postwar transitional 38/44 HD

[akguy1985]

this is my 38/44 HD i got here recently, i think it has had a nickel job done to it, i dont see any N stamps on the frame whatsoever. Serial number is S 72,23X, its close to the hammer changeover at 72,300, puts it being made 1948ish per the SCSW book. The stocks arent correct either but i cant help that.

 

[Dave T]

I've got a 4" Nickel from about 1954 that saw some use as the finish shows a lot of scratches. Still I like these 38/44s. I was always a M27 and HE 44 Special fan but these HDs grow on you. (LOL)

Dave

 

[1Aspenhill]

HDs are great! Your gun should have case hardened hammer and trigger and magna grips. I would agree that it has been refininished. As for the hammer and trigger change, I have not seen a HD with a serial number under S75500 with the short action and new hammer. Enjoy your gun, they are wonderful. Would you send me the serial number offline for my database?
Thanks,
Bill

 

[akguy1985]

HDs are great! Your gun should have case hardened hammer and trigger and magna grips. I would agree that it has been refininished. As for the hammer and trigger change, I have not seen a HD with a serial number under S75500 with the short action and new hammer. Enjoy your gun, they are wonderful. Would you send me the serial number offline for my database?
Thanks,
Bill

i sure will, i'll send you a pm

funny thing was the gun shop had it marked as a model 24

 

[delta-419]

I love those HDs, they are my passion for 2009 when I got my first one. The heavy weight sets them apart from the rest. It just feels good in your hand and they shoot to point of aim each time. The action is as smooth as butter and the trigger let off is close to 3#s or less. These guns ooze quality, they don't make them like the old HDs anymore, INMHO.

 

[DCWilson]

A fine gun you have. Thumbs up from me.

I don't have any worthwhile additional information to post, so I'll just add a statement of my own appreciation for this model. I can testify to the accuracy of these guns. In the last year I shot a lot of revolvers in a bunch of different calibers, but my best target experience was with my Transitional HD. Next week I will take delivery of a prewar HD that I hope will become my .38/44 shooter; my transitional is too nice to risk taking it to the range too often because I have been known to drop things or bump into walls and stands when my hands are full in close quarters.

I can't wait to get the new one to the range and try it out.

 

[akguy1985]

okay next question. I paid $369 plus tax for it....too much?? like i said the shop had it marked model 24 which was WRONG

 

[DCWilson]

At the very worst, that is a fair price. More likely, you got that gun at a good price. My guess is that it would be offered at $500 or more in California, and that factors in the discount for being a refinished gun.

I bet it will be a great shooter.

 

[Munsterf18]

Transitional 4"

Here's a brother to it, 4" nickel transitional. I think you'll enjoy it.