38-44 question

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nthrut9

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I have a chance to acquire a S&W early 6.5" barrel, 5 screw, serial number 81946, 38/44 Outdoorsman, in pristine external condition. Any internal worn parts have recently been replaced, and the pistol has not been fired since. Also, has Hogue wooden finger groove grips ( original grips are not available). Cylinders are not lengthened for .357 magnum. Any idea what this is approximately worth? Any input would be appreciated. Pics in a post below. Thanks.
 
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Is it a .38/44 Heavy Duty or a .38/44 Outdoorsman? Makes a big difference. The non-original grips may also depress value. Also, have the chambers been lengthened to accept .357? What is the asking price? BTW, no .38/44 would have a four-digit SN.
 
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38-44

Frame is large, like an N frame. I don't have access to serial #, just what I am told. Got pics, but don't know how to post here. Don't think chambers have been altered. This is part of an offer of 4 pistols in trade, for a rifle I own. just trying to get some idea of minimum value. I will probably post for sale here, if I get it. Below is email link w/ 3 pics of this pistol.

Gmail

Any help would be appreciated.
 
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Both are N frames. The HD has fixed sights, the Outdoorsman has an adjustable rear sight, and is the direct predecessor to the .357 Magnum. That's why the Outdoorsman usually brings somewhat more than an HD. I am not sure if the HD was offered with a 6-1/2" barrel. I don't think so, so it may well be an Outdoorsman. Without the SN or some pictures, we really can't tell much about this particular .38/44. Best to try to seat a .357 Mag empty case in the chambers to tell for sure if the chambers have been elongated. For a high-condition collectible grade gun, that will make a significant difference in value. Not so much for a shooter-grade gun. Better to know than to guess. The non-original grips are also likely to be a significant problem. A good pair of pre-WWII factory grips can be quite valuable. Assuming the gun is pre-WWII, which it may not be.
 
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"... 4 digit serial number 38-44."

Don't think there is such a thing. The .38/44 started at serial number 35037. It did not have its own serial number range. It was part of the pre WW II N frame series.

Make sure the SN is coming from the butt of the revolver.
 
Or this one?
Outdoorsman-1.jpg
 
The Heavy Duty was produced in 4, 5 & 6.5 inch barrels. 6.5 inch are rare in post war guns. Outdoorsman was standard with 6.5". And as already stated there are no four digit HDs or Outdoorsman.
 
Serial # is 81946
 
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38-44

DWalt said:
Is it a .38/44 Heavy Duty or a .38/44 Outdoorsman? Makes a big difference. The non-original grips may also depress value. Also, have the chambers been lengthened to accept .357? What is the asking price? BTW, no .38/44 would have a four-digit SN.
Click to expand...

Chambers have not been lengthened.
 
38-44

Thanks, PILGRIM, finally figured out how to post pics, w/ help from member SFIDEC, here. I'll be 70 next month, and of all things I've lost, I miss my mind the most........
 
S81946 indicates 1951 manufacture, probably late 1951 shipment. I'll leave a better value estimation to someone else, but without the original grips, it would probably take $1000-1200 to buy one like it. Essentially the same gun became the Model 23 in the late 1950s. A pre-war Outdoorsman with original grips might be $1500-$2000, and possibly more.
 
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Thanks. If I get it, will probably offer it for sale on this site.
 
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I think if you assume $1000 as a working valuation, you won't be too far off either direction. I think it would bring $1000, maybe more, if listed on GunBroker. Many like these as shooters. Virtually any .38/44 in shooting condition will typically sell for at least $500.
 
In the OP it was stated some internal parts were replaced. Looking at the pictures I wonder if one of those parts was the trigger. The picture looks suspiciously like one of the modern "combat" triggers. I don't see the serrations that would normally be visible on the edge of the trigger's radius.

I could be mistaken but if the trigger has been replaced that would be detrimental to the value, just like the replacement stocks.

Dave
 
nthrut9 said:
Thanks. If I get it, will probably offer it for sale on this site.
Click to expand...

Then why even buy it???

If you aren't interested in owning and enjoying it, then pass on it and let someone else have a shot.
 
38-44

iPac said:
Then why even buy it???

If you aren't interested in owning and enjoying it, then pass on it and let someone else have a shot.
Click to expand...

As stated above, this would be a part of 4 items offered in trade for a rifle of mine. This piece is the only one I wouldn't keep.
The other 3 are pinned, recessed 25's and a 27, original, and more in line w/ what I collect. I usually buy, not sell.
 
38-44

DCWilson said:
Pls. see post no. 3. He's not buying it. It has been offered to him as part of a package deal for a rifle he owns.
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Thanks, I reiterated so.
 
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38-44

I worked out a trade w/out involving this item. Much thanks to all who helped .
 
nthrut9 said:
I worked out a trade w/out involving this item. Much thanks to all who helped .
Click to expand...

nthrut9...Did you end up with Model 25 & 27 in transaction? If so, would appreciate pictures. Hope you are pleased with trade.
Thanks for interesting and informative post.
 
38-44

SFIDEC said:
nthrut9...Did you end up with Model 25 & 27 in transaction? If so, would appreciate pictures. Hope you are pleased with trade.
Thanks for interesting and informative post.
Click to expand...

Got 2 Model 25's and cash (45acp and 45 long colt)
 

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