MOD-23

demkofour · Mar 6, 2018

A short confession first: Over the 12 years that I have been a member here, the vast majority of my explorations has been the Classified, S&W Revolvers: 1961-1980, S&W Revolvers:1980 to the Present and Smith &Wesson Semi-Auto Pistols...
I don't recall ever looking through the S&W Hand Ejectors:1896-1961, as all of my "collection" are from the latter Forums.
That may be changing soon...
Today, while visiting a LGS on official police business, I did as I normally do- I checked to see what was new in the used S&W counter. In the showcase were a beautiful 4" M-19 and a comparable 4" M-29. But between them was something I'd never seen before- as a matter of fact I thought the sale tag was mis-marked... The hang tag identified the revolver as a .38 Model 23.
This is what I saw:

Tell what we have here, please.

410bore · Mar 6, 2018

Outstanding

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LPD256 · Mar 6, 2018

I think it is basically a 38/44 Outdoorsman.

DCWilson · Mar 6, 2018

Most of the adjustable-sight .38-44s produced on the 1950 design were not model marked and are commonly referred to as Pre-23s. The configuration was not a commercial success, but stayed in the catalog until 1966. Very few were produced after the introduction of model numbers. The Pre-23s themselves are not commonly seen because of the low production, but the model-marked specimens are flat-out rare. I don't recall seeing more than two or three of them mentioned in the last decade.

demkofour · Mar 6, 2018

A couple more shots of the revolver:

Muley Gil · Mar 6, 2018

Since it IS marked MOD-23, it IS a Model 23, not a pre Model 23. It is also known as a .38/44 Heavy Duty Outdoorsman.

Peak53 · Mar 6, 2018

Go in at one and a half large and see where you get. Never seen one, although I have a Model of 1950 pre-version bought from some ape in Georgia

S&WIowegan · Mar 6, 2018

Clearly the gun store is not staffed by lazy dummies! They know what they've got and pricing accordingly. There really is very little precedent for what the price should be since most of us haven't seen one until your pics.

I would most likely buy it at that price if I could look at it up close and personal.

moosedog · Mar 6, 2018

That is a model marked 23. Only seen one other one in my life. That gun is rare. If you don't buy it, send me the info and I'll buy it.

Kingspoke · Mar 6, 2018

What a sweet find!

Needless to say, you brought it home, or soon will! I'll be picking up my pre war Outdoorsman, in a couple of days! Can't wait!

Congrats!!!

kennethg · Mar 7, 2018

If I had the opportunity to buy something like this, I would probably dislocate my shoulder getting my wallet out. You will never lose money on it if you do buy it.

410bore · Mar 7, 2018

Muley Gil said:
Since it IS marked MOD-23, it IS a Model 23, not a pre Model 23. It is also known as a .38/44 Heavy Duty Outdoorsman.

Minus the HEAVY DUTY, yes

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Wiregrassguy · Mar 7, 2018

When the SCSW, 4th Ed. says "value to rare to estimate," you know you got a deal paying under 5 figures.

D Brown · Mar 7, 2018

Model 23

I don't think I would have left the store without it.

demkofour · Mar 7, 2018

D Brown said:
I don't think I would have left the store without it.

Based upon some (if not all...) of the posts here and the PMs sent to me by several of you, who know much more about the MOD-23 than me, I went right to the store this morning and got there 15 minutes before opening. There were actually two or three cars with customers waiting for the shop to open (I'm not saying they were there for the 23, but I was concerned.)
The manager saw me at the door and let me in before opening and I was able to put the revolver on hold!
I went back later in the day to complete the purchase and left the shop with the 23 feeling I did pretty well.
The yoke and the cylinder are both numbered to the gun, but the grips, which I believe to be original, do not.
The gun is in exceptional condition for 60 years old, with a turn line but not much more to show. The blueing is excellent and the bore and cylinders are pristine.
I don't know what more pics I can post, but if anyone has a suggestion, please let me know.

Finally, I know Mr. Jinks is no longer with S&W, but I misplaced the site where we can still request letters from him...
I have the site for the S&WHF, which I don't think is the same as Mr. Jinks...?

ladder13 · Mar 7, 2018

Jim, you did great. I miss those NY gun shops, you never knew what you would find.

http://www.swhistoricalfoundation.com/Letter_request_form.pdf

Hoosier45 · Mar 7, 2018

Outstanding! Congrats on your purchase and please take care of that one. I recently snagged something similar, off by “1”

kennethg · Mar 7, 2018

Hoosier45's post convinced me to post a photo of my model 20. This is a well worn (exterior finish) Pueblo, CO PD weapon. It still shoots great and is one of my favorite range guns.
Maybe we will get some more of the rare 1950 "N" frame model marked revolvers posted here.

Shark Bait · Mar 7, 2018

Super cool gun and an awesome find! I don't think you'll hurt it by shooting it, so how about a range report? With pictures, of course.

THE PILGRIM · Mar 7, 2018

Wow! Nice gun.
Have never seen one model marked.

MOD-23

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