Help finding a 2nd or 3rd model 44 HE.

[peppercorn]

I have been looking for one of these for a while now,recently posted in the WTB forum and have scoured the auction sites from time to time.

If any of you guys have a line on one of these or an idea of where to hunt please do let me know.

Thanks in advance.

 

[rburg]

I would expect to see several next weekend at OGCA. It would be a rare show where they didn't make an appearance. And then National Gun Day December 8th will probably result in more of them. Those guns come out of the woodwork at the bigger shows. Never a guarantee, but they're almost always showing up. Pricey guns, but around.

 

[peppercorn]

I would expect to see several next weekend at OGCA. It would be a rare show where they didn't make an appearance. And then National Gun Day December 8th will probably result in more of them. Those guns come out of the woodwork at the bigger shows. Never a guarantee, but they're almost always showing up. Pricey guns, but around.

Thanks for the advice, unfortunatley I am stuck in the Pacific Northwest.

You mention 'pricey'. Can you give me an idea or range of prices I might expect to see ranging from good condition shooter grade up to NIB?

 

[rct269]

I bought a 2nd target, 100%, original box, a little over a year ago---$5,000. I got a 3rd target maybe 10 years ago, no box, 98-99%----$7,000. The last one I saw, year ago, 98-99%, box, was $17,500. I sold a 2nd target, 95-96%, no box, about a year ago----right at $3,000, as I recall.

Ralph Tremaine

 

[The Gila Bender]

I can't comment on the 44 HE 2nd model and humbly submit my limited knowledge of the 3rd model:

There are two basic types of 3rd models: Pre-war (1926-1940) and post-war transitional (1946-49). 4" and 5" barrels are common. Blue finish is most common, but there are many nickel pre-war 3rd's out there, some engraved. Most of the prewar 3rd models shipped from 1926 to 1939 went to Wolf & Klar of Ft. Worth Texas (you knew that already I'd wager), but were available by special order.

The 44HE 3rd model went out of production sixty-three years ago so you may never find one at the local gun shop or gun show. I've seen ugly refinished prewar beaters for $750 and high condition collectible examples pushing $5K (fixed sight models only, target model values are much higher). Most of mine are fixed sight shooters on the lower tier of the scale and today I'd think a good condition shooter could be had for under $2,000.00. I obtained all but one of my 3rd models through reputable dealers and known collectors/afficianados. You could go the auction website route, but you must be very careful. Paying $600-$800 for a refinished prewar beater is one thing, but sending several thousand dollars to someone you don't know for an item you know little about is risky. Stick with your friends in this forum and the S&W Collectors Association. Figure out how much you want to spend and then...good hunting!

Pictured: Left, 44HE 3rd postwar with Executioner's stag stocks. Right, 44HE 3rd prewar with magnas.

 

[peppercorn]

I bought a 2nd target, 100%, original box, a little over a year ago---$5,000. I got a 3rd target maybe 10 years ago, no box, 98-99%----$7,000. The last one I saw, year ago, 98-99%, box, was $17,500. I sold a 2nd target, 95-96%, no box, about a year ago----right at $3,000, as I recall.

Ralph Tremaine

Thanks a lot, Ralph.
I didn't realize the prices were where they are, you've put that in perspective for me though.
Nor did I expect that they would be so scarce, outside the 'big shows' anyway.

 

[gunfish]

If a 44HE is what you want then go for it. They are getting tougher to locate at shows around Indiana. I did see a .455 II shooter type at a show in Nappanee about 3 weeks ago for 650$. The stocks were worn smooth the blue was 50% with some handling/storage dings. Just a thought.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

You might take a look at David Carroll's Modern Catalog. He lists a 6 1/2" .44 HE 3rd model, 98% finish for $3350.

 

[44 special Dave]

The prices rct269 quoted where for target models which are MUCH harder to find than the fixed sight versions.

If you are familiar with David Carroll, he has only the best stuff. His prices are in line with demand and his great reputation.

If you look around you will be able to find a 2nd and a 3rd model at "reasonable" prices comparatively speaking.

Check out gunsamerica.com and give a look see.

Recently I have become solely a defensive, personal protection shooter and have gravitated toward 45acp/ar revolvers with short barrels.

While a really like the 44 special, I have kicked around selling my 2nd model 5" and 3rd model 4". Both are mechanically excellent but both are non factory high poilsh blue.

Hard to break ould habits. keep looking.

