Question on 38/44 OD Stocks

Vettepartz · Feb 21, 2020

I bought this 38/44 Outdoorsman today, with serial number S70421 which I think was made in late 1946. All numbers match, except the stocks were wrong. I also noticed that the butt end of the stocks seemed a trifle too small. Since they weren't numbers matching, I put on another set of diamond Magnas and noticed that they also seemed too small. Tried a third set and have the same problem. It almost looks as if the bottom of the frame is just slightly too large. I know that is not possible. So I am wondering if this is a normal thing with the 'Transitional' Outdoorsmen.

EDIT: Thanks much to Hondo44 for the information he provided. I found one more set of diamond Magnas I had stashed, and they fit perfectly. After re-arranging the side plate screws, this is a completely different revolver than I left the gun store with. I'm happy!

Hondo44 · Feb 21, 2020

Nice find!

Yes, it's normal for all pre war N frames including Post War Transitional models (because they are basically pre war frames with the long action) built after the war with the post war sliding bar hammer block improved safety.

You'll need some pre war or transitional Magna style stocks with the square cornered border checkering that most transitionals came with. Some with pre war 1/2" flat silver medallions and some with 3/8" post war nickel plated brass medallions.

Pre war Magnas have flat, thin rounded top edge w/o pronounced sharp shoulder, flat flush chrome medallions, sharp cornered checkering borders, and coarser checkering, less lines per inch. Pre war and Transitionals are slightly longer and have machined washers on back as well:

Photo credit: George_in_SD

View from the back:

Photo credit: George_in_SD

Post war transitional Magnas; sharp shoulder thicker necks, post war medallions but with pre war sharp cornered checkering border: not shown.

Early post war Magnas with rd cornered checkering border, sharp shoulder, and 3/8" curved nickel plated medallions:

Photo credit: cgt4570 (Chris Taylor)

paplinker · Feb 21, 2020

That gun would look great with a set of Elk magna stags,

Buy the prewar length of course.

Babysitr · Feb 22, 2020

[email protected] revolver just knocks me over! Sweet!

JustinL · Feb 22, 2020

Slight thread highjack - is it normal to find 'pre-war' stocks that originally shipped with transitional N-frames?

Doc44 · Feb 22, 2020

Pre-war style stocks did not ship on "transitional" N-frame revolvers shipped after the war. The stocks are very similar to N-frame Magnas shipped in the 1950s with a major difference being the S&W monogram. It was also "transitional" and was discontinued by 1950 or late 1949. The photo below shows stocks dating to late 1950 (left side) and 1947 (right side). The difference in the S&W monograms is apparent.

Bill

Question on 38/44 OD Stocks

Vettepartz

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