2nd Model 44 Hand Ejector

[raljr1]

Just picked this one up today after winning a GB auction. Been wanting a 44 special for some time, but they just seemed to be in poor shape or more than I wanted to spend, or both. Lousy pictures on the auction site but the price was right. It has target stocks on it and from the picture I was pretty sure they were those "cokes" that I'd never seen up close. I wasn't sure I liked the targets so I thought I could always sell them and put some period correct stocks on. Based on what I've seen some of these cokes sell for, I would not have much left in the piece.

Smith & Wesson Hand Ejector 44 Special : Revolvers at GunBroker.com

Now that it's home, I believe it to be the original finish. All of the edges are sharp, the knurling on the ejector feels like it's new, and the edges of the front sight are sharp. There are some flaws in the bluing, but I don't think this one was used much. Lock up is very tight. I'm open to opinions, but very happy either way. Still trying to decide about leaving the cokes on or not, especially if correct stocks are as expensive as I've seen.

Here are some pictures, I'll try to take better ones tomorrow in natural light.

 

[Lee Barner]

we are going to need a range report on that one. had one many years ago with about maybe half of that finish, but it was a fine, fun shooter. lee

 

[MCorps0311]

Looks nice now!

 

[shouldazagged]

It's a beauty. I'd keep the cokes and shoot the hell out of it, but I'm not an investor.

 

[nevada duke]

raljr1, I purchased a 2nd model .44 from Gunlist in Reno a year ago. From your pictures I would guess your finish is original. A very deep dark blue with an almost perfect polish underneath. Ours numbers to 1932 per SCSW. Could the polishers-final assembly people have been working their asses off to avoid unemployment in 1932. One can speculate, I know I would have. One of the nicest finished S&W revolvers I have held in my hands.
It shoots great, 250 gr cast SWC at around 800 fps, right to the POA. Love the .44 Special, we have 4 now. Looking forward to better pics and a range report.

Best regards, Nevada duke

 

[Hondo44]

Robert,

That's a beauty. I can't say for certain from the few photos if it's an original finish.
But one important clue is that the rebound slide pin on the left side frame has not been
polished flat. It's most typical for it to be flat if refinished by anyone other than the factory.

 

[raljr1]

More pictures on the next couple posts. I'm convinced it's an original finish. Now the question is should it have period correct stocks or leave the cokes....they're growing on me.

 

[raljr1]

 

[raljr1]

Serial number is 36449, puts it as 1931 manufacture according to the book. No rework marks that I can see....and I intend to shoot this one for sure.....baby it yes, shoot it, absolutely.

 

[jack the toad]

Congrats on what appears to be a nice shooter and at a good a price too.

 

[handejector]

You stole that gun.
Good for you!

 

[raljr1]

Thanks, Lee...I thought I did okay, LOL...it's the Seller's fault, lousy auction pictures....I knew that worst case, the stocks were worth half the sell price...

 

[DWalt]

The closest .44 SN I have listed to 36449 is 367xx which shipped in 12/33. But during the depression gun sales were slow, and SNs do not track shipping dates very closely. You can't easily determine a manufacturing date, only a shipping date. Yours was likely manufactured in 1931, but no good way to tell exactly when. I'd get some cheaper grips for shooting and put the Cokes safely away as an investment.

 

[LLOYD17]

Good looking 2nd Model 44. Those Cokes will be way more comfortable than service stocks.

 

[series guy]

The only thing I would change on that gun is the round count. Congratulations on a fine purchase.

 

[Tom K]

I'd say you need to find some original stocks for the 2nd Model, and then a Model 29 to put the Cokes on. That will wipe out any savings you made on the deal and restore balance to the universe. By the way - fantastic deal!

 

[raljr1]

I have a nickel 29-3, but I don't think the cokes go there....

 

[Göring's S&W]

I have a nickel 29-3, but I don't think the cokes go there....

That is correct. Cokes were gone by about 1968

 

[nevada duke]

Raljr1, You did real good on that deal. After your new pics I'm all in on original finish. Looks just like ours in color and polish. Ours is a 5", is yours 6 or 6 1/2"? Ours came with the original service grips, very uncomfortable to shoot for my big hands. Currently using some N -frame Magnas. Our serial number is 36354, so pretty close.
Best regards, Nevada duke.

 

[raljr1]

The barrel length is 6-1/2"....