6.5 inch 38/44 Heavy Duty pre-20

[22hipower]

In October I was fortunate to acquire a 6.5 inch pre-war 38/44 Heavy Duty, one of fewer than 100 known.

https://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-h...ar-heavy-duty-letter-received-11-25-24-a.html

Today I picked up its much younger relative, a 6.5 inch post war 38/44 Heavy Duty pre 20 (S155077). I don't think there are many of those known either, estimates found here are 100 to 200. Don't think I've ever seen one in the wild. If anyone has actual production numbers on 6.5 inch pre 20s please post them. And pictures of other 6.5s would be great too.

It shows use, as does its pre war relative, but is mechanically in great condition. Here are a couple pictures and one of the pair.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

https://flic.kr/p/2qYxTWj https://www.flickr.com/photos/brushypondranch/

https://flic.kr/p/2qYxVVe https://www.flickr.com/photos/brushypondranch/

https://flic.kr/p/2qYxyPT https://www.flickr.com/photos/brushypondranch/

 

[Truckman]

Congratulations, Jeff!...Your 6 1/2" HD shipped to Washington State Patrol in the same crate as mine on 12/12/1957...Now someone tell me again how lettering a gun is just a waste of money and time......Ben

 

[Truckman]

Pics of mine......Ben

 

[22hipower]

Ben, thanks much, great to find that out.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[robertrwalsh]

Major congrats.

 

[lestert357]

Washington State Patrol

Jeff,

The invoice in post #2 above shows “STAMPED: WASHINGTON STATE PATROL”

Is S155077 stamped accordingly?

 

[22hipower]

Jeff,

The invoice in post #2 above shows “STAMPED: WASHINGTON STATE PATROL”

Is S155077 stamped accordingly?

Terry,

Good catch, if I remember correctly the WSP guns were stamped on the backstrap of the grip. I thought the finish was worn on this one from the owner resting a hand on the butt while it was in the holster. But suspect the stamp was removed when it was sold out of WSP inventory which explains why the polished finish on the rest of the gun is missing there. Do I remember reading in previous posts that the WSP stamping was removed from many of the WSP guns?

Jeff
SWCA #1457

https://flic.kr/p/2qYx3fp https://www.flickr.com/photos/brushypondranch/

 

[Truckman]

I thought the finish was worn on this one from the owner resting a hand on the butt while it was in the holster. But suspect the stamp was removed when it was sold out of WSP inventory which explains why the polished finish on the rest of the gun is missing there.

Gentlemen, mine appears the same......Ben

 

[GLL]

Jeff:

I have a couple both of which have gold boxes.
S 105501
S 158370

Years ago I had Pre War # 45228 but sent it down to Bill (1aspenhill).

 

[j38]

I once owned a 6.5 " Washington State Patrol gun that experienced the same treatment on the grip. One could still make out 5 or so letters that weren't totally removed. Mine shipped to a different wholesaler in Seattle.

Jerry