Grips for Model of 1950 .44 Special

R

regenet

Joined
Jun 8, 2025
Messages
3
Reaction score
12
Hi all,
I inherited this 5-screw .44 Special. Barrel length is five inches. The serial number is S972XX. The numbers on the yoke and frame are different. There is not a number in the barrel shroud.

Can someone tell me what factory grips came with this gun and point me to where I can get original grips or correct reproductions?

Thank you.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_7840.jpeg
    IMG_7840.jpeg
    1.7 MB · Views: 3
  • IMG_7828.jpeg
    IMG_7828.jpeg
    2.2 MB · Views: 3
Register to hide this ad
FYI the number behind the cylinder ejector is not a serial number, but an "assembly" number. The correct serial number is on the bottom of the frame grip. The serial number may also appear on the flat beneath the barrel and either on the back of the cylinder or the front of the frame viewed through a chamber hole. Nice gun!
 
That’s a very nice revolver you have there. Please share more pictures…

You mentioned that there are no numbers in the barrel shroud. Are there any markings in the shroud at all? Maybe these: <> ?

Without a factory letter it’s just a guess as to whether your gun was shipped with magna stocks (small ones) or target stocks (big ones).

Magna stocks would look like these:
IMG_3363.jpeg

Target stocks would look like this:
IMG_3234.jpeg
 
Question: what is the single number on the front left side of the grip frame? It’s hard to tell from the picture….is it a 3 or a 4?

And if it’s a 3, are the top strap and rear sight checkered or plain?
 
Kansasgunner said:
Very neat old 44!
If the five inch barrel is original to that gun it’s a pretty rare revolver. You might pull the Pachs and look for dates or rework marks on the left side of the grip frame.
I would letter that gun.
Click to expand...
I don't think it's going to letter as a .44. Maybe Doc44 can give him a heads up on that? The last one that came in like this started life as a Highway Patrolman.
 
Muley Gil said:
Welcome to the Forum.

I believe you have a pre M27 that has been converted to .44 Special using a factory barrel and a rechambered .357 Magnum cylinder. It should be a great shooter.

My first .44 Special was a M27-2 that I had converted to .44 Special. It sits in the safe as I type. :)
Click to expand...
You probably nailed it.
 
Adding more pictures. The right side of the grip frame has a 6 and a tiny H. The left side has the number 8. There are no marks inside the shroud. The assembly numbers do not match each other or the serial number. It seems like target grips might be appropriate because the one place quite a bit of wear is in that shape on the left side.

I haven’t shot this yet and I don’t have much experience double action revolvers, but I will note that the single action trigger pull is incredibly light compared to a Ruger Single Six.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_7851.jpeg
    IMG_7851.jpeg
    1.3 MB · Views: 1
  • IMG_7856.jpeg
    IMG_7856.jpeg
    1.6 MB · Views: 0
  • IMG_7857.jpeg
    IMG_7857.jpeg
    1.8 MB · Views: 0
  • IMG_7858.jpeg
    IMG_7858.jpeg
    1.9 MB · Views: 0
  • IMG_7859.jpeg
    IMG_7859.jpeg
    1.4 MB · Views: 0
  • IMG_7860.jpeg
    IMG_7860.jpeg
    1.7 MB · Views: 0
regenet said:
Adding more pictures. The right side of the grip frame has a 6 and a tiny H. The left side has the number 8. There are no marks inside the shroud. The assembly numbers do not match each other or the serial number. It seems like target grips might be appropriate because the one place quite a bit of wear is in that shape on the left side.

I haven’t shot this yet and I don’t have much experience double action revolvers, but I will note that the single action trigger pull is incredibly light compared to a Ruger Single Six.
Click to expand...
The only way to know for sure is if someone pulls the invoice. Maybe PM Doc44?
 
I don't believe the frame is from a "pre" 27 after looking at what appears to be a smooth top strap. The photos get a little blurry when magnified though so I might be missing something.

The 44 special conversions are very cool when done expertly. My 28-2 with a 44 barrel and recessed chambers shoots right up there with my 1954 44 HE 4th Model target,IMG_1056 (2).JPGIMG_1057 (2).JPGIMG_1060 (2).JPG
 
Top strap isn't checkered, but the barrel rib is. May be an original 1950 HE Target in .44 Spl, but the barrel is probably a 5" model 27 barrel that has been rebored. How about a photo of the barrel caliber roll mark?

Adios,

Pizza Bob
 
I know its not right but i have bought some repop grips from Thailand. They are close copies to original grips as far as thickness of the grip. There is a pic of my 26-1 with a set. They fit very well but dont look original. Originals would be nice but the prices of original grips have really gone up.
 

Attachments

  • Screenshot_20250609_115008_Messages.jpg
    Screenshot_20250609_115008_Messages.jpg
    223.5 KB · Views: 0
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

B
Identification of S&W Hand Ejector 44 Special
Replies
9
Views
629
Mike LaNier
M
D
.44 Special
2
Replies
23
Views
1K
bubbajoe45
bubbajoe45
B
Pre-29 44 mag 5" barrel?
2
Replies
23
Views
2K
22hipower
22hipower
JRB416
44 Magnums
Replies
5
Views
745
Truckman
Truckman
Say When!
FOLLOW-UP: S&W HE 4th Model 44 Target Model of 1950 revolver with 4” barrel
Replies
7
Views
1K
Say When!
Say When!

Latest posts

Back
Top