I have found a S&W 38/44 with a very heavy bull barrel, tapped for weights. The barrel is not marked with any maker or caliber. The gun is a 5 screw and the frame is maeked with an very crude H followed by 5 number starting with 107XX, under the numbers it appears to have a 7. The gun has been well used, but not well cared for. Some light rust in the rounds chamber and maybe a small bit of rust on the inside of the barrel. The grips are rubber again with no name or maker's mark. The shop is asking for $500.00, I think that is way out of line. Opinions? My research indicates 1950-1955 range, but I can be wrong.

One last item the gun is sporting a full lenght BO MAR sight.
Thanks for any input.

Have them take the grips off and check the serial number-107xx is not the serial number.
Bill

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38-44heavyduty.com

Thanks, Bill. What should I look for, other than the number, of course?

I would guess the barrel is 6 inches. It sounds like a gun built to shoot PPC.

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Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102

No Pic's????

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Only difference Fool/Mule-ears

If the timing is good, it could be a good shooter. The price seems in line, make an offer. I shot a double action league for 8 weeks, 16 matches. Mainly used a model 15 made into a PPC, very accurate and fun to shoot. Just bought a Brazilian model made into a pin gun with heavy bbl and a rib but havn't shot it yet. Larry

check the cylinder, under the ejector star and face of crane for the same serial number as the butt. What type of hammer does it have? If it has patent info on the back of it, it is a pre war hammer. If it is the pre war style, but no patent info, then it is a transition. If it is not a pre war style, then it most likely is a 1950 HD style. Pics would make it easier.
I hope this helps,
Bill

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38-44heavyduty.com

Bill, I will try to post a few pics as soon as possible. The hammer has been bobbed. The extractor rachet (correct name?) is worn very bad, not abused, but from heavy use. The timing lock up is good, the take up (from the time the hammer starts the cylinder moving is sloppy).
The owner is thinking he has a gold mine in this gun and has remained locked onto the price. While I don't NEED another gun, this is just the first 38/44 I have seen.
I think if I could buy the gun for $350.00 I will, more than that I will pass.

With a little more info, we may be able to help you or guide you to restoring it back to original. Serial number, more than anything will tell us what you would have to have.
Bill

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38-44heavyduty.com