I can buy this well-used 38/44, sn 4490x, for $250. It's a factory nickel gun. As you can see, it's pretty rough. It shoots fine, though. The hammer will push off. There's no box or original grips, of course, but the vintage stags look plenty good to me. I figure it's worth $250, but is it too big of a dog to mess with? Thanks for any opinions.

I would burn out my pants pocket getting my wallet out at $250 for that one.

I'm wondering why you think its factory nickel . Is there a reason for
thinking its an original nickel finish ?

I'm sure its worth $250, but from what I see, I am not so sure its
an original nickel finish.

Later, Mike Priwer

You're just funnin' with us, right? Why don't you own that wonderful gun already?

Pay the man the designated pittance and take the gun. Then, since you bought it at half price, take a paltry few dollars from the $250 you just saved and get a half-inch synthetic stone from Brownell's. Then read the smithing FAQs on this forum and fix the push-off problem yourself.

I have well-used 1932 and 1934 HDs that are a treat to shoot. One of them had a push-off problem that was cured with a few seconds of judicious stoning.

Seriously. Drop whatever you are doing and go get that gun now.

EDITED TO ADD: Mike is undoubtedly correct that the gun has been refinished. But the gun was not overpolished before the new nickel went on, and you are looking for a shooter rather than a collector's piece. As a refinished gun maybe it is a $400 item rather than $500, but it is still worth way more than you are proposing to pay for it.

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David Wilson

I am with Mike on this one. The hammer and trigger look plated, the side plate fit is suspect and the sharp frame edges look rounded. Still probably a decent buy if the bore is good and the grips alone are worth a few bucks.

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John. SWCA #1586

I thought the 'N' meant nickel

It may well have been in nickel originally but it does look refinished.

Still worth a hell of a lot more than $250. I paid $400 for one that looks worse than this a few months ago and didn't hesitate a bit when told the asking price.

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No life story has happy end.

I guess I'm a new 38/44 owner. Thanks

The N does mean nickel. It looks refinished. What is the color
on those areas where the nickel is peeled away ?

Later, Mike Priwer

Let me add to the chorus - buy it. I agree its been renickled, but who cares?

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“What you got, ain’t new.”

Those stags are worth a good part of the price. Clean them up with toothpaste and a toothbrush then rub a bit of baby oil into them.