3844OD.jpg
According to Mr. Don, this old Outdoorsman left the factory in November of 1946. It has been subjected to several modifications including having its muzzle milled and its chambers altered to accept .357 loads. Its finish is worn and it wasn't wearing these stocks when it was shipped. It was bought from a man who had just learned it wasn't a pre-Model 10 but had no idea as to its identity. It is very accurate when 2400 propels its 158s and has provided me with more fun than the few unblemished S&Ws I own combined. We eagerly await its "letter".

Yep, that's no pre model 10 Despite having the modified chambers, it's a heckuva gun. 1946 was an interesting year for the 38/44's. I'd be happy to shoot that one.

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Some collect art; I shoot it!

Never before saw a five inch Outdoorsman. Thanks!

The barrel measures 4 5/8" and has been milled if not cut. A raised ring encircles the bore at the end of the muzzle. Someone once told me it, and I suppose the crown, were once offered by a known 'smith as a custom accuracy enhancement. I'll try to post a pic showing the modification.

I won't know the original barrel length until I receive the letter, unless someone can predict the original measurement using the roll stamp or other features as a guide.

I posted these several years ago, but she still looks the same.

Attached Images

	1frontsight3844.JPG (171.1 KB, 107 views)
	3844 front sight.JPG (186.6 KB, 95 views)
	muzzle3844.JPG (164.1 KB, 118 views)

6.5" Barrel was pretty standard. Really a shame it was cut. Those Outdoorsmans are really rare.

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

Kinda hard to tell from the pictures, but it does look like the work was well done.
Funny thing....I've seen things like pre-war 357 Magnums with cut-down barrels and altered sights (not to mention refinishing) posted here on the forum.
Seems that if the same work was done by the factory or King's nobody has a problem with it.
Weird....

As the OP says, I bet it's alot of fun to shoot.

I don't know how consistent the placrment of the roll marks are but judging from the marks on my 5" Heavy Duty and 6 1/2" Outdoorsman it apears the OP's gun was originally 6 1/2".

Attached Images

	11111111113844OD.jpg (144.1 KB, 33 views)
	hd forum.jpg (103.3 KB, 37 views)
	M 38-44 Heavy Duty .JPG (255.7 KB, 32 views)
	3844 pair outdoors_01 stamp.jpg (130.6 KB, 35 views)

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Pay attention...it pays to win

Anyone have info concerning the "ring around the bore"?

Is the muzzle slightly deeper cut than the peripheral exterior?
This is very common on target rifle crowns.
This sort of cut is easy to do on a lathe, but lends itself very well to being hand cut with the use of a bushing guide inserted into the muzzle.
I would personally consider it to be an asset to accuracy.

Back then, S&W used to hand lap barrels with a lead lap cast into the barrel. They polished them very smooth. For the steel they used then, and the more common use of lead bullet ammunition, the result was a very nice shooting barrel.
Assuming the custom work was well done (sure looks it!), it seems to be a perfect compliment to the gun. It's certainly "stylistically correct" for the taste in custom work of the day.

Sounds like you're a handloader, so that's a plus.
Do you cast bullets too?

6string, I bought Valiant cast bullets in bulk over the years, but have tried to keep enough 358156es and 429421s cast to meet my needs. The info ref the muzzle mods on my OD is really appreciated.