Austin PD HD

[wbraswell]

I have yearned for an Austin P.D. 38/44 Heavy Duty for quite a few years. I think that's just natural for a Texan S&W hound. And now, with the help of a couple of our Forum and SWCA brothers, I finally have mine. Rack #148, which matches the first 3 digits of the serial number. It's a stunner. Thanks to Larry and Frank.

 

[Truckman]

Nice one, Wayne......Ben

 

[gunbarrel]

Beautiful! Is it marked "Austin PD" somewhere, or was it determined through the serial number?

 

[austintexas]

markings

They are marked on the backstrap.
SWCA 892

 

[nyeti]

Congrats! I have #10.

 

[gerhard1]

Beautiful gun!!!

 

[boykinlp]

Wayne, isn't it awesome when a plan comes together? It looks great. Do you know if APD bought only nickel guns back then or did they get blued ones too?
Larry

 

[ENNE-FRAME]

Congratulations for the beautiful HD, in exceptional condition.
Smith & Wesson 38/44 Heavy Duty a true masterpiece.
Thanks for share.

 

[Retired W4]

Several years ago my former gun show partner, RIP, brought an APD to a show we were doing. I tried to get him to sell it to me but he would not let it go, despite my begging. He did let me take a picture of it.

In my research I learned what APD did to get the guns ready for the civilian market and S&W's part in the refurb. Interesting stuff.

 

[wbraswell]

It is stamped on the backstrap. AUSTIN P.D. 148
I knew I was forgetting something when I took the pics. All of the Austin HDs were nickel, and most were at some point sent back to S&W for refinish. Mine has the star on the cylinder, and 1 76, and R-N stamped under the left stock.

 

[Truckman]

Wayne, I halfway expected to see at least one of those reluctant beauties at the DACA show yesterday, in the hopes I could persuade one to come home with me...Alas, my hopes were crushed by the end of the day, but I consoled my sorrow by riding home with yet another 6 1/2" .44 Model of 1950 Target, and another .38 RP......Ben

 

[quinn]

I once had the APD HD, but Larry wanted it more than the Jovino he had. Alas. Now I have the APD issued Pre 10 snubby (blue original finish) and the 3.5" 27-2 in nickel although factory refinished. Congratualtions on getting Larry to let loose of one. Did you get a copy of the blue card?

 

[wbraswell]

I once had the APD HD, but Larry wanted it more than the Jovino he had. Alas. Now I have the APD issued Pre 10 snubby (blue original finish) and the 3.5" 27-2 in nickel although factory refinished. Congratualtions on getting Larry to let loose of one. Did you get a copy of the blue card?

I don't know anything about a blue card? Larry is selling quite a few things, now.

 

[mdf9183]

I carried one of those when I joined APD back in 1969. I don't think they have the blue cards on the 38/44s. I have a copy of mine when we switched to Mod 27s in 1973.

 

[boykinlp]

Several years ago my former gun show partner, RIP, brought an APD to a show we were doing. I tried to get him to sell it to me but he would not let it go, despite my begging. He did let me take a picture of it.

In my research I learned what APD did to get the guns ready for the civilian market and S&W's part in the refurb. Interesting stuff.

Please fill us in on the interesting stuff!
Larry

 

[Retired W4]

What I learned was Austin City put out a contract for bids to go over the guns, replace any worn parts and re-nickel all their HD's. Of course S&W had the best bid so they went through them for safety and function, and did the refinish. I don't remember how they were marketed. The one my old partner owned had been used somewhat but it functioned like a new revolver.

It's not surprising S&W got the contract, but what was surprising was the city didn't go directly to the factory of origin to begin with. And I don't recall the source of this information now so take that with the grain of salt.