An Interesting .44 H.E. 2nd Model

[Gunhohulk]

I found this one advertised online a couple months ago and took a 6 hour round trip with the lady to check it out. The King sights are what caught my eye and the humpback hammer sealed the deal! It ended up following me back home and I've finally snapped some pics for your viewing pleasure!

 

[Gunhohulk]

While the condition isn't mint I'm still pretty happy with the find. There's some rust spotting and it looks like one of the previous owners scratched their DL number into the side plate which is a little bit of a bummer. The bright side is I don't have to worry about taking care of a show piece on shooting outings. The cylinder is also a replacement from and earlier gun s/n 25919.

 

[Gunhohulk]

Due to the crazy gun laws in CA and a couple other factors it took about a month and a half to finally have in my hands so the letter I ordered had already showed up in the mail. The letter states that it shipped to a hardware store in Oakland well out of order in 1938. Makes me wonder if it was sent directly to King for modifications or if they were done at a later time. Next step will be a deep clean followed by deciding which grips I want to go with, then getting it to the range!

Thanks for looking.

 

[Glashaus]

Nice find, I really like it! It is going to be a fine shooter! I have two Second Model HE's, both are shooters and they are a lot of fun at the range.

 

[Casual Smith Nut]

Very cool find! I like the rig too!

The other gun pictured, is that a target 3rd model? Wow not many of those!

 

[22hipower]

Very nice, I'd have chased that one a while too, for all the reasons you mention but maybe just for those non-relieved stocks too. Enjoy!

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[paplinker]

Nice find !

I wonder if that gun ever left California in it's lifetime.

I am curious why the cylinder was changed and no mention of the HBH

Did it come with the service stags or the early targets?

 

[Gunhohulk]

Very cool find! I like the rig too!

The other gun pictured, is that a target 3rd model? Wow not many of those!

Sorry not a target third model. It's a .38/44 outdoorsman.

 

[Gunhohulk]

The photos with the early targets were how I found it including the leather. I picked the stags up from a fellow member.

Nice find !

I wonder if that gun ever left California in it's lifetime.

I am curious why the cylinder was changed and no mention of the HBH

Did it come with the service stags or the early targets?

 

[Kinman]

Congrats, for some reason I find the 2nd Model H.E. very attractive. I have one that went back to the factory twice in '67 to be converted to a target model w/'67 era micro rear sights installed, red ramp front and then once approved by the owner sent back for a complete refinish. One of my favorite S&W pieces and a very good shooter as well.