My 38/44

[Joe Kent]

Jake, you got/found a great buy. Many of us here love "messing" with the HD's. Lots of fun to shoot and if they are not at collector grade they are great to convert to bigger calibers. The way you got it over a coffee cup with friends is the most enjoyable part of the transaction. As has been said by everyone above, WELCOME! to the forum. Joe.

 

[Art Doc]

A fool and his gun are soon parted...

Good score.

 

[Jake Brody]

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone.

I took care of one of my problems, the cylinder was locking up sometimes in DA, but I took the side plate off, cleaned out some dried oil, put it back together, now it works fine. The only other issues I have are a poor muzzle crown and a loose cylinder and that's not even that bad.

My next story, which I'll post in the appropriate category, will be how I ended up with a near mint 4" model 34 for $160.

 

[ElToro]

Originally posted by SaxonPig:
A fool and his gun are soon parted...

SP,I'm gonna borrow that quote. I will give proepr attribution of course.


Jake, you scored well indeed. i like the four inch the best HD. with that sleek profile and combat sights.

 

[Andy Taylor]

Congrats.

 

[The Gila Bender]

Jake, that 38/44 is a nice catch, way to go buddy! I'd almost bet your 38/44 belonged to a law enforcement officer, railroad, or mining company if it has been in Montana since the late forties. Consider getting a letter from Roy Jinks, it will give you a starting point for further research.

One of my S&W's lettered to a police officer in Bozeman. A few emails and calls resulted in good documentation about the man and his career and may yet produce photos of the original owner with his revolver.

It's great fun to learn about the history of these old S&W's, and I think your 38/44 has a story behind it.

Cheers!

 

[1Aspenhill]

Thanks for the serial number. I'd say it shipped late 1949.
Thanks again,
Bill