mr 38-44 HD" himself - 1Aspenhill. I've learned so much from Bill, and I thank him for teaching me about these great revolvers. He ignited my passion for these guns about twelve or so years ago, and also allowed me to be the next caretaker of some of this great collection. I'm up to fourteen 38-44 HD's (a drop in the bucket compared to 1Aspenhill) and I'm in awe of each and every one of them.
Thank you Bill!
Pre War 38-44 HD's: 4", 5", and 6.5" barreled guns.
Post War Transition 38-44 HD's: 4", 5", and 6.5" barreled guns.
Group shots
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Rick
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03-25-2020, 07:51 AM
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Very nice collection! Well done sir.
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Tim
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03-25-2020, 07:54 AM
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You sir have some absolutely fantastic HD’s! I never really paid much attention to the Heavy Duties until I started hanging around this Forum. I had never really seen one out in the wild, maybe I just didn’t hang out in the right places. By not really looking I lucked into two post war, a little ratty, 4” Heavy Duties. I know some of you would not have given these old HD’s a second look, but I kind of like them with a little road wear, adds character.
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03-25-2020, 07:55 AM
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Nice collection...one to be really proud of....
Never even considered buying a HD until a few years ago as I just never shoot shoot .38 Special... Saw a 1952 year of birth gun at a very reasonable price and bought it...wish now I had done so years before...
Bob
Last edited by SuperMan; 03-25-2020 at 07:56 AM.
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03-25-2020, 08:10 AM
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Wow! Very nice and Impressive!!! Thanks for sharing that!
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03-25-2020, 10:17 AM
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Very nice lineup Rick. Thanks for sharing.
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03-25-2020, 10:43 AM
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Glad to hear you finally found that last trans 38/44!
Have you run into any factory uncatalogued bbl lengths?
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03-25-2020, 10:45 AM
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Very nice! A great collection to be proud of.
Bill
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03-25-2020, 10:58 AM
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Beautiful!!!!  I love the guns and the photos. Congrats and thanks for sharing.
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Richard
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03-25-2020, 11:03 AM
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I only own two .38-44's. S69847 a 6.5" OD and S67706 a 5" HD both shipped in August of 1946.
Rather pale in comparison to this fine collection. Well done.
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03-25-2020, 11:08 AM
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Nice collection! Congratulations!
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03-25-2020, 12:09 PM
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Very nice! Congratulations!
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03-25-2020, 12:45 PM
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I am huge fan of the 38/44's. Mine is an OD but, I'm blown away by your collection of HD's.
Congratulations.
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03-25-2020, 02:25 PM
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I remember in the late 70s early 80s walking into the Austin, Texas gunshow and seeing a table full of 38/44 HD police trade-ins. $150.00 sort thru and take your pick. Sadly at that time I was only collecting target sighted S&Ws. I have since learned the error of my ways.
SWCA 892
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03-25-2020, 03:02 PM
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Thank you for sharing your very nice collection, Rick.
Beautiful examples, all!
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03-25-2020, 09:02 PM
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Beautiful revolvers! The HDs are among my favorites. I have a soft spot for the 4" variety. Yours are in really nice shape and are sporting great stocks as well. Thanks for the post & pics,
Jerry
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03-25-2020, 11:23 PM
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Thank you for sharing your collections. It is especially nice while most of us are hunkering down to view these museum worthy firearms.
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03-25-2020, 11:39 PM
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Rick, you have a collection you can be very proud of. Here is my meager collection, two Pre War and two Post War Heavy Duties.
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Living a dream - S&WCA #2364
Last edited by LEO918; 03-25-2020 at 11:44 PM.
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03-26-2020, 06:18 AM
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I remember when the HD was under $100 with no takers! If only...
I have this one HD, a 5” postwar. It really shoots the 358156 load quite well.
It will stay here until someone else wants it more than I do.
Kevin
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03-28-2020, 08:37 PM
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My Transitions...
Thank you so much for sharing your 'WOW' collection of Transition HDs! Notably all looking about new, multiply impressive! Some appearing to be with humpback hammers. I also note a couple with what appears the small S&W logo on right side. Presuming those definitely prewar. Closest I can even come to your, my Transitions. Each of three barrel lengths only achievable by merger w/ 44 Military. 38/44, 4" as new w/box, high nineties 5". Switch to 44 Military, w/high nineties five inch and maybe low nineties 6 1/2. Also, beyond your scope Target model Transitions w/boxes: as new 38/44 & maybe low nineties .44. I also have 1950 specimens 38/44 in HD 5 & 6 1/2 and 44 Military in 4 & 5 inch. Targets in both chamberings. Whew! Ostensibly several decades of collecting, wrapping in nineties, these guns a fraction of asking prices today and 'most' then considerably more common.
Thanks again for the great display and big congrats for the collection!
Best & keep safe!
John
Last edited by iskra; 03-28-2020 at 08:53 PM.
Reason: Clarification
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03-28-2020, 10:50 PM
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Rick,
Great collection! I’m glad you have put those together. Your Nickle HDs are equally as good as these too and have some great provinence. Keep it up!
Bill
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03-28-2020, 11:36 PM
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Rick,
I also found it interesting the 3 color differences in the prewar magnas.
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01-11-2022, 08:49 PM
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What? You have nickel ones that you didn't post? Holding out on us, eh?
I suppose you are working on a set of 1950 HDs. Good luck when you start looking for Model 20s. I love these guns.
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Wayne
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