3rd Model HE & ammunition and holster questions

[Maverick1950]

These are some pictures of a 5" Third Model HE .44 that was my father's. Its serial number is 340XX, and from what I can gather on this forum, it was produced in about 1930. When S&W starts taking orders for letters again, I will probably try to get one.

I originally posted about this gun on the 1945 to Present forum last month, because I didn't know what it was.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/530103904/m/7541085123/p/1

I have since taken it to a gunsmith for cleaning and checking out. It test-fired fine, and I am looking forward to taking it to the range. The pictures in this post are "post cleaning up."

When I take it to the range, are there any ammunition restrictions I should be aware of? I wouldn't be trying any especially hot loads because of the gun's age, but apart from that is there anything I need to worry about?

One thing I wasn't sure of is whether this gun is the same size as any current Smith & Wessons. I would like to get a holster for it and wasn't sure whether that would be hard or easy. Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Maverick1950]

These are some pictures of a 5" Third Model HE .44 that was my father's. Its serial number is 340XX, and from what I can gather on this forum, it was produced in about 1930. When S&W starts taking orders for letters again, I will probably try to get one.

I originally posted about this gun on the 1945 to Present forum last month, because I didn't know what it was.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/530103904/m/7541085123/p/1

I have since taken it to a gunsmith for cleaning and checking out. It test-fired fine, and I am looking forward to taking it to the range. The pictures in this post are "post cleaning up."

When I take it to the range, are there any ammunition restrictions I should be aware of? I wouldn't be trying any especially hot loads because of the gun's age, but apart from that is there anything I need to worry about?

One thing I wasn't sure of is whether this gun is the same size as any current Smith & Wessons. I would like to get a holster for it and wasn't sure whether that would be hard or easy. Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Bear4570]

I would keep my shooting limited to early factory load pressures with this old sweetheart. No sense beating it up. Any of the new cowboy .44 specials will work just fine and be easy on the gun. If you reload something light like 4.5 of Bullseye or 5.5-6 grains of Unique will a 240 grain lead SWC would fit the bill.

Just about any 5-6" N-frame holster should work just fine.

Nice gun..

 

[Texas Star]

Aren't the Federal 200 grain lead HP loads safe in it, and the tradtional 246 grain loads?

 

[guy sajer]

Originally posted by Texas Star:
Aren't the Federal 200 grain lead HP loads safe in it, and the tradtional 246 grain loads?

These will be safe in any 44HE assuming it's mechanically sound . They're loaded mild taking into consideration they may find their way into an older gun .