.357 Magnum vs .38/44 Outdoorsman

[RSIKR]

I think in 1935 the .357 Magnum was $60 and the .38/44 Outdoorsman was $45.
After the war I believe the .357 Magnum went to $100. Don't know the Outdoorsman price.

$60 in 1935 = $1370.36 in 2024

$45 in 1935 = $1027.77

$100 in 1947= $1405.49

I have a M & P, 2”, BS, with a receipt purchased in 1947 that sold for $70.00 = $983.85 in 2024

My Model 19 4” BS purchased in January 1968 listed at $110.00 = $990.77 in 2024.
I received a 10% discount as a new LEO, $99.00 + ST
Many new officers purchased Model 15s which were about $85.00 as I recall=$765.60 in 2024 or $76.50 police price = $689.04. Few purchased M & Ps

I bought a Model 49, BS for $78.00 in February 1968 for $78.00=$702.55 in 2024

My starting salary was $6700 per year in 1968 plus a $200 uniform allowance as I recall.

In 1968 a Colt Python from a Colt jobber was $130.00=1170.92
A 10% police discount would have reduced it to $117.00=$1053.82. Most officers who bought Colts, purchased Troopers for less money. Few bought OPs.

The Good Old Days.

 

[H Richard]

Back in the 60's and 70's I always carried a $100 bill folded up in my wallet, (in case I lucked into a good buy). Currently my wallet isn't hardly big enough to hold the cash needed today. (Thank goodness for credit cards).

 

[DARE]

Richard, thanks for showing your Outdoorsman collection. Wow!
The engraved pair, the .22 and the .38/44? I'm guessing Keith Brown made the grips? Beautiful!

 

[RKmesa]

...The engraved pair, the .22 and the .38/44? I'm guessing Keith Brown made the grips? Beautiful!

Yup - good eye. KB stocks on both. They really are a nice pair.

 

[kscharlie]

Posed this question for Roy Jinks on the SWCA side.
He said that after the war, S&W started producing models that they had frames and parts they could easily modify and put in production. They had .38/44 Outdoorsman frames.

Terry Lester in his latest Journal article on 'Postwar .357 Magnum Transitional Revolver Production' said, "the company completed a small number of .357 Magnums for police and special orders."

This explains why there were so many of the .38/44 Outdoorsman as compared to the .357 Magnums. S&W had frames for the Outdoorsman, but not for the Magnum.

I don't understand. I thought the "frames" for the OD and the Magnum were identical. If so, I would think the frame for an OD could be used as the frame for a Magnum. If my assumption is incorrect, I would appreciate some education.

The one thing I have thought for a good long while is, based on the numbers produced and prices currently paid, the .38/44 OD is a bargain. I sure like mine.

 

[lestert357]

I don't understand. I thought the "frames" for the OD and the Magnum were identical. If so, I would think the frame for an OD could be used as the frame for a Magnum. If my assumption is incorrect, I would appreciate some education.

I believe the only difference is that the top strap is checkered on the Magnums…..

 

[CoronaGold111]

The .38/44 Outdoorsman was introduced in 1931. Between 1931 and 1941, 4761 were produced.
About 40% more .357 Magnums sold in 5 years vs 10 years for the Outdoorsman.
...
It makes my head explode.

Sorry, I don't have the numbers, but does it make your head feel any better if you add in the sales numbers for the 38/44 HD which became available in 1930?