Pre War and Post War Transition 38-44 Heavy Duties

1blindref · Mar 25, 2020

After quite a few years of collecting 38-44 Heavy Duties, I finally have an example of all three standard barrel length Pre War and Post War Transition 38-44 Heavy Duties. I would have completed this "want" a long time ago, but my addiction to Pre Model 27's, GI 1911's, and other milsurps had me sidetracked for a while!

As those of you HD collectors know, the 6.5" barreled HD's are the most difficult to find. I wouldn't know what I know, or have the collection I have if it wasn't for "Mr 38-44 HD" himself - 1Aspenhill. I've learned so much from Bill, and I thank him for teaching me about these great revolvers. He ignited my passion for these guns about twelve or so years ago, and also allowed me to be the next caretaker of some of this great collection. I'm up to fourteen 38-44 HD's (a drop in the bucket compared to 1Aspenhill) and I'm in awe of each and every one of them.

Thank you Bill!

Pre War 38-44 HD's: 4", 5", and 6.5" barreled guns.

Post War Transition 38-44 HD's: 4", 5", and 6.5" barreled guns.

Group shots

Kansasgunner · Mar 25, 2020

Very nice collection! Well done sir.

Glashaus · Mar 25, 2020

You sir have some absolutely fantastic HD’s! I never really paid much attention to the Heavy Duties until I started hanging around this Forum. I had never really seen one out in the wild, maybe I just didn’t hang out in the right places. By not really looking I lucked into two post war, a little ratty, 4” Heavy Duties. I know some of you would not have given these old HD’s a second look, but I kind of like them with a little road wear, adds character.

SuperMan · Mar 25, 2020

Nice collection...one to be really proud of....

Never even considered buying a HD until a few years ago as I just never shoot shoot .38 Special... Saw a 1952 year of birth gun at a very reasonable price and bought it...wish now I had done so years before...

Bob

sbrmike · Mar 25, 2020

Wow! Very nice and Impressive!!! Thanks for sharing that!

wetdog · Mar 25, 2020

Very nice lineup Rick. Thanks for sharing.

paplinker · Mar 25, 2020

Glad to hear you finally found that last trans 38/44!

Have you run into any factory uncatalogued bbl lengths?

Doc44 · Mar 25, 2020

Very nice! A great collection to be proud of.

Bill

RKmesa · Mar 25, 2020

Beautiful!!!!

I love the guns and the photos. Congrats and thanks for sharing.

JSR III · Mar 25, 2020

I only own two .38-44's. S69847 a 6.5" OD and S67706 a 5" HD both shipped in August of 1946.

Rather pale in comparison to this fine collection. Well done.

Russell Cottle · Mar 25, 2020

Nice collection! Congratulations!

delcrossv · Mar 25, 2020

Very nice! Congratulations!

rocknroad · Mar 25, 2020

I am huge fan of the 38/44's. Mine is an OD but, I'm blown away by your collection of HD's.

Congratulations.

austintexas · Mar 25, 2020

I remember in the late 70s early 80s walking into the Austin, Texas gunshow and seeing a table full of 38/44 HD police trade-ins. $150.00 sort thru and take your pick. Sadly at that time I was only collecting target sighted S&Ws. I have since learned the error of my ways.
SWCA 892

bill-in-texas · Mar 25, 2020

Thank you for sharing your very nice collection, Rick.

Beautiful examples, all!

j38 · Mar 25, 2020

Beautiful revolvers! The HDs are among my favorites. I have a soft spot for the 4" variety. Yours are in really nice shape and are sporting great stocks as well. Thanks for the post & pics,

Jerry

38SPL HV · Mar 25, 2020

Thank you for sharing your collections. It is especially nice while most of us are hunkering down to view these museum worthy firearms.

LEO918 · Mar 25, 2020

Rick, you have a collection you can be very proud of. Here is my meager collection, two Pre War and two Post War Heavy Duties.

StrawHat · Mar 26, 2020

I remember when the HD was under $100 with no takers! If only...

I have this one HD, a 5” postwar. It really shoots the 358156 load quite well.

It will stay here until someone else wants it more than I do.

Kevin

iskra · Mar 28, 2020

My Transitions...

Thank you so much for sharing your 'WOW' collection of Transition HDs! Notably all looking about new, multiply impressive! Some appearing to be with humpback hammers. I also note a couple with what appears the small S&W logo on right side. Presuming those definitely prewar. Closest I can even come to your, my Transitions. Each of three barrel lengths only achievable by merger w/ 44 Military. 38/44, 4" as new w/box, high nineties 5". Switch to 44 Military, w/high nineties five inch and maybe low nineties 6 1/2. Also, beyond your scope Target model Transitions w/boxes: as new 38/44 & maybe low nineties .44. I also have 1950 specimens 38/44 in HD 5 & 6 1/2 and 44 Military in 4 & 5 inch. Targets in both chamberings. Whew! Ostensibly several decades of collecting, wrapping in nineties, these guns a fraction of asking prices today and 'most' then considerably more common.
Thanks again for the great display and big congrats for the collection!
Best & keep safe!
John

Pre War and Post War Transition 38-44 Heavy Duties

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