Hello guys, I'm searching for a .44 Special. I'm going to shoot the one I purchase, so do you think it would be wiser to pick up a Model 1926 or a 2nd Model. I was thinking the newer gun would be better just based off age alone. Help appreciated.

w8lftr

Hello guys, I'm searching for a .44 Special. I'm going to shoot the one I purchase, so do you think it would be wiser to pick up a Model 1926 or a 2nd Model. I was thinking the newer gun would be better just based off age alone. Help appreciated.

w8lftr

Far as looks go I like the enclosed ejector, the 2nd model doesnt have it. They say not to soup up the triplelock, I probley would look for a model 24-3. Here are 6 various ones, all .44 specials. I am not up to date on the newer stuff.

Buy whichever you can find and afford.

Since you lumped them together, I will too...after all they were produced simultaneously during the height of their production (1926-1940). The newest ones are almost sixty years old (and much more scarce than the prewars) and most were made about seventy-five years ago and they were not made in near the numbers of most other guns of that era. So, comparison shopping is pretty much out of the question since it is not likely that you will find one of each in the same place. Depending on where you live (or how dedicated an internet shopper you are), just finding one may be a chore. Then there are the issues of originality and price. Many of them, especially the 3rd Models, have been refinished, lots of them have been modified, and I have yet to find one in less than perfect condition with the original numbered stocks. I only mention price because people are oftentimes shocked to learn what an original finish shooter grade 3rd Model commands these days. Many times 2nd Models can be had for half of a similar condition 3rd Model. Then again, alot depends on where you live. I live in Texas where conventional wisdom holds that most 3rd Models were delivered. Judging from my experience, I would say that is true...I probably see three or four 3rd Models for every 2nd Model that I see down here.

Once you get past all of that, you have to determine how picky you are going to be. Are you so desperate to get your hands on one that you are willing to jump on the first bumper shop refinished gun with 1970s target stocks and a hacksaw shortened barrel and no front sight that you see? Or, are you going to hold out for an original configuration gun even if it costs $1,500.00?

I, like many members here, am a huge fan of prewar N frames. I am especially fond of 3rd Models, but I also live where they show up with some regularity, so it is easier to endulge myself. If I were starting over, I would hunt for original configuration guns. Paying lower prices for incomplete or refinished guns is ultimately very frustrating and unfulfilling...just look at the number of posts by people looking for correct stocks and asking about the wisdom of refinishing/restoring guns.

Personally, I like 4" barreled 3rd Models. I also prefer the balance, shootability, and functionality of 4" and 5" barreled guns over the 6.5" barreled ones. But, I would say to jump on any original configuration 2nd Model or 3rd Model that you find at a decent price. If, later on, you find one you like better, you can always sell the one (or ones) that helped you determine your preference.

Here are examples of long barreled 2nd and 3rd Models. I also like the shorter barreled 3rd Models best but could not pass these up when I came across them at decent prices. Most of my 3rd Models are refinished and one is even completely nickeled. All are great shooters though even if some are pretty ugly !

Finding 3rd Models can be frustrating. Nice examples are very expensive and not that common. After I bought it I was shocked to learn the market value of the 3rd Model Target shown in the top photo !

As N_itis says it is best to jump on whatever decent gun you find and moving to Texas might help as well. A lot of people are learning about these .44HE's and they are becoming even more difficult to locate.

Jerry

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.38/44 Outdoorsman Accumulator

While you search for a nice pre-war .44HE you might consider a modern 24-3 as a shooter. They certainly do not have the fit and feel of the pre-war guns but they are readily available at decent prices and I really enjoy mine !

Jerry

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.38/44 Outdoorsman Accumulator

w8lfter: You have settled on a great cartridge as a shooter. The guys have given you the "heads-up" on the older guns...keep in mind most of the stuff made just after the war is now almost 60-70 years old! I have some 2nd Models that I have shot, but the later guns seem to be more accurate for some reason.

If you are a shooter rather than a collector, the 24-3's and 24-4's are really the better deal. They have modern metallurgy, and work well. I too like the 4" guns, but for some reason, the 5" barrels really roll my socks up and down! In any event, you'll have a great time with those .44's.

MikeyL
S&WCA #2010

The 24-3's are modern made and just as much fun to shoot, although maybe not as smooth. But you have the opportunity to shoot them to smooth them up!. The 44's are just plain fun to load for and shoot. My 3" 24-3 gets more use tnam most of my other guns combined, (except my .22's).

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

I agree with MikeyL and H Richard. My 4" 24-3's and 4" 624's get almost as much range time as my .38/44's !

Although the 3" 24-3's are certainly sexier I prefer to shoot the square butt 4" guns.

Jerry

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.38/44 Outdoorsman Accumulator

No matter which version you get, you're gonna love it!

mm6mm6:

Beautiful gun and ThreePersons holster !

I especially like the Birdseye Maple grips !

Who made those for you?

Jerry

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.38/44 Outdoorsman Accumulator

mm6mm6. you have good taste! Congradulations.