I have read that when the .357 Magnum came out in 1935, they cost almost twice as much as the .38-44, which itself was capable of handling .357 level loads in a .38 special case... and that the .38-44 was kept in production until 1966, when the price difference was no longer that far apart.... Other than nicer fit and finish and the "Registered" business, what made up for the big price difference between the two models... ?? Just wondering...

The ".357" Magnum was a custom revolver made to the specifications of the purchaser. You could order any barrel length between 8 3/4 inches and 3 1/2 inches (in 1/4 inch increments), specify the sights, the type of stocks, the single action trigger pull, the finish, and the revolver would be sighted in with the ammunition of your choice. Each revolver could be registered in the name of the owner (and was transferable) which was actually a lifetime guarantee against defects in workmanship, finish, or material. The Registered Magnum could be ordered from April 1935 to late in 1939 when the process was discontinued.

The .38/44 Heavy Duty and the .38/44 Outdoorsman are great revolvers, but the .357 Magnum is in a class by itself. The photo below shows a .357 Magnum shipped in 1937. Note the checkered top strap that is unique to the .357 Magnum. Click on the photo for a better look

Bill

It kind of held true even later on with the model 28 vs a model 27. Both had the same frame, cylinder, sights and fired exactly the same round. But the 28 came with a dull blue finish with either 4" or 6" barrel. Standard trigger and hammer. No embellishments on the metal. The 27 came in 3 1/2", 4", 5", 6", 8 3/8". Bright polished blue, or nickle checkered top strap, rear sight body and barrel rib. Groove back strap on grip frame. Target triggers and hammers. Kind of like a woman that just walked out of a makeup salon after getting the whole 9 yards. The model 27 mark up was probably less than the salon trip bill though.