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S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 All 5-Screw & Vintage 4-Screw SWING-OUT Cylinder REVOLVERS, and the 35 Autos and 32 Autos


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Old 07-19-2020, 08:24 PM
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Default Which .38/44 model?

6.5" nickel, 5 screw, serial number S147###
Heavy Duty (pre model 20)?
Outdoorsman Transition (postwar transitional)?
Outdoorsman (pre model 23)?
kinda confusing with the little experience i have with these
Looking at possibly purchasing, these are the only pictures I have been given
Decent price to make a fair deal??
Thanks in advance
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Old 07-19-2020, 08:43 PM
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The 38/44 with adjustable sights (target model) is the 38/44 Outdoorsman.

That one is later than a Transitional Model, it has the newer short action hammer/action of the 1950 Model. It can be referred to as a Pre M23.

The 38/44 with fixed sights is the Heavy Duty, Pre M20.

That one is beautiful but I don't follow the market price on these. Many do and will give you a good idea of value.
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Old 07-19-2020, 09:14 PM
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Also are the grips correct? Should they have the Magna Diamond?
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Old 07-19-2020, 09:17 PM
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Originally Posted by mackafoose View Post
Also are the grips correct? Should they have the Magna Diamond?
Stocks are NOT correct. Yes, they definitely should be diamond center magna.

It also looks like someone polished or plated the hammer and trigger. They should both be color case hardened.

Otherwise, a very nice .38-44 OD. I have a few. They're great guns.
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Old 07-19-2020, 09:24 PM
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Here’s mine with original grips.
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Old 07-19-2020, 09:25 PM
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I'm going to guess that it's a refinished gun with the hammer and trigger looking polished. Also mentioned wrong grips.
Still I'd say it's worth around $700 to $800 on the high end.

If it turned out to be a original factory nickel finished gun, you could easily double it's value. If you can see a "N" stamped under the grips that would indicate factory nickel.
Keep us posted.

Last edited by moosedog; 07-20-2020 at 11:01 AM.
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Old 07-19-2020, 10:12 PM
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I posted pics of my 'Double Trifecta' accumulation of blued .38-44s a few months back. I was finally able to get both fixed and target sighted examples (.38-44 Heavy Duty and .38-44 Outdoorsman) of pre-war long action, post-war long action and post-war short action examples of each.
I tell my wife it's all part of my "401-G (guns)" plan. :-)
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Old 07-20-2020, 05:55 AM
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Thanks for all the information and the reference pictures
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Old 07-20-2020, 09:51 AM
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Nice looking, probably early 1956. You did not make mention of the original box that could add a little bit. Shame about the diamond magnas missing. I have no idea about value. All original, blued with box I see at 1500 to 2200. Supurb condition of course. Below is mine with Culina grips, but I have the mint original grips and gun specific yellow box
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Old 07-20-2020, 10:26 AM
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I have viewed the photos and enlarged them and I am not convinced that the hammer and trigger have been plated. You need to take a good look at those two features as value to most is greatly changed if the gun has been refinished. If they are case hardened then most likely the finish is original.

I also don't follow this model but you can view sold examples on gun sites like Gun Broker online to see what others have been paying. Every gun is unique as to finish condition and what is included in the sale but it should give you a ball park idea.
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Old 07-20-2020, 10:27 AM
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My 38/44 Outdoorsman is my favorite revolver, because it was my Dad’s. This one looks like a pretty nice gun. What’s the asking price? The gun is worth what someone will pay for it.
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Old 07-20-2020, 06:18 PM
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Trying to make arrangements to look at it in person. The "N" under the grips will be easy to spot, as well as the trigger and hammer condition. There is a mark of some sorts under the trigger guard. I need to get it in my hands for sure to make an accurate assessment, I am now armed with some valuable knowledge. Thanks Again.
Attached are pics of under the guard and the yoke with some info that might tell some of the tale? IDK
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Old 07-20-2020, 06:40 PM
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My 38/44 Outdoorsman is my favorite revolver, because it was my Dad’s. This one looks like a pretty nice gun. What’s the asking price? The gun is worth what someone will pay for it.
My Grandfather's LEO OD is my favorite gun, period.

Everyone I've let shoot it agrees...it's a sweet gun.
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Old 07-21-2020, 08:21 PM
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No deal, looking like not original finish. On to the next one, the search and the research is what I seem to really enjoy the most. The purchase is often anti-climactic. Love the chase
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Old 07-27-2020, 06:34 AM
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No deal, looking like not original finish. On to the next one, the search and the research is what I seem to really enjoy the most. The purchase is often anti-climactic. Love the chase
Exactly, I bought mine, because I knew the gun from a forum member. I was off into a world I know nothing about

Got to do the research
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Old 07-27-2020, 10:42 AM
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I'm curious as to what the seller was asking for it?

If refinished, it seems well done (from enlarging the pics attached) with still crisp lettering, trademark, and sharp edged sideplate. Original grips would have been nice too, but you play the hand you're dealt so to speak. High condition shooters definitely have a market, and many prefer them to pristine examples that are more expensive and sometimes "to pretty to shoot ".

Well finished (even refinished) examples are bringing in excess of $1000 and up on national market. A factory correct nickel variant would be well in excess of that.

Just saying. Not everyone, or even most, are die hard collectors.

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Old 07-27-2020, 11:59 AM
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Few years ago I got the bug for a HD - found this one and it bears every mark of having been a 'working gun', complete with beat-up right grip panel.
Dates to about 1954 and is 4"

I did end up getting a better set of period-correct diamond Magnas for it and added a BK grip adapter. It is a great shooter. I load hard-cast handloads for it that duplicate the actual .38-44 ballistics.
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Old 07-27-2020, 04:56 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by .357magger View Post
I'm curious as to what the seller was asking for it?

If refinished, it seems well done (from enlarging the pics attached) with still crisp lettering, trademark, and sharp edged sideplate. Original grips would have been nice too, but you play the hand you're dealt so to speak. High condition shooters definitely have a market, and many prefer them to pristine examples that are more expensive and sometimes "to pretty to shoot ".

Well finished (even refinished) examples are bringing in excess of $1000 and up on national market. A factory correct nickel variant would be well in excess of that.

Just saying. Not everyone, or even most, are die hard collectors.
Asking price was $1000, he may have moved a little, but too many strikes against it in my score book.
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Old 07-27-2020, 05:43 PM
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i would bet that the 6.5" Nickel is refinished.
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