Dave

 

[sunday bill]

2nd Model 44, rough but original nickel, chopped barrel (to 4 and a fraction inches) with a band added that bears the replaced front sight, very worn original stocks, indexes well but has a little front-end play, $400 otd, at a little local gunshop two years ago. Shoots well enough to draw offers of several hundred dollars profit.

Don't give up the hunt.

 

[S&W HE]

I have been looking for one of these for a while now,recently posted in the WTB forum and have scoured the auction sites from time to time.

If any of you guys have a line on one of these or an idea of where to hunt please do let me know.

Thanks in advance.

I have a "new" 44 HE 2nd Model 6.5" 251xx with # Stocks. I have it listed in the SWCA section with other hard to find S&Ws as for trade, but will consider a sale.

Unfortunely there's no box or paperwork.

PM me if you're interested.

 

[tom32]

I stumbled on an early 2nd Model at a show this fall after wanting one for a couple of years. It was the first one I had seen in person at any show I had ever been to. It is in 97% condition and I gave $1050 for it. I would say keep on looking. You are in a much larger market than I so I would say your chances are greater in finding what you want.

 

[ladder13]

There's one in the classifieds.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/guns-sale-trade/277100-wts-3rd-model-hand-ejector-44-special.html

The book says the logo should be on the left side, so I'm confused.......as usual.

 

[rburg]

Don't always trust the book. Its pretty good, but things like logo placement just didn't always follow rules. The logo was usually placed on the left side if any chance existed it would be engraved. That's a small thing.

I've adopted a search policy. I generally attend every gun show for miles around me. I don't get upset if I find nothing I want. I just go home and lick my wounds. The next show I try again. Over the last 10 years I've probably found 3 or 4 of them, buying at every opportunity. But I look for very special things. I include 1st models in my target group but only buy 4" guns. I don't care if its blue or nickel, they're great.

My criteria also isn't limited to perfect examples. Those cost a bundle. But moderately worn ones can be found, sometimes very reasonably. A couple of years ago a friend sold me a 4" T/L and a 4" 3rd model for $2500. I thought it was a steal, but others have suggested I got taken. I still feel good about it. The T/L was original, the 3rd was refinished long ago.

The best hunting ground seems to be small shows where maybe no one knows what they've got. Or maybe our Kentucky shows just aren't sophisticated. Our dumb hillbillies often have a big ole gun they want to sell. Sometimes they price it at a level they think is adequate. With no real reason to ask more or less, and very little ability to figure out what the gun is. I don't blame them, come to this site and you'll find threads all the time asking "what have I got?"

My favorite and I've told it before here was in Eastern KY. It was a small show at a county fairgrounds. I drove in an parked, a little late. The usual suspects were sitting outside the building on a guard rail. I knew or had seem almost all of them before, and was on speaking terms with about half. So as I walked up I asked if anyone had seen anything inside worthwhile. A couple said no, but a guy I'd bought and sold a few to said there's a big old chrome S&W inside, but the guy wanted too much for it.

So in I went. Small show and it took little effort to find the seller showing it to a guy behind the table. I just snooped/evesdropped. It was apparent there wasn't going to be a sale at the $700 the guy wanted. So I waited until the guys turned to leave and asked if I could see his gun. It took no time to figure out from the serial and the prong that it was a T/L. So while I looked at the gun, just to make idle conversation, I asked him how much he wanted (I'd overheard his $700 Price). So the guy said he was wanting $700, but he'd take less. Weakness. Just about that time I noticed the absence of a "44 S&W Special" stamp and instead 44 Winchester. Thought I was having a heart attack. Here was one of 18 or 20 T/Ls in and oddball caliber. So I suggested $650 and he agreed. I paid up and took my prize.

That stunt would not have been possible at a big city show or one well attended by folks like our members here. Its why you don't write off the tiny shows. Sometimes you're the best buyer in the house, or the only one who likes S&Ws. Its also important to know that a gun show isn't a stable thing. It changes over time during the day. One of the best sources for guns are the ones customers bring in. To see all of them you either need a table or be willing to burn significant time walking in circles. Even the things on tables change. A guy buys an 8' table knowing or hoping some of his stuff will sell. So down in the walmart tub or duffle bag are the second string guns. When he sells one off the table, out comes another he has below. Better than leaving an open space. The guns he feels are kind of unworthy could be your dream gun. I'm used to the idea that some of my best purchases are things others want to dump.