...a 38/44 with a story

[thp4570]

The day i happened upon my 38/44 (Outdoorsman)
(many years ago)
I would stop in at Carl's gun shop fairly regular, it was always a good visit. (Carl was a police officer and ran the shop on the side) On one visit, looking over his handgun case, i noticed a large frame S&W, with a some what longer barrel. It looked almost new, but i knew it wasn't, it was an earlier make. I asked Carl if i could take a look at it. Wow, i thought, this thing is nice, it was heavy, solid, really nice. But something didn't jib, i thought it should have larger chambers; these weren't. maybe a.357, but it wasn't. i turned it over and saw 38 S&W. special; i was puzzled,. But i remembered reading Elmer Keith working with a large framed S&W in his magnum opus 'SixGuns'. But i wasn't sure. My pulse quickened, i wanted this revolver. i didn't have any money. I handed the gun back to Carl, and jetted for home. I Grabbed SixGuns off the shelf , and sure enough it was there. pp.41-43; 72-73; 118, 126, 144. It was the "Outdoorsman". I jetted back to Carl's hoping the gun was still there . Been here before and lost, but it was there. hot dog i was happy. Carl took some money down, and as they say; "the rest is history."

It is the finest S&W i own.

 

[MSgt G]

Great story! Glad it was still there waiting for you.

 

[Hondo44]

I've done that too. But when I decide that I'm going back for it, I always call and tell them to put on hold, i'm coming for it.

 

[Narragansett]

Great story OP, and a beauty of a 38/44. Mine is below. It belonged to Rubiranch's brother. I have grips and box too

 

[mh51]

That's a beauty!! I'd be proud to own it, too. Glad it found a good home years ago.

 

[RKmesa]

The pre-war 38/44 Outdoorsman is one of the most beautiful revolvers to ever roll off the S&W factory lines. And yours with the post war "coke" grips on it is very very nice.

Thanks for sharing,

 

[thp4570]

38/44 story

Great story! Glad it was still there waiting for you.

yes it was, thank goodness.

 

[thp4570]

38/44 story

Great story OP, and a beauty of a 38/44. Mine is below. It belonged to Rubiranch's brother. I have grips and box too

...how nice is that !

 

[thp4570]

38/44 story

The pre-war 38/44 Outdoorsman is one of the most beautiful revolvers to ever roll off the S&W factory lines. And yours with the post war "coke" grips on it is very very nice.

Thanks for sharing,

...iam inclined to agree. Over the years i've always compared this revolver to other high grade S&W's; a pre-27, S-2 M-29, N-3 Classic Hunter(which was pretty good). But this one always won, and it's accuracy is absolutely superb. (now i've never handled a registered magnum, so the jury is still out, obviously)
appreciate your response RKmesa.

 

[raljr1]

Paplinker tells me, that in his opinion, the 38/44 OD is akin to the Registered Magnum, only in 38 special...I don't own a heavy duty....not sure why...

Robert

 

[1Aspenhill]

If your serial number is 44381, I checked my database and the other ODs around it were shipped in 1935. Hope this helps.
Bill

 

[Thinnes]

Whew... was holding my breath. Great story, even better gun.

 

[thp4570]

38/44 story

If your serial number is 44381, I checked my database and the other ODs around it were shipped in 1935. Hope this helps.
Bill

s# 44361 ...that's interesting, i've always wanted to get the revolver lettered, it would deserve it.
i'll have to look into it, certainly.
thanks 1Aspenhill

 

[thp4570]

38/44 story

Whew... was holding my breath. Great story, even better gun.

i was anxious, i wasn't sure if it was going to be there.

 

[1Aspenhill]

Still, it should be a 1935 gun. Glad to help.
Bill

 

[pasound]

Sweet. One of the nicest I've seen posted here in ages, one of the best S&W ever built.