Old 44

[MOPhandle44]

Hi Folks. New to the forum. I actually already did a post, but as a reply, not realizing that it was a reply and not a new post, until done. Pictures are of an old 44 special that I got from dad, that he got from his dad. I want the date of manufacture, but don't want to go to S&W. I am told by other gun owners that looked at it that it clearly was a tool. Serial number is either @655 or 9655, I'm not sure, but in the picture it is still clear. Any guidance would be appreciated.
Guy

 

[44 special Dave]

Well, first, the serial # is the one on the bottom of the grip frame.

The # inside the yoke is an assembly part # I believe.

What you have is a 1st Model Hand Ejector in 44 special (likely 44 special as this was the most common caliber. Not very likely a 44/40)

The gun is more commonly called a Triplelock for the locking feature seen in one of your photos.

Gun was produced from late 1907 (some say 1908) to 1915 or so.

A little over 15,375 were made.

These are fairly sought after, but the one you have appears a bit rough.

Looks like the nickle finish is pretty rough.

I don't know what you mean when others say it clearly was a tool.

I'll see if I can pin down a date a little closer.

Dave

 

[cgt4570]

Guy,
Since your gun is not an antique, you will find a lot more help by posting this in the correct (1896-1961) catagory.
Like Dave said, it looks like your serial number is 11604.
The number inside the yoke (looks like 9656) is a meaningless assembly number used to keep parts matched until final assembly.
If it were mine, I'd give it a good rub with Flitz to blend out the dark areas a bit, then oil it and shoot it.

 

[opoefc]

Your gun, serial number 11604, was shipped mid 1916. I think the reference to your gun as a "tool" meant that it has been used, but not abused. Those pearl grips may well be original and they are very fragile, and are worth several hundred dollars, if not chipped or cracked. If you plan to shoot it much, I'd reccomend getting a modern pair of N Frame S&W grips, or rubber grips, for shooting. Nice family heirloom gun! Ed #15

 

[MOPhandle44]

Thank your for your reply. Tool is that it has been used and not abuse...though perhaps a little neglected. As for Serial number, I'd been told that the number next to the cylinder on the yoke, not the one on the butt was the serial number, which is why I gave it as the number. Thanks for the info as well. Ammo is now hard to get though.

 

[opoefc]

"Ammo is now hard to get..." ???? .44 S&W Special ammo can usually be found at most gunshows, or any good gun store, especially since it's also loaded to black powder pressures for the Cowboy shooters. Your gun will also shoot .44S&WRussian ammo, but that is a little harder to find, however it is also loaded for the Cowboy shooters, and Fiocchi makes it. Handloading is the answer, if you wish to do lots of shooting. Much cheaper. Ed #15

 

[Storyforu]

"Ammo is now hard to get..." ???? (1.)

Your gun will also shoot .44S&WRussian ammo, but that is a little harder to find, however it is also loaded for the Cowboy shooters, and Fiocchi makes it. Ed #15

1. He might live in some version of a People's Repulik.

2. Fiocchi is good for modern production firearms. For older weapons, Powder Inc. has some good .44 Russians still on overstock sale -
Goex 44 Russian 205 RNFP, Black Powder 50 rounds per box, $22.00
Powder Inc. (Ammunition Order Form)

Considering the additional postage costs, you might want to split one boxload with local friends.

 

[moosedog]

Nice gun with a three generation history, keep it original.
A gun to a LE or a hunter is in fact a "tool". Just like a hammer to a carpenter.