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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 09-12-2020, 07:02 PM
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Default Grandfathers LEO Carry

I am looking for some information on my grandfathers carry gun.
.38 spl serial number S 706XX. Any information would be appreciated. He also carried a Colt Police Positive Special for a number of years. I expect from the wear on both the Colt saw more holster time. The S&W has a clam shell holster that is pretty cool but the revolver and steel holster are heavy.
I would appreciate any information you can provide.

Thanks,
FLF
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Old 09-12-2020, 07:11 PM
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Looks like a pre-model 23 (post war 38-44 Outdoorsman) from about 1948. Great that you have it from your granddad along with his holsters and the Colt. Lots of information on these in previous posts if you use the search option at the top of the page.

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Old 09-12-2020, 07:39 PM
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Thanks Jeff. It would be interesting to know if it shipped to a PD or if he provided his own hardware. Unfortunately the family history is incomplete.
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Old 09-12-2020, 07:49 PM
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Thanks Jeff. It would be interesting to know if it shipped to a PD or if he provided his own hardware. Unfortunately the family history is incomplete.
Documentation from Roy Jinks will provide that answer. Others will be able to tell you how to obtain such letters.

Nice revolver, GrandPop had good taste in revolvers.

Kevin
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Old 09-12-2020, 07:50 PM
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Thanks Jeff. It would be interesting to know if it shipped to a PD or if he provided his own hardware. Unfortunately the family history is incomplete.
You can order a letter from Roy Jinks, the former S&W historian. It will tell you the configuration, ship date and shipping destination. It costs $100 but, is worth it.

By the way, I inherited my Grandfather's LEO 38-44 Outdoorsman, too. His is a bit older, having shipped in 1940. It is the best shooting gun I have. It goes to the range with me every time.


Last edited by rocknroad; 09-12-2020 at 08:14 PM.
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Old 09-12-2020, 07:56 PM
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Agree that this is one of the smoothest single or double action trigger pulls of any revolver I have fired. How would I get in touch with Mr. Jinks?
Thanks for your help
FLF
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Old 09-12-2020, 08:01 PM
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FLF: I think a bunch of us would like to see a photo of your grandfather's holster. Where was he working? Really nice heirloom you've got there.
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Old 09-12-2020, 08:19 PM
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Quote:
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Agree that this is one of the smoothest single or double action trigger pulls of any revolver I have fired. How would I get in touch with Mr. Jinks?
Thanks for your help
FLF
You can start here: Smith & Wesson Collectors Association
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Old 09-12-2020, 08:32 PM
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Rocnroad, thanks. I have the form and will send it in.
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Old 09-12-2020, 09:00 PM
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As stated, you do have a 38/44 Outdoorsman. It was built between WW II and 1949. It still has the long action like pre-war guns, so it is called a Transition model.

By 1950, all the N frames had a short action, so only the short action guns should be called a "Pre Model 23".
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Old 09-12-2020, 09:31 PM
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Was it at all unusual for an officer to choose a carry piece with a Patridge front sight?
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Old 09-12-2020, 11:14 PM
Muley Gil Muley Gil is offline
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Was it at all unusual for an officer to choose a carry piece with a Patridge front sight?
I knew several officers who carried 6" M27s with the Patridge front sight. One of my partners had a 4" M29 and he had me put a Patridge front blade on it.
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Old 09-13-2020, 06:59 AM
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...Agree that this is one of the smoothest single or double action trigger pulls of any revolver I have fired...FLF
Part of that is the old long action. Some of my favorite revolvers are my old N frames.

The HD and Outdoorsman revolvers were both chambered and inscribed 38 S&W Special but that is not the 38 Special of today. The LEOs of the 30s were going up against heavy metal vehicles and primitive, but effective, body armor. They asked for better munitions to help their cause. Colt responded with the 1911 chambered in the 38 Super. S&W responded by chambering the N frame in 38 Special and introducing loads that were significantly hotter than what was then called the 38 Special. Development of those loads lead to the introduction of the 357 Magnum 5 years later in 1935. Many of the HDs and ODs were recut to accept the 357 outside of the factory.

My own 5”, short action HD dotes on the Skeeter Skelton load for the 38 Special.

Kevin
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