38/44 ?? UPDATE

krsmith58 · #1 01-13-2021, 12:02 PM

local classifieds has an add for this revolver (38/44) for sale. no serial # info. has been posted and removed previously. i am about to have a few days off and intend to meet owner and take a look. says grips are correct. no box or docs. add says 1951 manufacture

they are asking $1200

any advice about what to look for specifically and reasonable value would be greatly appreciated. thanks, krs

22hipower · #2 01-13-2021, 12:36 PM

First thing I'd confirm on that HD is whether it is original nickel and that it has not had the cylinder chambers reamed for 357 magnum. Check the SNs to make sure they all match including right stock panel. If factory nickel, mechanically tight, SNs match and not reamed I might get to the vicinity of $1200. Would be trying to get closer to $1000 though. Bought a blue 1946 transition HD here on the Forum a year or two ago for $850. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

krsmith58 · #3 01-13-2021, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 22hipower

First thing I'd confirm on that HD is whether it is original nickel and that it has not had the cylinder chambers reamed for 357 magnum. Check the SNs to make sure they all match including right stock panel. If factory nickel, mechanically tight, SNs match and not reamed I might get to the vicinity of $1200. Would be trying to get closer to $1000 though. Bought a blue 1946 transition HD here on the Forum a year or two ago for $850. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

thanks Jeff. just the type of reply i was looking for. thanks again, krs

StrawHat · #4 01-13-2021, 08:29 PM

I am not seeing the nickle plating but that may be my computer screen or my color vision. What I am seeing is a rarely fired revolver that is no longer being made. Is the price outrageous? Not really. Would it be better if less money? That is up to you!

Kevin

delcrossv · #5 01-13-2021, 10:38 PM

If it's stamped MOD-20 under the yoke, BUY IT.

Probably a pre Mod gun, but looks nice.

.357magger · #6 01-13-2021, 11:57 PM

If you confirm that the nickel is factory, and the cylinder isn't bored for 357, pricing is not outrageously out of line for internet auctions. You might do better thru auction houses. But you'll have to shop them.

But on the other foot, it's a nice looking HD.

I'd ask if he'd take $1000...and have the other $200 in a different pocket.

Wiregrassguy · #7 01-14-2021, 09:47 AM

krs, it sounds to me like the seller knows the value of his HD. The SCSW, 4th, a 5 year old pub, says this gun in VG condition is worth $1200 and EXC is $1600. From the pictures, I'd say the gun is VG to EXC without a close inspection. I think it is priced right.

krsmith58 · #8 01-14-2021, 10:48 AM

thank you all. going to try to see gun as soon as i can make it happen. i now feel better armed with specfics you shared. thanks again, krs

1Aspenhill · #9 01-14-2021, 04:37 PM

Nice HD. When you get the serial number, PM me and i'll see if I have it in my database. IF it has Mod-20 stamped in the yoke it is a fake. All the Mod-20 are 4 screw and 3 screw. Mod 20-2s are 3 screws.
bill

Trooperdan · #10 01-22-2021, 06:48 PM

Any update from the OP?

krsmith58 · #11 02-02-2021, 12:31 AM

saw and bought 4" nickel 38/44, chambers have not been reamed, it has nice magnas but they have a differant # than serial. it is in great condition. the kind sir as wiregrass said he knew what he had and what it was worth. serial S 149087 i got it for 1100 , i think the nickle is factory but not sure. thank you all for the advise. no time for pics yet but it's not going anywhere. thanks again. krs

Muley Gil · #12 02-02-2021, 01:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krsmith58

saw and bought 4" nickel 38/44, chambers have not been reamed, it has nice magnas but they have a differant # than serial. it is in great condition. the kind sir as wiregrass said he knew what he had and what it was worth. serial S 149087 i got it for 1100 , i think the nickle is factory but not sure. thank you all for the advise. no time for pics yet but it's not going anywhere. thanks again. krs

Look for an "N" stamp on the frame and on the rear of the cylinder.

1Aspenhill · #13 02-02-2021, 12:52 PM

Congrats Kenny, you have an Austin PD gun.
Bill

bruce5781 · #14 02-02-2021, 02:21 PM

Great catch. I gave 1K for mine, with numbered magnas, a couple years ago. Came with the A. Zable, Ft. Worth holster.

krsmith58 · #15 02-02-2021, 02:58 PM

there is not an N on face of cylinder. there is an S and the serial#. in ejector shoud there is SN togeather 149087 followed by a star. on the grip frame left side there is small 571 larger 8, N and 6 alone, R-N in rectangle. same size 6 on right side. grips are diamond magnas but with differant # than serial-182 over 001. please school me if you will thanks, krs-kenny

rct269 · #16 02-02-2021, 03:07 PM

The R-N in a rectangle says refinished, but it's at least from the factory. The 571 may be/very likely is a date code stamping (May 1971).

Ralph Tremaine

The N you're looking for on the cylinder will likely be underneath the ejector star (if it's anywhere on the cylinder).

As an aside, while we choose to attach a stigma to refinished guns, we are at least willing to attach a lesser stigma to factory refinished items----likely because the preparation and actual finishing is done by the same people using the same equipment as original finishing. As another aside, I dare say most if not all of us would be hard pressed to identify a factory refinished item (if not for the tell-tale stampings).

1Aspenhill · #17 02-02-2021, 03:12 PM

Yes and I suspect that the person who bought it did not want the markings on the back strap and told the factory to remove them. The star in the ejector housing could be where the factory was stamping that it had been refinished.

krsmith58 · #18 02-02-2021, 03:26 PM

a big Thank You to All. krs-kenny

Targets Guy · #19 02-02-2021, 05:21 PM

Verah nice!