38/44 id ?

[jim sobieski]

found a 38/44. only problem... the finish is like a bead blast or hard chrome. what is the difference? the gun is great mech shape. i believe it's a prewar. ser 603xx. but it has the s&w logo the large one on the right side. i Don't know if this is correct. he,s asking 400.00 otd. do you think it's worth it? it's a 5" w/target diamond magnas. thanks jim.

 

[jim sobieski]

found a 38/44. only problem... the finish is like a bead blast or hard chrome. what is the difference? the gun is great mech shape. i believe it's a prewar. ser 603xx. but it has the s&w logo the large one on the right side. i Don't know if this is correct. he,s asking 400.00 otd. do you think it's worth it? it's a 5" w/target diamond magnas. thanks jim.

 

[N_itis]

As a collectible: no.

As a "shooter:" yes.

The current market dictates that a nice, shootable prewar N frame is worth four bills.

With that said, if the finish, incorrect stocks, etcetra bothers you in the least, it is probably best to wait for a better example to come along...even if it costs more. If you just want a shootable prewar Heavy Duty that you are not afraid to take afield, then it sounds like you found it.

 

[DHENRY]

Fantastic advice from N_itis!
There will ALWAYS be another, somewhere, and the way I look at it, it's kind of like working at the local dog pound:
You can't bring 'em ALL home.

 

[1Aspenhill]

Jim,
I agree-if it is a bead blast, taking it off and rebluing is not too much of a problem. Leaving it as it is, still a good deal. Please send me the serial number off line for my database.
Thanks,
Bill

 

[bettis1]

Probably be a good candidate for a Bowen conversion. Not a bad starting price and you'd be in it for a couple of grand but you would have a "one of a kind" custom gun made to your specifications and you wouldn't have taken a "collectable" off the market.

Bob

 

[Muley Gil]

target diamond magnas.

Does this gun have target grips or magna grips? Are they numbered to the gun?

 

[1Aspenhill]

Jim,
Does the gun have a one line or four line address on the right side?
Hope this helps,
Bill