.38-44 HD

[reflex264]

It's not original by any means but it is headed to Tennessee. 1931 model and not bored out to .357. I guess I will decide what to do to it when I have it in hand. I know some of you saw this gun sitting on GB. It was there for over a year. They kept dropping the price until I couldn't stand it. It will never be pristine so thinking about re-bluing it, sticking some magnas on it and calling it good. A while back I was researching pre-war HDs and found out that a gun smith named "Carl" last name started with an M put micros on several HD guns. This should make a fun shooter.

 

[mtgianni]

I am in the shoot it as it is and let the battle scars speak for themselves camp. Link to the closed auction? I would like to read the sellers description.

 

[Vtgw938]

Find a set of Sanderson stocks and it would be perfect.

 

[notsofast]

I was a bit disappointed to find out my HD would chamber and fire .357’s. It works well and I got it fairly cheap so it’s alright.

 

[reflex264]

I am in the shoot it as it is and let the battle scars speak for themselves camp. Link to the closed auction? I would like to read the sellers description.

Just a moment...

 

[Muley Gil]

I was a bit disappointed to find out my HD would chamber and fire .357’s. It works well and I got it fairly cheap so it’s alright.

Your revolver would suit me just fine.

I'm one of those old coots that thinks an N frame .38 special is clunky and that a large frame revolver needs to be at LEAST a .357 and a .41 or bigger would be much better.

 

[paplinker]

I had that gun saved on my GB page for a long time. Glad it found a home. The micro sights hopefully will serve you well. I have the same setup with King sights and its a ton of fun shooting a 5 inch target frame.

 

[SuperMan]

...nuttin' wrong with that one...a nice 5" HD with sights one can actually see.

And since it is a HD, load it like a HD. Buffalo Bore, Underwood, Lost River Ammo, all make REAL .38-44 loads that run 158s in the mid-1100 just like the original loads.

And if you reload there is lots of data on line to duplicate the original .38-44 loads...and much more pleasant to shoot than .357s but WAY above .38 Special +P...

Bob

 

[reflex264]

I handload for about 100 cartridges so this one will be a fun cartridge for me. I can't remember if I have the 358429 mold which will be perfect with a snort of 2400. If not I will grab one. I think it will be an around fun gun. I just have to separate my .38 stuff for the old M&P loads and this one. Old S&Ws are cool, especially if they get shot.

 

[reflex264]

I had that gun saved on my GB page for a long time. Glad it found a home. The micro sights hopefully will serve you well. I have the same setup with King sights and its a ton of fun shooting a 5 inch target frame.

I as well. They started dropping the price on it and I had to jump. It does have the letter so I justified another 100.00 of its value. Truthfully I got a deal. I will enjoy it.

 

[SuperMan]

If you haven't seen it, there is another just like it on GB....for double what you paid for yours...must be the same gunsmith...

I use the the Lyman/Thompson 357156 (both plain base and gas checked) only for my .38-44 loads. That way it is easy tell the heavies from the standard .38s...

 

[reflex264]

I got to shoot it Weds. It will shoot! Its in better shape than it appears in the picture.

 

[nutsforsmiths]

I’m the type of person who would leave you pistol alone. The use to me shows character!

I purchased this one back in 2007. It had 1970s target stocks on it and then purchased these proper refinished ones.

Pistol shipped in 1931 to Belknap Hardware in Louisville, KY. The front sight had some nice gunsmith work done and has what looks like an ivory bead added.

It’s been well used but still shoots great.

 

[reflex264]

I tore it down for a proper cleaning and lube. Whoever buffed off the case hardening left the engagement area alone. Smarter than I thought. I stripped the awful finish off of the grips. Brazilian rosewood and gorgeous. I should get done with them this week. I am at the place where I feel like I stole this gun. With 170 Keith's over a midlevel charge of Power Pistol it will keep all shots touching at 25 yards. After doing that I lined up some empty 12 gauge hulls at 25 yards and picked them off without any trouble. I turned the primer end towards me and laid one done. 25 yards launched it into the stratosphere. Yes I am ticked.

 

[boykinlp]

It's not original by any means but it is headed to Tennessee. 1931 model and not bored out to .357. I guess I will decide what to do to it when I have it in hand. I know some of you saw this gun sitting on GB. It was there for over a year. They kept dropping the price until I couldn't stand it. It will never be pristine so thinking about re-bluing it, sticking some magnas on it and calling it good. A while back I was researching pre-war HDs and found out that a gun smith named "Carl" last name started with an M put micros on several HD guns. This should make a fun shooter.

reflex264, I was wondering a couple of things. First, are the sights marked Micro, and second, what evidence shows a refinish? I realize that the hammer and trigger have been messed with.
Larry

 

[Model19man]

I think if that one was mine I might replace the hammer and trigger with the right ones. Then try to replace the wood with the right parts.

 

[gwpercle]

Do Not bore it out to 357 Magnum ... so many 38-44's have had that done to them ... not many originals left .
You can shoot 38 Special +P ammo or reload to 38-44 levels ...
data can be found if you are a reloader .

Very Nice Classic and Classy Revolver ... color me green !
Gary

 

[reflex264]

reflex264, I was wondering a couple of things. First, are the sights marked Micro, and second, what evidence shows a refinish? I realize that the hammer and trigger have been messed with.
Larry

The sights are marked Micro. Someone buffed the Color Case hardening off of the exposed parts. I am sending them to Bobby Tyler for a redo. The roll markings are slightly washed out. Pretty obvious the gun has been polished and re-blued. It doesn't have the look of the old S&W blue either.

 

[reflex264]

Do Not bore it out to 357 Magnum ... so many 38-44's have had that done to them ... not many originals left .
You can shoot 38 Special +P ammo or reload to 38-44 levels ...
data can be found if you are a reloader .

Very Nice Classic and Classy Revolver ... color me green !
Gary

One of the first things I checked was the cylinder. Thankfully this one wasn't hogged out.

 

[DWalt]

Just me, but for an average condition HD, I consider its having elongated chambers to take .357 cases to be a plus. I have one like that. I don't often shoot .357s in it but it's nice to have the option.