Model 6944 Confusion

[JonMark]

Hi guys, first time poster here. I decided to register because an afternoon full of research has brought me no answers, only speculation. Earlier today I made a road trip to one of my favorite gun stores, and saw a beautiful S&W that caught my eye. It was a model 6944. I hadn't really heard of this specific model, but a quick Google search told me (what you already know) that it's a very rare variant of the 69 series. The price was pretty good, under $400 OTD, so I went for it. Once I got home, I began the in depth research on my new prize ...

There are two things that have me perplexed .. First, it's two tone. From what I've seen, the 6944 only come in all black. This one has a stainless slide. Honestly, it looks just like a 6946 slide, but I can't be certain. Secondly, the serial number is outside the range of the 6944 models (since there was only a limited run on them). My serial number on the frame is TZB67XX ... The frame is also stamped, "Mod 6944" so it's definitely a 6944 frame, just with a strange serial number.

So I'm trying to figure out if this is a mutt gun, and maybe the previous owner threw on a 6946 slide for some reason? Or maybe it actually came from the factory like this? One anomaly and I would maybe brush it off, but since it's two tone AND has an out of range serial number, it makes me wonder ... So for my first post in this forum, I seek the advice and wisdom of you guys

 

[armorer951]

Catalog indicates the gun was produced in 1991....a double action only version of the 6904. The sights look correct....fixed lo-mount Novak.
Perhaps the slide has been refinished at some point. That looks like electroless nickel to me.

 

[tim c]

It is a very nice looking pistol

 

[WTN1271]

Give a call to S&W customer service (800-331-0852) with your serial number. They should be able to give you date of manufacturer or shipping date. Also may be able to confirm orginal configuration. They have been very helpful to me in the past. Congrats on a nice pistol. Enjoy... be safe.

 

[JonMark]

Another question I have with this model, since it's a DAO model without a decocker - while loading one in the chamber it leaves the hammer half-cocked. Is it safe to carry like that?

 

[armorer951]

Yes, it is safe to carry. The action is DA only, and the hammer is in a standby position with the sear in a "capture" type notch. As such, the hammer cannot be released from this position without the trigger being pulled fully to the rear. See photo for the location of the notch. (hammer at rest) Pistol is also equipped with a firing pin block.

 

[JonMark]

Yes, it is safe to carry. The action is DA only, and the hammer is in a standby position with the sear in a "capture" type notch. As such, the hammer cannot be released from this position without the trigger being pulled fully to the rear. See photo for the location of the notch. (hammer at rest) Pistol is also equipped with a firing pin block.

Makes much more sense now, thank you! Makes me feel better, too lol

 

[petepeterson]

It is a very nice looking pistol

I dig the two-tone thing, too. I have a 3914 and 3913. Wonder what would happen if I put them in the safe together with a little Hoppes and some soft music???

 

[DCW]

Allowing for the limitless tastes of human beings and any manufacturer's willingness to fulfill requests when money is involved, it is more likely you've got a 6944 with a 6946 (or even a 3913NL, etc.) stainless slide.

I would've liked a fuller picture of the hammer, but a peek of it tends to make me think it's a semi-bobbed hammer and not fully so.

I've seen more than a few of these hybrids (which actually may add an air of correctness to 'em, which it ain't in the collector's world, but far more preferable than "mutt") showing up in the market place. After all, a reasonable ability to field strip allows such to happen, given the similarity of parts used across many lines.

As WTN1271 doth stated, give the Mothership a holler. Can't hurt, huh? And, please, let us in on what they say. I'm certainly interested inasmuch as I've been known to be wrong at least once before in life ;-}

Nevertheless, welcome to the forum, JonMark, and I hope you hang out here frequently!

DC

 

[kaveman]

Looks to be the standard rounded DAO hammer common to the 6944/6946/etc. Not 'spurred' or even 'spurless' as it cannot be manipulated by hand at all. This gun shows a strange mix of silver hammer and black trigger so I tend to agree that the upper half is electroless nickel rather than a stainless part from a 6946 or other. Usually Smith contrasted the small parts in their two-tone models,..........I would expect to see a blued firing pin retainer here. I believe it's been refinished for the two-tone effect.

Some of my stainless pistols have a model number etched on the underside of the slide forward of the barrel hood. Might want to check to see if there's a 6946 there.

 

[JonMark]

Electroless nickel is refinishing option, like from Robar, right? It is very slick/smooth, smudges wipe right off of it with zero effort, so that would make sense. I've heard good things about that sort of refinishing. Here are some more pics that you may be able to tell more from ...

 

[JonMark]

I will add, that the barrel does not match the slide. The barrel is more of a stainless color, whereas the slide seems to have an *almost* bronze tone in certain light. The hammer matches the slide, as does the recoil guide rod.

 

[pmosley]

I have a 6944 but it has the square trigger guard -

Both the slide and frame on mine is factory embossed with "CAUTION - model number on parts must agree"

Nice find.

 

[BLUEBELLYYANKEE]

That sure looks like a chrome finish to my eyes. No matter, I think the gun looks great in a two tone finish