How I Bought an Old .44 Special

[McShooty]

This gun appeared in my LGS a while back. I knew enough to identify it as an S&W 44 Special Hand Ejector Second Model but that's about it. Oh, and I knew from lists and auction sites that a 2nd in good condition is worth a good bit of cash, though not in the same league as the First Edition. I thought I should have this one, so after parlay with my friendly dealer, I paid $400 OTD.



You can see the condition of the finish but there is very little light pitting. It has a 5-in barrel and that is good, and it has the original grips that, when removed, reveal some large, incised initials and also "44" and "45" on the right one. There are no numbers, penciled or otherwise. The action is quite smooth and the cylinder locks on every chamber with just a little bit of play. The trigger is very good and seems typical of early N frames known for their quality. Note that the end of the cylinder rod is a barrel, not a mushroom. And note that the grips have no medallion. I think these facts, with the serial number, would indicate manufacture about 1928.



At the range the gun performed without a hitch. Accuracy was so-so. I could keep my shots within a 4-inch circle at 20 yards. I will expect better when the weather warms up again. I am glad I got it, a pretty good shooter with some character for not that much money.

 

[DevilDog72]

i like guns with " character"

I think a 5 inch N frame is the best... for me

 

[Borderboss]

I love old guns that look like that. That look says "I've got a story to tell".

 

[quinn]

When do you have to bay the balance you owe the LGS? A 5" second model, used but unmolested is a dear find. Congrats. I would have bought that is a heartbeat...

 

[DARE]

Here is my similar gun. Just got the correct grips. Had the plastic grips when I got it.

Mine went to a Deputy Sheriff in Potter County Texas in 1926.

 

[M_conrad_0311]

Well, color me green. I love your new acquisition. I would love to have been in your shoes for that opportunity. I am a fan of 5" S&W's, especially in the .44 special species. Congratulations!!!

 

[22hipower]

I like those well used 2nd Model 44s. Sure wish they could tell us where they've been. Assuming its mechanically sound I think you got it for a great price. Four inch circle at 20 yards? Sounds pretty good to me. Here's my five inch from 1924.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

https://flic.kr/p/2np3dEJ https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/

 

[RdrBill]

44 2nd Model

All
I bought one out of Tucson years ago. Shortened barrel and a front sight held on with mystery metal. Shoots like an old S&W.
Bill@Yuma

 

[Summersteel]

Here's an early 2nd model 44HE from 1916. It came with gold medallion grips, but I also like it with the caribou grips from Bigmtnman. Not much finish left on this one, but I really like it.

 

[Chukar60]

I always smile when I read the ubiquitous line about an old revolver, "it has a story to tell."
Well most likely not. Guns, as they are attached and dependent on their human owners lead lives much like their humans. Most are mundane in nature while being stalwart, honorable and trust worthy. Exciting and adventurous would apply to very few.
I do think they tug at our overly romantic views of LE exploits and outdoor adventures.
Do not take my opinion wrong. I dearly love a well used and time worn Smith as much as the next person, but I believe most guns exist in a much calmer environment than our imaginations care to believe.
OP that 44 is a great catch even without the extraordinary bargain you got it for.

 

[Muley Gil]

It sure is nice to see these 5" 2nd Model .44 Specials pop up. Back in the '70s, I was looking for a .44 Special, but the only ones I found were 6 1/2" 2nd Models that had been re-nickeled, outside of the factory.

I was able to find my 5" 2nd here on the Forum, almost 20 years ago.

 

[Grayfox]

Chukar 60 said:
I believe most guns exist in a much calmer environment than our imaginations care to believe.

Maybe most lead a dull life. But my 2nd Model 44 HE was shipped January 22, 1924 to Police Department, Joplin MO. Joplin was a pretty interesting place right about then. I'll bet it has some stories to tell.

 

[tajada]

It's a beautiful piece.

 

[Dosgatos]

My favorite gun of all time - the S&W .44 Special with 5" barrel. I do prefer the 3rd Model with the underlug, though.

 

[22hipower]

I always smile when I read the ubiquitous line about an old revolver, "it has a story to tell."
Well most likely not. Guns, as they are attached and dependent on their human owners lead lives much like their humans. Most are mundane in nature while being stalwart, honorable and trust worthy. Exciting and adventurous would apply to very few.
I do think they tug at our overly romantic views of LE exploits and outdoor adventures.
Do not take my opinion wrong. I dearly love a well used and time worn Smith as much as the next person, but I believe most guns exist in a much calmer environment than our imaginations care to believe.
OP that 44 is a great catch even without the extraordinary bargain you got it for.

Yes, probably most of our old 44s, and other guns for that matter, lived mostly boring lives. I'm reminded though of the comment "months of boredom punctuated by moments of terror" which is usually applied to the military I think although some pilots would probably concur. Anyway, while boring most of the time I suspect our 44s visited some interesting places and by the looks of the finish on many, didn't spend their lives in bedroom bureau drawers. I'd love to hear about riding along on an elk hunt, bouncing in an out of a squad car, or just being handy if needed. Lots better stories I'm sure than the pristine guns in my safe would be able to share.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[bill-in-texas]

Well, this one's got
no story to tell!

Excellent score, OP! You did very well.

-Bill