Examining the .38/44 Heavy Duty (Model 20) revolver...

[Art Doc]

Serial S154256 shipped 2/8/60. I figure slow sellers after the Combat Magnum came out so many shipped long after they were manufactured.

 

[kennethg]

A great article.

 

[PALADIN85020]

Just to demonstrate how hard it is to pin down ship dates by serial number without a letter, my identical 4" Heavy Duty, with serial number S154430, shipped a year earlier, on November 2, 1956 . . .

Serial numbers for the N-frames were all over the place in that era. The Standard Catalog says that the top sideplate screw was eliminated in 1956, but my Nov. 1957-dated example (verified by Roy) still has the upper screw. Serial numbers were NOT shipped in consecutive order - just whatever frames fell to hand in the bins, I guess. Non-consecutive serial numbers and early/late features are spread over a wide chronological range.

Never think for a moment that serial number 123456 was shipped on or about the same time as 123457. Occasionally happened, but such things can only be verified or disproved with a factory letter.

John

 

[PALADIN85020]

I am a bit confused. I have my grandfather's 1941 Outdoorsman in my hand right now. It is serial #62041. I have a photo of him wearing the gun (Motor Police Officer), next to his 1939 Indian motorcycle, in 1941-42. It is definitely a pre-war gun, outside (just barely) of the serial number range you shared.

Could there be a few numbers that were missed in researching this?

Your experience doesn't surprise me. The serial numbers as listed in the Standard Catalog (which I used) have to be viewed as approximate, because serial numbers seldom match up with supposed shipping dates. Often earlier serial numbers were shipped later than the quoted ranges, and a later serial number could easily exist outside those ranges. I have a transitional kit gun that was serialed in approximately 1940, but was not shipped until 1951.

It's a lesson well learned - never assume close serial numbers were shipped in the same time frame, or even close. S&W has been notorious for this over the years.

John

 

[LPD256]

Serial S154256 shipped 2/8/60. I figure slow sellers after the Combat Magnum came out so many shipped long after they were manufactured.

I have 3 guns with 256 in the Serial number. For some reason it catches my eye....

 

[Nedroe]

Nedroe;
One of the neat things about this great forum is, one can always learn something new, by keeping an open mind, and eye.

Looking at your post #6,in this thread, there is a .38/44 revolver listed as "Something Different". It seems to be a HD, with a 3 1/2" bbl. I had never seen one with that bbl. length. Was that a standard bbl. length, a modification, or a bbl, changed from a different Mod. S&W? Thanks for sharing your HDs with us.

Chubbo,

That is the 5 inch Pre-War HD from the first picture with a 3.5 inch pre 27 barrel swapped onto it. I got bored one fall day, & spent a couple of hours doin' that.
Some say I'm gonna roast in hell for doin' stuff like that.

Ned

 

[LEO918]

Here's a nice condition HD from 1955 I hang onto, just because...

 

[Old Corp]

Only have one well-worn HD 4" from the late 50's. Obviously was a work gun for quite awhile. Lots of outside wear, but tight and slick as can be. Great shooter.

I envision guys entering gun shops and hardware stores in the late 50's-early 60's and looking at and hefting HD's and OD's put there for sale.

I'm betting there were more than a few discussions about for the size and weight one could get 'a magnum' for just a little more money.
And then, if so equipped the shop clerk may share that 'Well, we can MAKE it a magnum for you....'

Neat old pieces of S&W history.

 

[mm93]

The .38/44 has always been one of my favorite S&W revolvers! I just love the heft, and balance of them, and the fact they're so robust for any .38 Special ammunition.

 

[alwslate]

I love the 38/44 HD with the 4" barrel. I bought this one on GB a few
years ago. Serial number S151xxx that I assume is 1956. Here's a seller's
pic with plenty of oil smudges.

 

[1blindref]

I haven't posted much lately as life has gotten in the way of my free time, but when I saw the title of this thread I had to share some of my favorite 38-44 HD's.

Pre war HD's

rare 6.5" pre war 38-44 HD

post war Transitions, 4" gun shipped July 1946, 5" gun shipped August 1946

This was my first HD. It shipped in December 1949 and it's the one that started my 38-44 HD addiction

 

[StrawHat]

Here is one I have on loan from my brother. I am told it is postwar. 5” barrel and in good shape. I am not a fan of small bore N frames but this length is piquing my interest.

I am aware these are the wrong grips. If anyone can point me to a correct pair, please, let me know.

Kevin

 

[Art Doc]

My HD (pictured in post #21) is insanely smooth. Don't know if it's from 50 years of use or if somebody worked it over. With 158 lead at 900 FPS the sights are dead on. About 15 years ago I used this gun in a local "combat" match and took high revolver. The high point came in the "running man" stage where the B27 target was on wheels and rolled across a 40' opening. Shooters had about 2.5 seconds of opportunity at it. No competitor scored more than one hit except me. I laced three rounds through that target. Gave it about 3' of lead and rolled the trigger as fast as I could. All the shooters with 1911 race guns were much chagrinned. That HD is a really great shooter.

 

[ABPOS]

My HD (pictured in post #21) is insanely smooth. Don't know if it's from 50 years of use or if somebody worked it over. With 158 lead at 900 FPS the sights are dead on. About 15 years ago I used this gun in a local "combat" match and took high revolver. The high point came in the "running man" stage where the B27 target was on wheels and rolled across a 40' opening. Shooters had about 2.5 seconds of opportunity at it. No competitor scored more than one hit except me. I laced three rounds through that target. Gave it about 3' of lead and rolled the trigger as fast as I could. All the shooters with 1911 race guns were much chagrinned. That HD is a really great shooter.

Fee to enter the competition $10.00
50 rounds of .45 acp $ 20.00
beating everyone with a revolver on a moving target priceless.

U da man!
Although I think part of your moral to the story is just how good the gun is.

 

[m4user]

Serial Number S1098XX circa 1954

 

[gunbugs]

Picked this one up about 2 weeks ago. 5", early 50's. S89,000 sn. Some holster wear, but mechanically like new. Just a hint of a turn ring, and no visible wear to the recoil plate. I thought it was a bargain at under 500 bucks.

 

[Shotguncoach]

I only have one 38/44....it came along as the "other" piece in a 2 gun auction. Wasn't really sure that I wanted it.


Until I shot it.

 

[Muley Gil]

When I joined the PD in 1969 we were issued nickle 38/44 which I carried
until the late 70s when we changed over to Mod. 27s.

What ammo did you carry in that big old .38?

 

[Muley Gil]

"Originally Posted by runscott
This one from 1930 has non-original grips that don't appear to number to an N-frame: 205757

Any ideas as to what they might be are greatly appreciated. Thanks."

Could have come off of a 1917 that was sent to Brazil.

 

[runscott]

I only have one 38/44....it came along as the "other" piece in a 2 gun auction. Wasn't really sure that I wanted it.


Until I shot it.

Mine is also a wonderful shooter. I don't have any other 5" N-frames so maybe that is it. I also really like the fixed sight and a previous owner gave it a hair trigger which is kind of nerve-wracking as it seems like I'm firing as soon as I aim, but the results are really good.

Tomorrow it gets a side-by-side comparison with my 1955 .357. I won't be surprised if the HD performs a little better.

I tried several types of ammo Friday: Speer +P, Buffalo Bore +P, Fiocchi 130 and some WC. All were very accurate, but the Buffalo Bore was easily the most fun...but over a buck a round.

That is a great target!