I won a 1931 HE 44 Special

[45NUTT]

These are pictures from the auction site. It says made 1931 and to me, it looks in pretty good shape for a 94 year old revolver. The only bad thing is someone drilled a hole in the butt for a lanyard ring then removed said lanyard ring. I think it's okay for $701.00! What say you?

 

[Venom6]

Nice! Like all those old pieces, wish it could talk. I'da figured near twice that price.

 

[45NUTT]

Completed auctions were running 1200 to 1400. My cousin said I stole it and need to go to confessional. He also said I need to look inside the grip to see if it has EK scratched into it!

 

[45NUTT]

 

[jimmyj]

Is the butt serial number intact?

 

[LEO918]

Nice second model. I think nearly all those came from the factory with the lanyard loop. I know mine did.

 

[shown50]

They’re fun to shoot! I’ve got S. 36353 and it shipped in Jan of ‘32.

 

[45NUTT]

Is the butt serial number intact?

It is not. The hole was drilled through the number.

 

[raljr1]

I watched that one. Good price for it. The drilled thru serial number likely held it back, that and the grips. You will love shooting it. Congrats.

 

[T44spl]

I Don't want to be a Joy Kill but the hole through the sn could be a Problem. Yes you got a great price on that second model hand ejector,
but we need to see how this hole looks on the butt of the gun.
Most of these fixed sight guns were equipted with lanyard loops so I hope that's all it is, only someone removing the lanyard loop.

 

[smith17]

The stocks do have wear on them but are still prewar magnas. Too early for that gun but still nice stocks. Good deal all the way around.

 

[6string]

Good deal!
That’s a true classic!

.44 Special is possibly the best suited chambering for the N-frame.

 

[Muley Gil]

Remove the stocks and look at the left side of the grip frame. If the factory drilled the hole through the SN, they would have stamped the serial number on that side. It may also have factory rework date, such as 8.38.

Are there any polished or ground off police markings on the back strap? IIRC, the Washington State Police issued these .44s at one time.

 

[Muley Gil]

I Don't want to be a Joy Kill but the hole through the sn could be a Problem. Yes you got a great price on that second model hand ejector,
but we need to see how this hole looks on the butt of the gun.
Most of these fixed sight guns were equipted with lanyard loops so I hope that's all it is, only someone removing the lanyard loop.

Many of the early 2nd model .44s were built on 1917 frames and came with lanyard loops. I believe by the 1930s, all of the N frames were built on flat top frames and lanyard loops were an option.

 

[younggun22]

I Don't want to be a Joy Kill but the hole through the sn could be a Problem. Yes you got a great price on that second model hand ejector,
but we need to see how this hole looks on the butt of the gun.
Most of these fixed sight guns were equipted with lanyard loops so I hope that's all it is, only someone removing the lanyard loop.

I watched the auction and it goes right through the S/N.

I always wonder how many people have in fact gotten into hot water over this and I never really wanted to find out first hand. If it goes through an FFL is it that big of a deal?

 

[45NUTT]

The serial number is under the barrel and on the back of the cylinder besides I'm in Texas it ain't going to be a problem here

 

[younggun22]

The serial number is under the barrel and on the back of the cylinder besides I'm in Texas it ain't going to be a problem here

I didn’t realize that Texas was exempt from the purview of the ATF.

The S/N on the butt is the only S/N that matters to the government and this one is destroyed.

Will it ever be a problem? Most likely not.

but you should be aware of the ramifications, especially since you’ve posted it on the internet for the whole world to see.

 

[handejector]

You DID steal it.
Everyone keeps sayin 2nd Model- it is a THIRD Model.
Somewhat rare in 6-1/2". It is definitely the rarest length for the 3rd Model.
/\ /\ See Post 22/\ /\

 

[22hipower]

You DID steal it.
Everyone keeps sayin 2nd Model- it is a THIRD Model.
Somewhat rare in 6-1/2". It is definitely the rarest length for the 3rd Model.

I thought the distinguishing change for the third model was an ejector shroud?

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[RM Vivas]

It is not. The hole was drilled through the number.

Check and see if the serial number was re-stamped on the frame under grips. If so, it was likely drilled by the factory.

Factory drilled lanyards are always worth investigating.

Also, "I recommend you letter this gun."
If you order a Deep Dive, which I recommend, tell them to have me do it.

Best,
RM Vivas