Another 2nd model 44 HE

[Summersteel]

I've got the .44HE sickness bad……This is the third one I've picked up in the last few weeks. All numbers match, including the grips. It's not pristine, but it's pretty dang nice and will make a nice shooter. Serial number is 607XX, so it must be one of the last 2nd models made. Letter I got with it says it shipped in May 1940 to New York. Has hold open detent, but spring and plunger are gone.
This is a nice gun that I can't wait to shoot!

 

[hibbs]

That's a great looking 2nd.Model,and with the pre-war magnas. I hope it shoots as well as looks.

Richard

 

[Hondo44]

Beautiful! Congrats.

The missing detent cy hold open cspring and plunger are simple to reproduce and replace.

Just ask if you want details.

 

[Summersteel]

Beautiful! Congrats.

The missing detent cy hold open cspring and plunger are simple to reproduce and replace.

Just ask if you want details.

Yes, please!

 

[Hondo44]

Ok when I get back home.

 

[StrawHat]

Until Jim gets home (wild New Years parties), here is a previous posting he composed. See post #8.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-ha...nt-yoke-hold-opens.html?625226=#post140854091

Kevin

 

[P.W.Herman]

Congrats, I love those things too. I have managed to hold my addiction to them to just two. One blued and one nickel.

 

[Casual Smith Nut]

Giving this one a bump here. Summersteel, post the serial when you have a chance to dig it out of the safe. It'll be interesting to see who has the youngest 2nd model.

 

[Summersteel]

Giving this one a bump here. Summersteel, post the serial when you have a chance to dig it out of the safe. It'll be interesting to see who has the youngest 2nd model.

Serial number is 60741. I'll post more pics on the other thread you started.

 

[Casual Smith Nut]

Serial number is 60741. I'll post more pics on the other thread you started.

Younger than mine by 12…

 

[Summersteel]

44 HE Second Model Love

Here are some more pictures of this gun. Letter says it shipped in May 1940 to JL Galef Co in NY.
As I was digging it out of the safe, I found a couple of others that are very EARLY second model produced units. I'll include pictures of them just for fun…

 

[Summersteel]

44 HE Second Model Love

Here are some pictures of a very early second model 44 HE, serial number 14753. This serial number falls within the known sequence for the first model 44 HE (triple-locks). Gun has a 5" barrel and was shipped to Monroe Hardware Co in North Carolina in late December 1916. I was told it belonged to a railroad policeman, but have no way to confirm it.

 

[Casual Smith Nut]

Very cool! Do you know any of the history of the 6.5 inch 1940 gun or significance of the "37" on the butt? Maybe law enforcement?

 

[Summersteel]

44 HE Second model love

Last one is another early 44 HE second model, but in caliber 44-40 Winchester. This gun has early serial number 15187, and shipped in Sept 1917 to an individual I have been able to find nothing about. While this gun is not in great shape, it is one of my favorites, not only because of the early serial number, but also because of the rarity of this caliber for this model.
The letter I received about this gun also states that production records indicate that 90 units of this caliber were produced in 1917 in the serial range 15158-15256, and states there could be other small production runs of this caliber after WW1.
How cool is that??!

 

[Summersteel]

Very cool! Do you know any of the history of the 6.5 inch 1940 gun or significance of the "37" on the butt? Maybe law enforcement?

No, I have no other information.
Your guess about the 37 stamped on the grip is a probable one, but I have not pursued it. I probably should…
Interesting that it says 37….i have another 44 HE gun (first model) with 37 on it too.