Looking for info on my inherited revolver

[swloginun]

No model number. Here are the other characteristics:
1) Hand ejector
2) Serial number: 42136 (all numbers match)
3) .38 Special
4) Barrel length from cylinder: 6 7/16"
5) Fixed sight
6) 5 screws (one hidden by grip in photos)

Would love to have feedback on condition (as best determined via photos), value and any other interesting info. Thanks in advance.

 

[JayCeeNC]

That is a mighty fine revolver!
You have what is known as the .38/.44 Outdoorsman, a .38 Spl. revolver built on the larger .44 Spl. frame with adjustable sights.
A companion gun is the .38/.44 Heavy Duty, same frame size but with fixed sights.
It dates from the 1930's.
The grips are more modern, post-WWII style.
Condition looks outstanding, I'll let others more knowledgeable comment on value.

 

[swloginun]

Thanks John, for the quick and helpful reply. I clearly erred on the sights, but believe all else is correct.

 

[Art Doc]

Yes, 38/44 Outdoorsman from 1932-33. Incorrect stocks.

These came with a 6.5" barrel. The measurement is always nominal meaning it can vary a bit due to manufacturing and fitting but it would properly be called a 6.5" barrel.

Looks very nice. These are highly sought after by collectors.

 

[Peter M. Eick]

Nice 38/44 Outdoorsman. Pre-wars are pretty rare overall and you have a nice one to enjoy!

 

[tlay]

Nice looking outdoorsman! If the finish is original I would expect to pay between $700 to $800 depending on where you live. If it had the original girls add $150. Can you remove the grips and give us a clear picture of the grip frame on the side that has the ejector. Also a clear picture of the side plate. Thanks.

 

[swloginun]

Requested photos

Posting photos. Not exactly sure where side plate is.

Thanks for the feedback so far.

 

[tlay]

The side plate is the part with the screws in it. It does not look like it has been refinished. It is in great shape for its age.

 

[Old TexMex]

Very nice, take good care of that.

 

[DWalt]

Not specifically mentioned previously, but yours is built on S&W's large N-frame, normally used for .44 and .45 caliber revolvers. Previous S&W .38 Special revolvers were built on the smaller K-frame. Part of the appeal of this revolver was the ability to shoot more heavily loaded .38 Special cartridges with greater recoil. The heavier N frame handles recoil much better than the light K frame revolvers. The approximately 1933 manufacturing date given is correct, but only a factory letter would establish the shipping date exactly. In the 1930's, due to the Great Depression, gun sales were slow, and complete guns often slumbered in factory inventory for months to years prior to being shipped.

Original factory grips can be found, but ones in good condition are not cheap, unless you're lucky.

 

[swloginun]

Thanks to all for the great feedback. I've had this gun and the Model 2 tip-up that I also posted today for 30+ years. I hand-loaded cartridges for the Outdoorsman 20 years ago, maybe putting 50 rounds max through it. It was a pleasure to shoot. (Still have the Lee Loader.)

I have to confess that any deterioration of their condition happened on my watch, as they sat in a locked cabinet for decades. They were pristine when I received them. It's time to find them a good home where they'll get better appreciation and care.

 

[824tsv]

Very nice looking 38/44!!