38/44 in 45 Colt??

biku324 · Jun 4, 2025

In a LGS I saw a pristine 38/44 with standard stocks and what seemed like a 6" or 6.5" barrel. The information tag said it was one of 12 38/44s made in 45 Colt. The price was 'ask' but suggested $20k was in the ballpark. The LGS guy was friendly and seemed knowledgeable as he spoke to other customers - I didn't have time to wait to ask about it.

We're these actually produced by S&W? I've never even heard of such.

DWalt · Jun 4, 2025

And I suppose the LGS had no documentation of provenance? That should tell you something if he is asking $20K.

biku324 · Jun 4, 2025

DWalt said:
And I suppose the LGS had no documentation of provenance? That should tell you something if he is asking $20K.

Didn't ask - I was in a hurry.

Rock185 · Jun 4, 2025

Well I never say never; could have happened I guess, but without documentation... Large frame S&Ws were sometimes converted to .44 and .45 calibers by gunsmiths.

Onomea · Jun 4, 2025

I had a 38/44 that Hamilton Bowen converted to .45 Colt for me, but I have not heard of a factory version.

biku324 · Jun 4, 2025

That's what I thought, but know little about 38/44s. I'll ask details next time I'm in town.

DWalt · Jun 4, 2025

Yes, I would be very interested but only if accompanied by rock-solid documentation that it is one of those dozen originals.

biku324 · Jun 4, 2025

Wow, that is interesting! Thank you!

I will never ever buy a firearm for that kind of money, but simply had never heard of these.

Got burned by a couple of hundred bucks on a M58 some years ago because I just didn't do enough homework, but got it back on the non-original (but still S&W) grips.

GLL · Jun 4, 2025

I know that at least eight 4” and 5” .45Colt variations of the Heavy Duty were made for and shipped to Imperial Valley Hardware in 1937/1938. One 5” was nickel plated and fitted with peal grips. I have been fortunate to actually hold one of the 4” versions.

Jerry

GLL · Jun 5, 2025

biku324 said:
In a LGS I saw a pristine 38/44 with standard stocks and what seemed like a 6" or 6.5" barrel. The information tag said it was one of 12 38/44s made in 45 Colt. The price was 'ask' but suggested $20k was in the ballpark. The LGS guy was friendly and seemed knowledgeable as he spoke to other customers - I didn't have time to wait to ask about it.

We're these actually produced by S&W? I've never even heard of such.

Did it have target sights or fixed sights? Ribbed barrel? Ask for the serial number. I think all of the factory .45 Colt versions were 4” and 5” prewar conversions of the Heavy Duty. They charged an extra dollar to convert to .45 Colt. $24.51 in 1937.

John in Yuma · Jun 5, 2025

Provenance - evidence or proof that something is genuine or as it is claimed to be
Providence - being provided with something necessary or valuable, as from a diety

stansdds · Jun 5, 2025

For that kind of money, it had better be all original and have a letter from S&W to prove it was a factory 38/44 chambered in 45 Colt.

biku324 · Jun 5, 2025

GLL said:
Did it have target sights or fixed sights? Ribbed barrel? Ask for the serial number. I think all of the factory .45 Colt versions were 4” and 5” prewar conversions of the Heavy Duty. They charged an extra dollar to convert to .45 Colt. $24.51 in 1937.

Nope, fixed sights and round barrel.

CMcDermott · Jun 5, 2025

S&W did make a handful of N-frames in 45 Colt, starting with the original Triple-Lock and continuing this caliber in a few 2nd, 3rd and 4th models until finally in the late 1950's making several hundred Model 26's in 45 Colt for the Georgia State Patrol. I would definitely demand having an S&W letter identifying the gun as original as there are far more gun smith conversions than original guns.

Doc44 · Jun 5, 2025

In 1938, S&W made twelve .38/44 Heavy Duty revolvers in 45 Colt caliber. I had one of these in my collection for several years before selling it. It has a 5-inch barrel, blue finish, and was shipped to the Imperial County Sheriff Department in California. Only four of the twelve revolvers made have been reported by collectors. See below a photo (of a photo) of the revolver and a close-up of the caliber marking on the right side of the barrel. The caliber marking appears to be hand stamped rather than roll marked.

Bill

raljr1 · Jun 7, 2025

Doc44 said:
In 1938, S&W made twelve .38/44 Heavy Duty revolvers in 45 Colt caliber. I had one of these in my collection for several years before selling it. It has a 5-inch barrel, blue finish, and was shipped to the Imperial County Sheriff Department in California. Only four of the twelve revolvers made have been reported by collectors. See below a photo (of a photo) of the revolver and a close-up of the caliber marking on the right side of the barrel. The caliber marking appears to be hand stamped rather than roll marked.View attachment 764576

Bill

That is a beautiful revolver, Doc. How do you feel about the OP 's dealer asking $20k? is that realistic?

Doc44 · Jun 7, 2025

Robert...Seems a bit high to me, but I haven't been dealing in rare .38/44s. I would think 12-15K would be a fair price based on prices for other rare S&Ws.

Bill

DARE · Jun 7, 2025

biku324, you should get the serial number and other details when you get back to look at the gun.
Even if you have no interest, it would add to the community knowledge on a very rare gun.

biku324 · Jun 7, 2025

DARE said:
biku324, you should get the serial number and other details when you get back to look at the gun.
Even if you have no interest, it would add to the community knowledge on a very rare gun.

I will indeed. A member here have already be looking into it - I gave him the contact info.

biku324 · Jun 7, 2025

Apparently the revolver is not the elusive gun - a member talked with the owner and believes it's something more common, a 455 H.E. conversion.

Mystery solved.

38/44 in 45 Colt??

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