38/44 McGivern Model a.k.a. 5” Outdoorsman

[sixscrew]

38/44 5" target numbers matching

I just acquired this 38/44
Saturday in New Hampshire.

Numbers match frame, barrel,
Cylinder
Sights are factory requesting authenticity letter .

 

[linde]

I just acquired this 38/44
Numbers match frame, barrel, Cylinder
Sights are factory requesting authenticity letter .

Very nice with an interesting hammer. The absence of a McGivern gold bead or flat Call bead may be factory original but if the factory letter comes back showings it shipped with fixed sights, it could very well have been returned to the factory for conversion to target sights, several were.

I have one that I was willing to bet money was originally shipped with target sights but Roy's factory letter said otherwise. The S&W Historical Foundation was able to search factory invoices which showed the owner returned it to the factory a year after it was initially shipped requesting conversion to target sights and grooved front & back grip straps.

Best Wishes,

Russ

 

[S&W ucla]

Does the hammer have "King" on it? That's a fine looking S&W!

 

[mikepriwer]

I believe the definition of a McGivern Model is a 5" 38/44 with a McGivern Gold Bead front sight blade and grooved front & rear grip straps.

Regards, Mike Priwer

 

[CptCurl]

I suppose it is helpful to link threads discussing similar S&W revolvers. Here is a link to the very early 5" HD Target I have in my collection.

Extremely Rare .38/44 HD Target Revolver.


It was one of the very first HDs produced.

Curly

 

[RKmesa]

I just acquired this 38/44
Saturday in New Hampshire.

Numbers match frame, barrel, Cylinder
Sights are factory requesting authenticity letter.

What a fun 5" O/D.

If that guy ever wears out his welcome in NH, please let me know, as I'm sure we can come to some agreement on how it can relocate here in AZ.

 

[sixscrew]

Thanks to all learning a lot , the hammer has "reg.u.s. Pat.off." And nice case hard" where would the king be placed is a crown? Or word
King?

 

[S&W ucla]

Usually the word KING on the side of the hammer. They did a lot of custom gunsmithing including early "target" style hammers like the one on yours. Not always marked. In Linde's first post, his has the standard S&W hammer. Looking forward to your letter!

 

[sixscrew]

Thank you, hammer not marked at all
I saw an example, of the King stamp.

 

[80sgyrene]

One of these is my grail gun. Absolutely perfect revolver!

 

[Nightowl]

I have no idea whether it is a King hammer or not, but all the King hammers I have seen have the double line where the checkering stops, just like yours. That is very nice checkering on the hammer, like King did. I have a cockeyed hammer on an RM that is not so near nicely done.

Whether or not it is a King, and I lean that way, it is very well made.

 

[RKmesa]

...all the King hammers I have seen have the double line where the checkering stops, just like yours. That is very nice checkering on the hammer, like King did.

Case in point - a RM that shipped from the factory to King...