Hello, I recently inherited what I believe to be a model 23. I'd like to confirm that as well as get an idea for when it may have been manufactured. The S/N is S71824. Please see the attached photos. Thanks!!!

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	s_w_23_1.jpg (80.8 KB, 96 views)
	s_w_23_2.jpg (78.3 KB, 82 views)
	s_w_23_3.jpg (82.7 KB, 82 views)
	s_w_23_4.jpg (56.1 KB, 63 views)

S71885 shipped in 1/1948. That is somewhat before S&W began using model numbering. You appear to have what is called a .38/44 Outdoorsman. It's a fairly desirable revolver. Do you have the original grips?

Welcome to the forum.

You appear to have a Post war Transitional 38/44 Outdoorsman from the late 1940’s, a scarce version.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

Your serial number tracks to 1948. S&W did not use model numbers until 1957-58. Your gun was called the 38/44 Outdoorsman. Yes, when model numbers were assigned that became the model 23. The 44 refers to the fact that it used the frame from the .44 Special guns. It was a hot .38 Spl round, that if Internet lore is to be believed was actually a little hotter than today's .38 Spl +P.

A fine gun like that deserves to be wearing special stocks - either genuine target stocks or some from an iconic maker (from the past or contemporary), but that's just me.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

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NRA Benefactor Member

and in fine shape, to boot, excepting the rubber grips

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Some collect art; I shoot it!

Having the original matching wood grips would enhance its value significantly. So would an original box.

Just to fill in a little about ammunition, it was intended to use the .38-44 cartridge (which went by several different names), nothing more than a .38 Special cartridge which was more heavily loaded and had a greater muzzle velocity (by about 40%) than the standard .38 Special cartridge. That cartridge is no longer loaded by the mainstream companies, but is still available through some smaller boutique ammunition loaders. Or it can be easily duplicated by handloading. However, you can use any .38 Special factory ammunition available today in it without any problems.

Should you intend to sell it, there will be no shortage of buyers.

Here's some internet lore, so you can compare the hot .38 Spl round of yesteryear with today's +P. And while we're at it, I threw in some of yesteryear's regular, everyday .38 Special rounds, so you can try to figure out just exactly what +P is actually referring to----the increased cost perhaps.

Hot .38 Spl round of yesteryear (.38/44 S&W Special, 158 grain lead bullet,) with a muzzle velocity of 1,125 fps.

Today's +P .38 Spl round of the same specifications-----------------------------------------------------------870 fps

Today's regular, everyday .38 Special of the same specifications---------------------------------------------755fps

Yesteryear's regular everyday .38 Special of the same specifications-----------------------------------------847 fps

This is sort of like the Lord giveth----then He taketh away---then He giveth back (but with a new name to justify the higher price)----and if you're having some difficulty following this, that was the plan right along.

Ralph Tremaine

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass!

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

This is great information, thanks everyone!

I'm not sure if I have the original grips, I'll need to do some digging.