.38/44 Heavy Duty Help

[1Aspenhill]

Well, he certainly hit the jackpot and should buy a lottery ticket! I still would like to see pics and know about any writing on the top of the barrel. As for David's observations, S&W made 100 4" barrels for the HD in the mid 30s. Some people say they didn't make all of those and some say they did. The 4" barrel was not cataloged until 1940. I think they did sell the original 100 and more before the war. IF you look at the guns put together after the war, the 4" was the most popular which tells me they made a lot of them before the war and kept the stock until after the war. I would say that 98% of HDs were 5" guns and the rest 4 and 6.5. The percent of nickel varied but was anywhere between 11-13%. The info you seek on how many 4" HDs are out there is not known in any written media and would take counting each one to see how many of what barrel length and finish were manufacturered. More of the HDs in the 60000 serial number range tend to have humpback hammers.
I hope this helps,
Bill

 

[rancheroguy]

i did buy a lotto scratch off for 10Bucks and won a cool 100

 

[rancheroguy]

here are a few pics

 

[1Aspenhill]

To help you, you will need to take the grips off and tell us is stamped on both the left and right grip frame. Also what is stamped in the ejector lug of the barrel. Any markings on the top of the barrel? Thanks,
Bill

 

[rancheroguy]

the grips have the serial on the gun and the only thing i see on the grip frame looks like an N on the right side and an Hon the left side

 

[rancheroguy]

I may be looking to sell or trade to get a 1911 thats what i have my heart set on what should i ask for a fair price to get a decent 1911?

 

[dacoontz]

Value would be tough for me to say because you have some nice parts to the gun but the overall finish looks real bad from those new pictures. You'd hate to see those grips and that hammer seperated from the gun since the grips look to be numbered to the gun and the hammer might be original to it as well. I think you could probably find someone here that might be interested in it as it sits.

 

[rancheroguy]

Would it ruin the value to send it off to S&W to be nickled or keep it as it is and ask around 800 is that a fair price?

 

[dacoontz]

S&W won't work on guns this old anymore. I think we all have older guns that are shooter grade pistols that we would love to have a factory refinish on. There are a few guys that believe in not messing with original finishes on guns but opinions cary. Like I said, price can be very dependent on finding someone that is interested in buying it and it's tough to pin down a number.

 

[rancheroguy]

I heard of a company called robar firearms coatings they make a nickle type finish would that ruin the collector value?

 

[dacoontz]

I heard of a company called robar firearms coatings they make a nickle type finish would that ruin the collector value?

Yes, I don't think you would want to do that. You wouldn't get your moneys worth out of it anyway if you are just going to sell or trade it.

 

[rancheroguy]

If I wanted to keep it as a shooter then sell or trade later down the road would it be bad to re finish the gun?

 

[1Aspenhill]

you will get the most for it as is. Any markings on the top of the barrel?

 

[rancheroguy]

Left side says smith and wesson
Right side says .38 S&W special ctg

 

[rancheroguy]

What I'm looking for is a 5" fullsize 1911 does anyone have a trade?

 

[rancheroguy]

I'm looking to sell or trade in tx right now guys I just don't feel like shipping across state lines I may if I have to though

 

[1Aspenhill]

pm sent
bill

 

[Buffalo Nichols]

PM sent, sorry Bill not trying to snipe. BTW your box shipped Friday priority male.

Buff

 

[rancheroguy]

Ok everyone I'm putting a freeze on the sale or trade of my HD I'm not trying to be rude but I just need to do more research on my pistol when I make a decision I will keep in touch on this forum with everyone and I want to give my apologies to everyone I may have rubbed wrong please forgive me

 

[rancheroguy]

Winner For the HD

OK everyone the winner for the HD is 1AspenHill Give him a round of applause please