Mystery N frame

[tom327]

I'm wondering if the experts can help me puzzle out the identity of a revolver I've seen at a local gun shop. It appears to be an N frame .38 special, fixed sights, blued, with SN S654XX which puts it between 1946-47 according to the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson. The puzzling thing is that on the crane, where the modern revolvers have the model number, it has 695 (space) 8.

Sorry, I didn't think to count screws.

The shop is calling it a model 695-8, but I don't think there is any such thing. Any ideas?

 

[linde]

Assuming it has a shrouded ejector rod, my guess is it's a 38/44 Heavy Duty . . . i.e. a 38 Special on a 44 frame. A picture would be very helpful.

Russ

 

[swampersand]

I think you are looking at a heavy duty, the 695-8 is most likely an assembly reference from the manufacturing process. Buy it.

Try "how much do you have to get out of this old thing?"

 

[Muley Gil]

The number on the frame is an assembly number.

The revolver in question is a .38/44 Heavy Duty.

 

[choppercop]

From what I read I agredd .38/44
The serial number is usually on the butt.
The number of screws and the number of lugs and a picture would help a bunch.

 

[DCWilson]

Yes, .38/44 Heavy Duty -- the Transitional Variety, which is somewhat uncommon and potentially quite valuable. In good condition, these can go for well over a thousand dollars. If the store doesn't know what they have, they may have mispriced it. This may be your chance to get a great gun at a reasonable price.

Just for you to compare in your mind's eye, this is a postwar Heavy Duty Transitional that shipped in July 1946.

(Not my photo; this pic was taken by the man I bought the gun from.)

 

[sheriffoconee]

I like the "buy it" idea better.....
I also agree with "what do you have to get for that ol' 38 right there"

 

[CapnHawk]

Buy it - NOW!!

 

[Cap'n Jack]

Buy it!! See this thread by forum member 1Aspenhill.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/wanted...heavy-duties-wanted-other-serial-numbers.html

 

[H Richard]

I had a similar experience last spring, where at a gun auction a K22 was incorrectly identified as a model ???? (using the assembly number). Unfortunately 3 or 4 other bidders correctly identified it, and it went for the appropriate price, (Too Much!).

 

[delta-419]

I too, bought one last year that was listed only as a .38 Spl, I was the only bidder and it sold for $400, a bargin for a policed marked 38/44. Buy it! Or get me the phone number and I will call them.

 

[tom327]

Thanks for the replies--they confirm what I thought-- a .38/44. So, that 695 8 is a manufacturing number!

It looks like the picture DCWilson posted, only not nearly in such good shape--the bluing is very worn.

Yes, I'd like to buy it, but they also have a model 10-7 snubnose I've got my eye on. Too bad my daughter's student (aka parent) loan statement arrived today!

 

[1Aspenhill]

The serial number probably places it as a Jul 1946 gun.
Bill

 

[murphydog]

So, that 695 8 is a manufacturing number!

Yes, you should see the same number on the yoke (crane) if the parts were fitted to that gun originally.