6.5 inch 38/44 Heavy Duty pre-20

[22hipower]

In October I was fortunate to acquire a 6.5 inch pre-war 38/44 Heavy Duty, one of fewer than 100 known.

https://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-h...ar-heavy-duty-letter-received-11-25-24-a.html

Today I picked up its much younger relative, a 6.5 inch post war 38/44 Heavy Duty pre 20 (S155077). I don't think there are many of those known either, estimates found here are 100 to 200. Don't think I've ever seen one in the wild. If anyone has actual production numbers on 6.5 inch pre 20s please post them. And pictures of other 6.5s would be great too.

It shows use, as does its pre war relative, but is mechanically in great condition. Here are a couple pictures and one of the pair.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

https://flic.kr/p/2qYxTWj https://www.flickr.com/photos/brushypondranch/

https://flic.kr/p/2qYxVVe https://www.flickr.com/photos/brushypondranch/

https://flic.kr/p/2qYxyPT https://www.flickr.com/photos/brushypondranch/

 

[Truckman]

Congratulations, Jeff!...Your 6 1/2" HD shipped to Washington State Patrol in the same crate as mine on 12/12/1957...Now someone tell me again how lettering a gun is just a waste of money and time......Ben

 

[Truckman]

Pics of mine......Ben

 

[22hipower]

Ben, thanks much, great to find that out.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[robertrwalsh]

Major congrats.

 

[lestert357]

Washington State Patrol

Jeff,

The invoice in post #2 above shows "STAMPED: WASHINGTON STATE PATROL"

Is S155077 stamped accordingly?

 

[22hipower]

Jeff,

The invoice in post #2 above shows "STAMPED: WASHINGTON STATE PATROL"

Is S155077 stamped accordingly?

Terry,

Good catch, if I remember correctly the WSP guns were stamped on the backstrap of the grip. I thought the finish was worn on this one from the owner resting a hand on the butt while it was in the holster. But suspect the stamp was removed when it was sold out of WSP inventory which explains why the polished finish on the rest of the gun is missing there. Do I remember reading in previous posts that the WSP stamping was removed from many of the WSP guns?

Jeff
SWCA #1457

https://flic.kr/p/2qYx3fp https://www.flickr.com/photos/brushypondranch/

 

[Truckman]

I thought the finish was worn on this one from the owner resting a hand on the butt while it was in the holster. But suspect the stamp was removed when it was sold out of WSP inventory which explains why the polished finish on the rest of the gun is missing there.

Gentlemen, mine appears the same......Ben

 

[GLL]

Jeff:

I have a couple both of which have gold boxes.
S 105501
S 158370

Years ago I had Pre War # 45228 but sent it down to Bill (1aspenhill).

 

[j38]

I once owned a 6.5 " Washington State Patrol gun that experienced the same treatment on the grip. One could still make out 5 or so letters that weren't totally removed. Mine shipped to a different wholesaler in Seattle.

Jerry

 

[1blindref]

A little late to this party. I've got a Pre and Post war Transition 6.5" 38-44 HD.

My 6.5" Pre War gun shipped to Cook's Sporting Goods in Denver, CO December 28, 1939. One unit for $24.56!
The Transition went to Kagan's Co. in Reading, PA March 21, 1947. Ten units at $39.18 each. That's a big percentage increase in eight years.

I guess I need to find a 6.5" Pre 20 to go with them. It never ends!

 

[maxjames2]

In October I was fortunate to acquire a 6.5 inch pre-war 38/44 Heavy Duty, one of fewer than 100 known.

https://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-h...ar-heavy-duty-letter-received-11-25-24-a.html

Today I picked up its much younger relative, a 6.5 inch post war 38/44 Heavy Duty pre 20 (S155077). I don't think there are many of those known either, estimates found here are 100 to 200. Don't think I've ever seen one in the wild. If anyone has actual production numbers on 6.5 inch pre 20s please post them. And pictures of other 6.5s would be great too.

It shows use, as does its pre war relative, but is mechanically in great condition. Here are a couple pictures and one of the pair.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

https://www.flickr.com/photos/brushypondranch/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/brushypondranch/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/brushypondranch/

Decades ago, i saw my HD in the case of a local gun shop. The shop owner and gunsmith, ( really good smith, since retired, and really good and informed guy) he explained that the revolver i bought had been a Washington State Patrol issued side arm. The patrol had gone to the Smith Model 28.
I shot it from time to time and enjoy it. Recently i read that some of these had the cylinder chambers reamed and could chamber -357 magnum rounds, if the bullets were not too long to extend beyond the front on the cylinder. I read that this modification reduces the value of the firearm. It shows consistent duty wear, which is and was not an issue to me. I checked my HD two weeks ago and sadly it had this modification, which is not such a bad thing, considering the overall condition. I put 100 rounds of .38 through it last friday and 12 rounds of store bought flat nose .357. Pachmyer grips do help! I do enjoy this. Lipseys and Smith have a model 20 in .357 out now. The cylinder is longer so it does not fit the older revolvers. I am thinking about the new issue 20 though…
Oh, i bought my pre model 20 for 100, back in the day.

 

[maxjames2]

Terry,

Good catch, if I remember correctly the WSP guns were stamped on the backstrap of the grip. I thought the finish was worn on this one from the owner resting a hand on the butt while it was in the holster. But suspect the stamp was removed when it was sold out of WSP inventory which explains why the polished finish on the rest of the gun is missing there. Do I remember reading in previous posts that the WSP stamping was removed from many of the WSP guns?

Jeff
SWCA #1457

https://www.flickr.com/photos/brushypondranch/

Gentlemen, mine appears the same......Ben

Mine does too. Pre model 20 S/N S 94234. Mine was polished to the top of the backstrap. The finish is a polished dark gray and very well used. Also, the chambers were reamed and they chamber flat nose and shorter bullet lengths .357. I bought the revolver several decades ago and I'm so grateful i did so. About ten to 20 years ago, i came across a Winchester Model 94 in .30-30. It was in great shape and was deeply engraved, "WASHINGTON STATE PATROL". This was on the left lower receiver. The sheriffs office i retired from traded four UZI 9mm straight across for four Remington 870 Wingmaster 12 gauge guns with the WSP. Thes shotguns were marked like the Winchesters and had 20 inch barrels. In like new condition. WSP Troopers of the 1970s and 80s carried the shotguns in padded zip up gun cases. Back to the UZIs, YSO traded gun for gun with a local PD for the UZIs, Thompson M1921 SMGs. Finned barrels, Cutts compensators, detachable stocks, gun bixes, 20 and 30 round mags, 50 or 75 round mags, cleaning kit… but we have WSP marked Wingmasters.
But those HDs are beautiful revolvers.