What do the stamped numbers mean?
- Thread starter mdh6413
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You have a .38/44 Outdoorsman revolver that probably shipped in the early 1950's ('51-'53). The serial number is on the butt and the "S" prefix indicates the gun has an internal hammer block safety. The number in the yoke cut is an assembly # and will also be found under the left stock panel. The other numbers/letters are inspectors/fitters stamps.
The gun is built on the N frame and was chambered in .38 S&W Special. A fair number had the chambers reamed to accept .357 Magnum cartridges. It's not unsafe to do, but it does hurt collector value.
The four line address marking on the right side of the frame started after WWII and was intended to combat knock-off's, mostly from Spain.
You inherited a great gun that will be a joy to shoot!
You have a .38/44 Outdoorsman revolver that probably shipped in the early 1950's ('51-'53). The serial number is on the butt and the "S" prefix indicates the gun has an internal hammer block safety. The number in the yoke cut is an assembly # and will also be found under the left stock panel. The other numbers/letters are inspectors/fitters stamps.
The gun is built on the N frame and was chambered in .38 S&W Special. A fair number had the chambers reamed to accept .357 Magnum cartridges. It's not unsafe to do, but it does hurt collector value.
The four line address marking on the right side of the frame started after WWII and was intended to combat knock-off's, mostly from Spain.
You inherited a great gun that will be a joy to shoot!
Looks like an Outdoorsman .38/44 from 1953 or so. The serial number is S 96247 and will also appear on the back of the cylinder, back of the ejector star (cylinder side) and possibly on the grips if you remove them. The other numbers are assembly numbers. It's a commercial gun. Your grandpa probably bought it just after the service. Here's a page from a circular.
And might have been owned by a Korean War vet, but highly unlikely was carried/used in the war.
This type of handgun was never an item of issue for the military
In general the military frowned on use of personally owned handguns ( some higher ranking officers could get away with it at times)
Also the long barrel and heavy weight of this type revolver would be impractical for military use, as other 6 shot revolvers with shorter barrels and much lighter in weight were available and easier to carry. As an old soldier myself, anything you can do to lighten the load you carry is welcome!
This type of handgun was never an item of issue for the military
In general the military frowned on use of personally owned handguns ( some higher ranking officers could get away with it at times)
Also the long barrel and heavy weight of this type revolver would be impractical for military use, as other 6 shot revolvers with shorter barrels and much lighter in weight were available and easier to carry. As an old soldier myself, anything you can do to lighten the load you carry is welcome!
