Pre-War OD Found

j38

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I stopped by the Oregon Arms Collector's show Saturday morning with just enough time for a quick run-through before going to work a local trade show. I got lucky on one of the last tables where this little gem was waiting for me. Ser. No. 44451 looks to be a 1934 gun and is in pretty decent shape. There is holster wear on either side of the barrel going back a good inch and a half, and plenty of wear on the exposed underside of the trigger guard - overall, probably a low 90% gun but just fine functionally. I just got back from a little baptismal ceremony - putting 100 rounds downrange with very satisfying effect. Despite the smallish rear sights, I could easily keep 6 rounds in an inch and a half at 30' unsupported (that's as good as my eyes are in any event). The gun came with a set of reproduction service grips that I couldn't get along with so I put these Herrett's target grips on for this session - and will find something more to my liking later on. This gun didn't fit in with the military theme of the seller's collection so he was willing to part with it for the modest sum of 7 bills. I think I came out OK and am pleased as punch to have finally found one these classic, old six shooters.

Jerry

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A beauty, Jerry! Good for you. I know you have been hoping for a gun like this for a while, and I'm glad you finally found it.

That's an excellent price. And based on your description of the wear (which I can't really confirm from the excellent photo), I think I would call the gun not lower than 95%.

Excellent score.
 
OUTSTANDING buy for a very nice looking Outdoorsman ! :)
Find a set of original service grips for it ! I would be happy to own that one myself !

LOBO: OD is short for .38/44 Outdoorsman.

Jerry

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Please pardon my ignorance, but what is a Pre-War OD?

OD= Outdoorsman. This is a .38/44 Outdoorsman, the longer barrel version of the .38/44 Heavy Duty. The OD also had adjustable sights. Until the .357 Magnum was introduced, the .38/44 OD was THE premier target revolver in the company's lineup.

The S&W Grip adaptor you hear about from time to time was designed specifically for this revolver, though the metal plates and rubber block could be installed on any N-frame.

There was also a K-22 Outdoorsman, an adjustable sight revolver in .22 caliber built on the mid-size K frame. Together these two ODs made a formidable pair for competition shooting in the 1930s.
 
Outstanding! Do not go near Cheyenne , Wy. packing that!!
 
That's a gun with just enough wear so you don't mind shooting it. And by your range report it's on the money. Got it at a deal price.

You win!:)

GF
 
Jerry,
Finally you land a beauty! Great looking OD and sounds like a great shooter too! It is a proud offspring of the Heavy Duty Line!:D
Bill
 
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