You are certainly getting a good start on having a Happy New Year !!!
Beautiful N Frame 38 Special
Awesome
Beautiful N Frame 38 Special
Awesome
Is This A Pre-10?
- Thread starter James K
- Start date
You will love this gun. I have my grandfather's pre-war 38/44 Outdoorsman. I take it to the range every time I go. Everyone wants to shoot it.
You scored, big time, on this one. Congrats!
Keep us posted, once you receive it.
Last edited:
The original (pre-war; that would be WWII) predates the model numbers by decades but this one is a post war example so predates model numbers by a few years, maybe only one or two years. This will grate on rct269's ears but it is what most of us would call a pre-model 23. Or, to make some happier, a .38/44 Outdoorsman Model of 1950. Great gun, whatever we call it, at a pretty good price. Maybe a really good price. I can't tell from the pictures but it looks like it might be the "bright blue" finish and, according to the Standard Catalog that's worth another 25-50%.
Jeff
SWCA #1457
Last edited:
Here is a recent pick up
Pre war OD
Advertised as a 67
Gentle wear and a trigger stop installed
I suppose it's not uncommon for sellers to misidentify these ODs or HDs
Per RCT I've pre-ordered my SCSW
Pre war OD
Advertised as a 67
Gentle wear and a trigger stop installed
I suppose it's not uncommon for sellers to misidentify these ODs or HDs
Per RCT I've pre-ordered my SCSW
Last edited:
Pre war OD
Advertised as a 67
Gentle wear and a trigger stop installed
I suppose it's not uncommon for sellers to misidentify these ODs or HDs
Per RCT I've pre-ordered my SCSW
Yes, it happens. This pre-war engraved HD was on an auction site with lousy pictures advertised as a M&P. And the bright blue finish pre-23 (sorry Ralph) was simply labeled "S&W 38 Special" in a shop some ten years ago.
Jeff
SWCA #1457
https://flic.kr/p/2odVMgi https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/
https://flic.kr/p/2n6XYkk https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/
Last edited:
Model19man
Member
Maybe you would but I would and will call it what it was called when it was new.
DWalt
Member
There are many nomenclature identity terms that S&W never used that some collectors do use. Even though they don't officially exist, they are, for the most part, tolerated because they have been in use for a long time. "Pre-Model xx" is just one of them. However I believe the proper nomenclature descriptors should be what S&W itself used at the time the gun was made.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Aug 21, 2005
- Messages
- 8,020
- Reaction score
- 7,100
Definitely NOT a Pre-10, which was a fixed sight K Frame. This is an N Frame with adjustable sights, and the caliber marking looks to be 38 Special, so it is an N Frame called the 38/44 Outdoorsman. The name basically means that it is a 38 Special on a 44 Frame. They made two, one called Outdoorsman, which has adjustable sights, like the one pictured, and the other called the 38/44 Heavy Duty, which the same frame, but with fixed sights. The reason for the 38/44 was to fire the 38 Special Hi Speed or 38/44 Special (a 158 grain bullet at 1100 fps, give or take), which was the forerunner of the .357 Magnum by about 4 or 5 years. The 38/44 revolvers and the cartridge came along around 1930-ish, and the Magnum cartridge with its new revolver, called simply the ".357" Magnum, or Registered Magnum by collectors about 5 years later in 1935. If you want to know what the 38/44 load felt like to shoot, Buffalo Bore still makes the ballistic equivalent, which they call the 38 Special +P Outdoorsman load, catalog number 20H20. You don't have to go around in front to figure out that it just went off!
themightyhawk
Member
i guessed wrong, i guess
i thought it was a mod. 20, silly me.
i thought it was a mod. 20, silly me.
Great looking gun.As far as theSWSC book they didn't mention the model 66-7. Only seen picture of it in my old S&W brochure, can't remember the year it was made. It didn't look as good as the 66-8. I would have bought it but never saw one in my area. Oh well never sell any S&W's or other guns.
OP
James K
Member
Finally got my hands on it for a few minutes but still have to wait another 10 days for possession. Looks very nice. It is Big compared to any other .38 Smith I have- even a 1917 feels smaller. Looks hardly used however it doesn't appear that the stocks are numbered to the frame. I'll have to look closer with a magnifier and better light.
Finish is mar-free, the extractor edges are sharp as well as the ratchet 'teeth'. Took a couple of phone pix but the light was poor and so is the camera. Happy so far, looks like a gem.
Finish is mar-free, the extractor edges are sharp as well as the ratchet 'teeth'. Took a couple of phone pix but the light was poor and so is the camera. Happy so far, looks like a gem.
Very few target stocks were numbered to guns so no worries there.
Target grips are seldom numbered. There is a lot more steel in a .38 N frame, compared to a 1917. Smaller chambers and a shrouded barrel make it heavier.
+1 on that.
OP
James K
Member
OP
James K
Member
Finally brought it home, seems like a year. Surprisingly enough the stocks match the frame. Still amazed how clean it is-appears hardly used. No mars, no wear at high points, cylinder looks pristine. So very happy with this find.
Attachments
OP
James K
Member
I do like the early 50's S&W's.
Fine looking Pre-10.
Fine looking Pre-10.
50 target
Member
You got an excellent condition Outdoorsman at a price that makes you happy. And you got a bonus with the numbered Target stocks. Don't see that often. It will put a smile on your face at the range.
Enjoy.
Enjoy.
Similar threads
