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10-10-2020, 03:19 PM
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...a 38/44 with a story
The day i happened upon my 38/44 (Outdoorsman)
(many years ago)
I would stop in at Carl's gun shop fairly regular, it was always a good visit. (Carl was a police officer and ran the shop on the side) On one visit, looking over his handgun case, i noticed a large frame S&W, with a some what longer barrel. It looked almost new, but i knew it wasn't, it was an earlier make. I asked Carl if i could take a look at it. Wow, i thought, this thing is nice, it was heavy, solid, really nice. But something didn't jib, i thought it should have larger chambers; these weren't. maybe a.357, but it wasn't. i turned it over and saw 38 S&W. special; i was puzzled,. But i remembered reading Elmer Keith working with a large framed S&W in his magnum opus 'SixGuns'. But i wasn't sure. My pulse quickened, i wanted this revolver. i didn't have any money. I handed the gun back to Carl, and jetted for home. I Grabbed SixGuns off the shelf , and sure enough it was there. pp.41-43; 72-73; 118, 126, 144. It was the "Outdoorsman". I jetted back to Carl's hoping the gun was still there . Been here before and lost, but it was there. hot dog i was happy. Carl took some money down, and as they say; "the rest is history."
It is the finest S&W i own.
Last edited by thp4570; 10-10-2020 at 06:41 PM.
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10-10-2020, 03:36 PM
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Great story! Glad it was still there waiting for you.
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10-10-2020, 04:01 PM
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I've done that too. But when I decide that I'm going back for it, I always call and tell them to put on hold, i'm coming for it.
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Jim
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10-10-2020, 04:07 PM
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Great story OP, and a beauty of a 38/44. Mine is below. It belonged to Rubiranch's brother. I have grips and box too
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Pete
I ain't no fortunate son
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10-11-2020, 12:19 AM
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That's a beauty!! I'd be proud to own it, too. Glad it found a good home years ago.
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10-11-2020, 08:37 AM
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The pre-war 38/44 Outdoorsman is one of the most beautiful revolvers to ever roll off the S&W factory lines. And yours with the post war "coke" grips on it is very very nice.  
Thanks for sharing,
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Richard
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10-11-2020, 10:39 AM
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38/44 story
Quote:
Originally Posted by MSgt G
Great story! Glad it was still there waiting for you.
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yes it was, thank goodness.
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10-11-2020, 10:46 AM
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38/44 story
Quote:
Originally Posted by Narragansett
Great story OP, and a beauty of a 38/44. Mine is below. It belonged to Rubiranch's brother. I have grips and box too
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...how nice is that !
Last edited by thp4570; 10-12-2020 at 12:52 PM.
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10-11-2020, 11:20 AM
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38/44 story
Quote:
Originally Posted by RKmesa
The pre-war 38/44 Outdoorsman is one of the most beautiful revolvers to ever roll off the S&W factory lines. And yours with the post war "coke" grips on it is very very nice.
Thanks for sharing, |
...iam inclined to agree. Over the years i've always compared this revolver to other high grade S&W's; a pre-27, S-2 M-29, N-3 Classic Hunter(which was pretty good). But this one always won, and it's accuracy is absolutely superb. (now i've never handled a registered magnum, so the jury is still out, obviously)
appreciate your response RKmesa.
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10-11-2020, 12:27 PM
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Paplinker tells me, that in his opinion, the 38/44 OD is akin to the Registered Magnum, only in 38 special...I don't own a heavy duty....not sure why...
Robert
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10-11-2020, 01:41 PM
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If your serial number is 44381, I checked my database and the other ODs around it were shipped in 1935. Hope this helps.
Bill
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10-11-2020, 03:49 PM
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Whew... was holding my breath. Great story, even better gun.
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Illegitimi non carborundum
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10-11-2020, 04:19 PM
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38/44 story
Quote:
Originally Posted by 1Aspenhill
If your serial number is 44381, I checked my database and the other ODs around it were shipped in 1935. Hope this helps.
Bill
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s# 44361 ...that's interesting, i've always wanted to get the revolver lettered, it would deserve it.
i'll have to look into it, certainly.
thanks 1Aspenhill
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10-11-2020, 04:24 PM
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38/44 story
Quote:
Originally Posted by Thinnes
Whew... was holding my breath. Great story, even better gun.
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i was anxious, i wasn't sure if it was going to be there.
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10-11-2020, 08:19 PM
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Still, it should be a 1935 gun. Glad to help.
Bill
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10-11-2020, 08:51 PM
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Sweet. One of the nicest I've seen posted here in ages, one of the best S&W ever built.
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Heavily armed old man.
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