The model 544 chambered in 44-40

cadmike · Mar 31, 2018

So I stopped into LGS yesterday and saw something I had never before seen or heard of: a Smith and Wesson model 544 Texas Wagon Train Commemorative. A blued, 5” barreled N Frame chambered in 44-40. Complete with wooden presentation box.

I would like to know the forums thoughts on this gun. Anyone own one?Doesn’t seem to be very popular seeing as how I’d never heard of it. The store had it priced at $999.99. It appeared to be in very good condition and with a state of Texas emblem on the side plate.

Thoughts and opinions, please.

Breakaway500 · Mar 31, 2018

I own three of them. They are dandy shooters and balanced just about perfect for an N frame and 5" barrel. The 544 does not get much respect and in my opinion, a very underrated model. $1k is the top of the retail price range unfired with the box. You can find them on GB for sale regularly in the $750-$1200 range..with most of the sales happening under $1k. If you buy it...shoot it. I'll bet you buy a second one...

I bought a "shooter" (which looks unfired) with no box for $700 on GB recently. The 544 is on the BAFTE C&R list so can be purchased direct with an 03 FFL (C&R) if you have one. Win win!

Coaltminer · Mar 31, 2018

Model 544

I thought about one of those, but the want for other guns won out. I still think it's unique and would be a fun shooter, mostly because of the caliber. I doubt they'll ever make them again and I've never seen one locally for sale. The Classic series all run about $1000, and I'd much rather have the 544. Factory ammo isn't cheap and not found just anywhere. I'd load for it!

The Norseman · Mar 31, 2018

S&W Model 544 44-40cal

I have not run across one yet. I think it would
be neat to have one. If the Condition and Price
was right I would defiantly buy one.

I have read about the Cartridge. I have also
read it works very good in the Lever Release Bolt
Action Rifles. I Reload so that Cartridge would be
no problem for me.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

22hipower · Mar 31, 2018

Had one once, it was not accurate for me, and had something off in the timing. Sold it to someone who was buying "all things S&W" at the time. That said I agree with Breakaway500 that the five inch barrel and 44 caliber ought to get more respect. I might buy another if I came across one at a good price. I think for one used at all the price would have to be under $800 though. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

Bakebfr480 · Mar 31, 2018

I'd grab it at that price.

Nightowl · Mar 31, 2018

I have one that I can't bring myself to shoot yet. Maybe someday!! I wouldn't mind finding one that has already been shot to try out. I really like the 5 inch barrel N frames!

mexicanjoe · Apr 6, 2018

YUP

I carried one on patrol and it was dead nuts accurate!! Sold it in the case so pay rent!!! BTW the bullets must be .427 not .429 or they will not chamber the cylinder!! Go buy that 544!!!!!

STCM(SW) · Apr 6, 2018

I have one and shoot sometimes.
Did finish off a buck deer with it .
Can't load it as warm as some of my 44 Special's.

colt_saa · Apr 6, 2018

The discussion of this revolver probably comes back around once a year or so. As you can see, many of your fellow S&W Forum members are familiar with the model 544.

However most of the S&W community is only familiar with the standard edition. This is a 5" blue steel N-frame chambered in 44-40 and housed in a basswood presentation case. This was S&W product code 103195

While the revolver depicts the Texas Wagon Train, it was built to commemorate the Texas Sesquicentennial (150th birthday).

The Sesquicentennial Commission had reserved a serial number block to produce 7800 revolvers. However, this commemorative failed to sell out and only 4782 were manufactured.

The first 150 revolvers were Deluxe editions, product code 103196. These had engraving and gold wire line work along with hand scrimshawed, coke shaped, Elephant Ivory target stocks. The hammer, trigger, cylinder release and ejector rod are all gold plated. The Sesquicentennial Commission also had a bronze Texas Longhorn produced for the Deluxe version of the model 544. These bronzes are signed and numbered to the revolvers. There is also a large medallion that was produced.

All of this fits into a large presentation case with glass on 5 sides and lid that opens up. This huge case is also mounted on a lazy susan so that it can be rotated and viewed from any angle.

I like serial numbers. Pictured here is a deluxe 544, serial number 44. chambered in 44-40. That is just a lot of 44s for one firearm

I have often referred to the 150 Model 544 Texas Wagon Train Deluxe Commemoratives as one of Smith and Wesson's finest presentations of one of their worst selling Commemeratives.

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4aDEEkLTYA[/ame]

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyjN7LP_XhU[/ame]

moralem · Apr 6, 2018

Being a .44 fan and in Texas let me know where that gun is I would like to see about making an offer.

cadmike · Apr 6, 2018

OP checklng in here. I have no interest in owning the revolver; I was just curious about it since I had never heard of it I already own 2 5-inch N frames and am more of a 44 Magnum guy.

The gun is (was) located at Cabelas in Scarborough, Maine. Good luck.

992B · Apr 24, 2018

I have owned a 544 for over a year and it is a very good shooter with moderate handholds of Unique and cast bullets in 200 to 240 grain range. Right now it is at the gunsmith having a 44 cylinder fit to it for 44 Special cartridges, which are easier to handload and are readily available.

992B · Jun 13, 2018

The Model 544 has been returned from the gunsmith and I am very happy with the fit and function. With 7 to 8 grain loads of Unique behind 240 cast .429 bullets accuracy is good. Since the cylinder is a 44 mag chambering I will try some 8 to 9 grain Unique loads with the aforementioned cast bullet, in 44 mag brass. No 44 mag hot load for this one! Gary

glenncal1 · Jun 14, 2018

OK-5" N-Frame in a cool old caliber, what's not to like. Obviously if you are planning high volume shooting you need to reload. I also have the 125th anniversary in .45. I like the commerative guns and I think S&W put extra effort in the finish.

hkcavalier · Aug 22, 2018

There is one for sale locally, $1k, faint turn line and box. Not sure I need another caliber but it sure is interesting.

SLT223 · Aug 23, 2018

It’s a 5” ejector shroud N frame (Awesome!) with a .429” bore (Awesome!), and the wrong cylinder (Not awesome!).

S&W was so close to re-releasing a 5” ejector shroud .44 Magnum and blew it.

Squarebutt · Aug 23, 2018

For a matched pair, Henry Rifles produced an engraved .44-40 lever gun for Friends of NRA events a couple years ago. With luck, an example might show up on an auction site someday.

greenmachine · Aug 24, 2018

I bought mine 10 years ago when someone on this forum mentioned one being for sale on some Georgia shooting forum. I made contact and bought it immediately. It was the first I ever heard of a 544, but I wanted it because of the caliber. I was already loading for a Winchester '92 SRC and had all the reloading components. I love mine.

Nightowl · Aug 25, 2018

greenmachine said:
I bought mine 10 years ago when someone on this forum mentioned one being for sale on some Georgia shooting forum. I made contact and bought it immediately. It was the first I ever heard of a 544, but I wanted it because of the caliber. I was already loading for a Winchester '92 SRC and had all the reloading components. I love mine.

I am interested in how it shoots. Does it have a .429 barrel? What about the cylinder throats? Are they .427 or .329?

The model 544 chambered in 44-40

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