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12-15-2018, 09:16 PM
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Location: Mount Carmel, TN USA
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Had to rescue a .44 2nd from local auction
She's a bit 'ruff' but should clean up a little. With 10% premium, it was $330, no tax, no other fees. It's mechanically perfect but has suffered 90+ years of use and poor storage. The lanyard ring is missing, but I've got several in my stash. Surprisingly the cross pin was re-installed.
Probably shipped 1922 give or take a year.
#17253 6.5" .44 Hand Ejector 2nd Model. It was blue at some point but it's mostly gray/brown now.
I always hear that any working pre-war N is worth 3 bills or better.
I don't know if I'll leave it and shoot it, refinish it, put the NOS 5" barrel I have on it, haven't decided yet.
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Chris
SWCA #2243 SWHF #292
Last edited by cgt4570; 12-15-2018 at 10:24 PM.
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22/32 JDF, 22hipower, 6518John, 6string, 992B, AlHunt, alwslate, amazingflapjack, beagleye, bigolddave, biku324, Bill Bates, chiefdave, daddio202, delta-419, Fboyj, Frank46, Grayfox, jack the toad, JP@AK, Kansasgunner, kobsw, Lee Barner, les.b, merl67, MixmodelA, Muley Gil, rubiranch, S&WsRsweet, snowman.45, steelslaver, The Gila Bender |
12-15-2018, 09:28 PM
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Nice buy!
I've never owned a .44 HE Second Model; closest I've come was a .455, former Brit gun. It now resides in the collection of a fellow SWCA member who collects WWI arms.
Since my collection focuses on K frames, a Second Model .44 would have to be a shooter and an incredible buy for me to pick one up - sorta like the one you just found . . .
Enjoy it! 
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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318
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12-15-2018, 10:23 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JP@AK
Nice buy!
I've never owned a .44 HE Second Model; closest I've come was a .455, former Brit gun. It now resides in the collection of a fellow SWCA member who collects WWI arms.
Since my collection focuses on K frames, a Second Model .44 would have to be a shooter and an incredible buy for me to pick one up - sorta like the one you just found . . .
Enjoy it! |
I have a .455 second (still in .455) plus a .44 Triple Target. This is my first .44 Second. I have a 1917 plus some custom guns on 1917 and 1937 frames.
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Chris
SWCA #2243 SWHF #292
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12-15-2018, 10:34 PM
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With out any pic's, it don't happen!
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12-15-2018, 11:25 PM
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One of the greatest things about the pre-war S&W blue finish is that it takes on that nice grey-brown patina when used well and properly taken care of.
Handling and holster wear is no problem in my book, so long as it's indicative that the previous owner(s) was a knowledgeable gun-guy (or gun-gal!!).
I would leave that honey of a 44 just as it is.
If it were mine, I'd be singin'
"Don't go changing to try and please me,
I love you just the way you are..."
Nice Catch!
Jim
OK, I might freshen up the checkering on the grips.....
Last edited by 6string; 12-15-2018 at 11:26 PM.
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12-15-2018, 11:47 PM
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You would not have gotten out that low had i been at that auction...yes it is well worn but so am I. A un-messed with 44 spl even in that condition would probably bring at least $500 in a online auction I would think. Nice gun.
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Randy
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12-16-2018, 12:17 AM
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I think you got a great deal on that one. 
I've got a 5" 2nd Model 44 HE that lettered as being shipped January 22, 1924 to Police Department, Joplin MO. Mine looks a little better, but not by a whole lot. Although it is still mostly blue. 
They're great shooters, but I would suggest changing those grips for range time.Those service grips look pretty good and are original, but they are some real knuckle busters. 
Personally, I prefer the 5" barrel. However I'd advise against changing yours. Instead keep all the numbers original.
Leave it as is and shoot the snot out of it. 
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12-16-2018, 12:28 AM
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Chris, that looks a lot like mine, although I think my finish is in worse shape than yours!! Mine shipped in July 1922, and was my first S&W back in the very early 1970s. All original, except someone has thoughtfully modified the front sight.
This was the gun that I learned to reload for, along with a .44 Charter Arms Bulldog.
Best Regards, Les
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12-16-2018, 04:18 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by les.b
Chris, that looks a lot like mine, although I think my finish is in worse shape than yours!! Mine shipped in July 1922, and was my first S&W back in the very early 1970s. All original, except someone has thoughtfully modified the front sight.
This was the gun that I learned to reload for, along with a .44 Charter Arms Bulldog.
Best Regards, Les |
That must have been a gratifying learning experience!
I used to have a 2nd model HE in 455 Eley. It was not converted. But, it did have a few other modifications.
It was great fun fabricating brass, and regulating loads and bullet weights (not to mention as cast diameter!).
It proved to be very accurate and was my primary Bullseye CF gun for a good while.
Jim
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12-16-2018, 06:32 AM
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Great guns thanks for posting ,great price also.
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12-16-2018, 08:42 AM
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Great price. If it isn't broke don't fix it. Looks just fine as is.
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12-16-2018, 09:09 AM
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Great buy, cgt4570. If that old war horse came into my possession, I believe I would remove the grips and just soak it for a couple of days in the 50-50% ATF & acetone solution we hear so highly touted here, then caress all exposed surfaces with fine bronze wool to remove any active rust without disturbing remaining finish. Another quick rinse in 50/50 and a blow out to dry, then light oiling. The grips would then get a good cleaning with Murphy’s Oil Soap, followed by a light application of tung oil. After cleaning off any remaining residue and reassembling I’d give it all a good coat of Ren Wax and then spend as much time at the range with it as I could. I’m sure you have your own plans for how you will treat it, but I’m just sitting here dreaming through my haze of envy. Congrats again on a great find!
Froggie
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