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09-14-2020, 03:11 PM
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Scored 38/44 HD
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.)
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09-14-2020, 03:21 PM
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SWCA Member Absent Comrade
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The state of California makes it as difficult and expensive as possible to indulge a gun hobby.
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09-14-2020, 08:18 PM
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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.
Last edited by .357magger; 09-14-2020 at 08:20 PM.
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09-14-2020, 11:35 PM
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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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09-15-2020, 07:27 AM
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The 38/44 HD is a fine revolver. Mine is a 5” blued one I believe from 1950.
Kevin
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09-15-2020, 07:44 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by robertrwalsh
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. .)
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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.
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09-15-2020, 09:48 AM
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Here's mine from 1955 or so.
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09-19-2020, 04:04 PM
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US Veteran SWCA Member Absent Comrade
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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
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09-19-2020, 05:32 PM
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Mine from 1954
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09-19-2020, 07:47 PM
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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
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09-19-2020, 08:03 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by StrawHat
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
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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 ".
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09-20-2020, 05:28 AM
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Glad someone is keeping ammunition for the 38/44HD available.
Kevin
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09-20-2020, 10:44 AM
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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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S&WCA 3110 S&WHF 625
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09-20-2020, 11:01 AM
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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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09-20-2020, 12:31 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PALADIN85020
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.
John
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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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09-20-2020, 01:38 PM
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"... and I don't need another 44 anyway,..."
WHAT!!!
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WAR EAGLE!
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09-20-2020, 01:57 PM
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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
Last edited by OldChief; 09-20-2020 at 01:59 PM.
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09-23-2020, 10:04 AM
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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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Respect the Dingbat
Last edited by The Gila Bender; 09-23-2020 at 10:08 AM.
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09-27-2020, 10:08 AM
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Nice find! Congratulations. Here is mine which shipped Nov. 1954.
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