I was in my friendly neighborhood LGS today to grab some powder, and the owner gave me a holler. He said "Hey Bob, come check this out." He had a Thunder Ranch .44 special, which was very clean but a bit too garish for me, and I don't need another 44 anyway, and a 5-Screw 38/44 HD 4' blue. The finish was maybe 50% with one small rust spot, but it timed perfectly on all bores and the yoke fit was perfect. Ejector rod was not bent. The cylinder stop fit was maybe a little loose, but not bad. I had wanted one of these for quite some time, did a little dickering and got it for $900 out the door. Not outrageous for CA these days, plus I really did want it. I should be able to pick it up in ten days if DOJ isn't still running in neutral. Serial # S1065xx, which comes back to 1954 more or less. No dept markings on it but I might letter it any way. Will post pictures and range results in a couple of weeks. (The Thunder Ranch .44 is still there if anybody is interested.)

The state of California makes it as difficult and expensive as possible to indulge a gun hobby.

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No life story has happy end.

Congratulations on your acquisition. I'm sure you'll like it. I know I like mine from a few years prior to yours (1946). They're sweet shooting *****cats, even with 38/44 Police loadings.

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Here is my 1954 HD with recently made elk stag grips. It has a very nice factory re-blue from 1972. It is serial #106469. Your's must be mine's first cousin at least. I love their unique combination of fixed sights (round front blade) and ejector shroud on a 4" barrel post war N frame. I think only the .44 special looks exactly the same (at 3X the $).

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Y. B. Ord & A. Ree

The 38/44 HD is a fine revolver. Mine is a 5” blued one I believe from 1950.

Kevin

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Unshared knowledge is wasted.

There was one at a gun show here in MO this past weekend for $625 asking price and the seller offered it to me for $550. I passed because the rear face of the front sight had been modified. It's a shame that political correctness has driven up firearm prices in your state.

Here's mine from 1955 or so.

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Living a dream - S&WCA #2364

I have 7ea in my database in that serial number range and 6 are 4" and 1 is a 6.5".
Bill

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38-44heavyduty.com

Mine from 1954

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As I am sure you are aware, these are all stamped for the 38 S&W Special cartridge but they are not talking a out the 38 Special available from most factories today. Back in the late 1920s, LE was asking for a better cartridge to better handle the heavy automobiles if the day and the primitive body armor worn by the criminals. Colt answered with the 38 Super in the 1911A1. S&W decided to chamber the 38 Special in the N frame and introduce a heavier loading. I am not certain if anyone is loading anything comparable, perhaps one of the boutique loaders. A fair approximation is available to handloaders. Look up the Skeeter Skelton load for the Lyman 358156.

Kevin

Buffalo Bore does. Around 1150 fps from a 4". Significantly more than +P 38 Special loadings and hotter than some 357 loadings.

BB is named, appropriately enough, "38/44 Outdoorsman ".

Glad someone is keeping ammunition for the 38/44HD available.

Kevin

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Unshared knowledge is wasted.

One of the best reasons for checking out gun shows back when they still had them.



We picked this one up about three years ago just over $600 with tax. A little clean up and replace the non original magna grips with Altamont, other than the model 25 which is my favorite revolver and caliber this is a close second favorite.

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KM
S&WCA 3110 S&WHF 625

I love my HD, which dates to November, 1957. Very beefy gun, and suitable for the stoutest loads available - even handloads that approach .357 Magnum power. It speaks with authority, and should last many, many more years.

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

John,

As you know, Phil Sharpe used the Heavy Duty and the Outdoorsman to lead the way to the cartridge known as the 357 S&W Magnum. And more than a few of each was simply rechambered to accept the longer cartridge.

For my needs the 38 S&W Special handles what I need in a 36 caliber revolver.

Kevin

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Unshared knowledge is wasted.

"... and I don't need another 44 anyway,..."


WHAT!!!

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

I picked this one up from John Culina a couple of years ago, just before he and Jennifer moved to Oregon.

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Ed

HD's and OD's are great revolvers. I have to stop and look at them whenever they appear, online or in the, uhm, "flesh"? Here's a beautiful transitional 4" HD, S-66431, that beagleye sold to me a couple years ago. And a veteran transitional 5" HD, S-63838, all matching including the stocks, that came from Terry A back in aught 12.

Guess which one gets more range time...
Right_Profile.jpg Left_Profile.jpgBoxtop.jpg S63838 HD 1946.jpg

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Tom in AZ
Respect the Dingbat

Nice find! Congratulations. Here is mine which shipped Nov. 1954.

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