Hi folks, I was in a shop today and the owner had just taken in a very desirable 38/44 Outdoorsmen. I don't believe it has been fired but it does have a turn ring due to people working the action. There is also a very slight bit of wear at the muzzle as if the gun wear holstered but the cylinder shows no wear. I called Smith and they put the SN which starts with 43XXX as 1932 or 1933. That makes sense since I have a 38/44 which dates to 1938 with a SN starting with 56. The rub is the box he has with the gun is blue and I thought a gun from 1932 or 33 would have had a maroon colored box. I asked him to send me pictures but so far nothing has come thru. If they do I'll share so you can admire them. In the meantime does anyone have thoughts on why a gun from 1932 would not have a maroon box? Thanks.

I don't understand that date on that .38/44 unless they made way more of them than I thought. Or unless they serial numbered the Outdoorsman differently from the HDs. Which is entirely possible and I can't tell from the SCSW. My HD is numbered 37058 and shipped in January 1931. They only made 4761 of the .38/44 Outdoorsman and the SCSW uses the nomenclature of ".44 Hand Ejector 3rd Model Series" for both so now I just confused myself, anyway.

The SCSW says maroon box 1930-35 and blue box 1935 - 1940 in the HD discussion and doesn't mention the box in the Outdoorsman discussion. So my guess is someone has the dating wrong. Post a date request to Roy Jinks and you'll know for sure.

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Come and take it!!

Since Roy Jinks left his job at S&W, the factory no longer has access to ship dates, so do not know where they get their information. The SWCA database shows the 38 Ourdoorsman's revolver in the 43,000 range shipping in 1934 and 1935, so your revolver box is proper for 1935.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

All this is fine, but what is his asking price on this new found treasure? Big Larry

Salmon68 isn't an SWCA member, so he doesn't have that option. His only choice is to purchase a SWHF letter for $100.

BUT, Salmon68, you can join the SWCA, and then ask Roy for a ship month and year. Go for it! We would welcome you.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

Thanks folks, I appreciate the insight.

He has it in his shop here in Ohio but I don't think he'll get any buyers there, its too expensive, asking $2200. I think he'll end up listing on GB.

How do I join the Smith & Wesson Collectors Association? (SWCA) Not sure I'll join but I'd like to know more so I can make an informed decision. Thanks.

Salmon68
Click on the link below. That will get you started.

As Lee states in the post, we who are members are happy to answer any questions you might have.

Information about the SWCA

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

If that revolver is as nice as you say, and the box is numbered to the gun, it is worth quite a bit more than the asking price. Big Larry