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09-24-2020, 05:50 PM
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OK, Here is my "new" HD 38/44
Assuming I did it right the photo should come thru. Just picked it up today, 4" Blue 38/44 HD, Serial # S1065XX. I think the grips might be original, there is a "54" stamped on the inside of the right grip and, as far as I can tell, this was assembled in 1954. The finish is at the point it is going to need some skilled attention soon. It is very well timed, the ejector rod isn't bent and the yoke to frame fit is beautiful. Judging by the ratchet I would say it has not been fired all that much. I hope to put 100 rounds thru it next week and see how it does. Cyl has NOT been bored out. I plan on taking the side plate off this weekend and detail strip, clean and lube it.
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09-24-2020, 06:07 PM
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Nice find! I am sure that gun will shoot great. You should have more than 2 numbers stamped on inside of right grip if they are original. I got a 4 inch too a couple months back, mine looks new but had been back to S&W for a refinish (I would rather have original finish) but you have to buy what you can find. My first picture is inside of my right grip. Enjoy
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09-24-2020, 07:10 PM
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After a careful look I do see several numbers, sort of scattered around. The 54 is easy for my old eyes to see, the others I have to look hard to see them. Yours is much prettier than mine.
Last edited by robertrwalsh; 09-24-2020 at 07:11 PM.
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09-24-2020, 07:32 PM
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NEW
Awww. That is NICE!! CONGRATS!!! 
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09-24-2020, 07:36 PM
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Serial # S1065XX probably shipped around mid-1954. I have one less than 1000 below yours which shipped in 5/54. A well-used cop gun, but still tight. Mine has been bored to take .357 Mag.
Last edited by DWalt; 09-24-2020 at 07:44 PM.
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09-24-2020, 07:42 PM
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Congratulations.
They're great shooters, regardless of the exterior finish. I really like my 1946 variant. It's been refinished, but well done.
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09-24-2020, 08:57 PM
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I have two shooter 4" Heavy Duties, they both came into my life when I wasn't looking and I figured that I should buy them just for the shooting fun. For some reason HD's just never really crossed my path, maybe I am on the wrong road. Both are post war. The bottom is a transitional that shipped on June 14th 1949 to J.E. Haseltine Co., Portland Oregon and the top is a pre M20 that shipped in 1952.
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Last edited by Glashaus; 09-24-2020 at 10:08 PM.
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09-25-2020, 06:01 AM
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If you reload, you owe it to the revolver and yourself to duplicate the original 38/44 HD load. I have a 5” HD from 1950 that justs dotes on the old Skeeter Skelton load.
Kevin
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09-25-2020, 06:54 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by daddio202
Nice find! I am sure that gun will shoot great. You should have more than 2 numbers stamped on inside of right grip if they are original. I got a 4 inch too a couple months back, mine looks new but had been back to S&W for a refinish (I would rather have original finish) but you have to buy what you can find. My first picture is inside of my right grip. Enjoy
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daddio,
That girl don't look like she's ever been on the dance floor.....
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09-25-2020, 07:42 AM
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Love it, still looking.....nice revolver, leave it be and shoot away
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09-25-2020, 10:27 AM
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US Veteran
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I'm a fan. I've got two. 4" & 5". Plus an Outdoorsman. Wonderful shooters. And yes! if you reload look up the specs for the old factory load and give 'em a whirl. 
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09-25-2020, 10:58 AM
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If you don't reload, Buffalo Bore loads to the original specs with their appropriately named "38/44 Outdoorsman " load. Not cheap (what ammo is right now?) but tested at 1175 fps out of a 4" IIRC.
Substantially hotter than most 38+P commercial loadings. It is VERY accurate in my 4".
Last edited by .357magger; 09-25-2020 at 11:00 AM.
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09-25-2020, 11:00 AM
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Grayfox, is your Outdoorsman a post-WWII revolver? If so, would you start a new thread and post some pictures? I just ran into one on another forum the other day and would like to see some more of these rare beauties. Heck, even if it's not post war, I'd like to see it. 
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09-25-2020, 06:23 PM
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Very nice. I have a 5" Pre War that belonged to the Iola KS. Police Chief that I purchased several years ago from the editor of the local paper there who was a friend of the Chief of Police. Love HD's. I am on the hunt for a nice 4" model.
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