my new 38-44

[duke2002]

Hi new here. I just picked a 38-44 #50xxx. The gun has all the correct markings it should have for a prewar gun. Here are my questions. Did all early hd's have a "reg patient off" stamped on the hammer?. Second it has a 4in barrel. But it has the patient dates stamped on it. There the same dates as on 5in 6.5 in barrel guns. I was told 4 in guns had no stamping. If it was rebarreled w a cut dowm barrel they did a very good job. What are your thoughts. Im getting a letter to smith here soon. Thanks steve.

 

[Retired W4]

Welcome to the forum Duke. I for one, and I'm sure there are many others who would like to see pictures of your gun. Hopefully someone will have the answers to your questions soon.

 

[A10]

Good Morning Steve, and Welcome to the Forum! Many of us here are admirers of the Heavy Duty, and a prewar (which yours is) 4" is an unusual beastie. Most of them made at that time are 5". Pictures would most certainly help! The stamping on the hammer is typical on a prewar HD. I don't know about the patent stampings, but as has been said many times, with S&W never say never!

 

[OFT II]

Look on the back side of the trigger and see if the same thing is stamped there.

 

[duke2002]

It does have that stamping on the back of the trigger. I am going to try to get some pics up. Got to find someone smarter then me to get it done. Thanks steve

 

[delta-419]

Matching Numbers

Do the numbers match on the butt, cylinder, barrel shroud and back of ejector star. Photos will really help, and as many angles as you can.

 

[1Aspenhill]

I'm afraid that even if the barrel serial number matches the one on the but, your gun has been cut down from most likely a 5" barrel. I had the same issue when I bought a 3d model 44 spl and it had a 4" barrel with the patent and address markings on the barrel. S&W did not put the markings on a 4" barrel because there wasn't room, so this is a dead giveaway that the barrel has been shortened. Does your gun have the logo on the sideplate?
Bill

 

[Retired W4]

You may be getting a letter to S&W soon but be patient with the letter back to you. I am certainly no expert but it would seem that your gun did not ship with the 4" barrel.

How does it shoot?? I'd be having some fun at the range.

 

[duke2002]

I joined the forum for information and have recieved a wealth. One such was how to properly measure the barrel. Having posted,like a dumb $#@^ before researching it is in fact a 5in gun. However it does all match is in good shape for the age and loves 158 keith bullets. It has the small smith logo on the left side and made in usa on right. It is the long action type with a smooth top strap and back strap. Ribbed trigger w patient dates on back as well as patient dates on thr hammer. It does not have the original grips so that is my next quest.

 

[A10]

I'm glad to hear it wasn't trimmed back! My 1932 model shares the same barrel length....for me, a 5 inch barrel is the perfect length for an N frame. Enjoy your fine firearm!

 

[Retired W4]

I joined the forum for information and have recieved a wealth. One such was how to properly measure the barrel. Having posted,like a dumb $#@^ before researching it is in fact a 5in gun. However it does all match is in good shape for the age and loves 158 keith bullets. It has the small smith logo on the left side and made in usa on right. It is the long action type with a smooth top strap and back strap. Ribbed trigger w patient dates on back as well as patient dates on thr hammer. It does not have the original grips so that is my next quest.

You certainly came to the right place for information. I have been doing a lot of learning here myself. Enjoy that HD!

 

[JSW]

Sounds like you picked up a nice shooter grade pre-war 38/44. Congrats on your find and welcome aboard!