Question on a Model 1926 with 4 inch barrel

[epidoc]

I'm looking at 44 Special N frame pistol that was sent to Wolfe and Klar sometime in the late 1920's or early 1930's. The pistol is in the 29,000 serial number range. The barrel length is 4 inches. How common was the 4 inch gun in the Wolfe and Klar series of gun?

 

[rburg]

Just from my looking, I'd say they made several times more 5" guns than the 4" models. Today, most of us seek out the shorter versions. I have a friend who praises the 5" as being better balanced and better shooters. I'm sticking with 4", in both T/Ls and 3rds. I just like them.

Its also why the 4" guns seem to sell at a premium over the longer ones.

 

[wheelgun610]

I agree with Dick in that it's a pretty safe bet that there are fewer four inch 'Wolf & Klar' models than five inch guns. The 6-1/2 inchers are even harder to find.

Considering that there were less than 5,000 of the so called 'Wolf & Klar'/Model of 1926/3rd Model .44's actually built between 1926 and the outset of WWII, that translates to an average of only about one gun per day over the 14-15 year run of those guns.

I'd speculate that the 29,000 serial range would be a 1927-'28 gun, for what that's worth.

Mark

 

[km5wu]

Just to try to help you pin down the date a bit better. I just received the factory letter today on my 5" with a serial number in the high 31,000's. It says the gun was shipped to Wolf & Klarr on 29 June 1928.

Paul

 

[serialsolver]

My Wolf & Klar #295xx shipped out in April of 1927. Hope that helps.

 

[Memphis]

I have a 44 H.E. 4 inch Nickle..serial #534XX and it was shipped in Nov of 1937. Also if you are looking at a 4 inch gun don't forget to check the top of the barrell for patent markings. It should have NONE. If it has them then I would stongly suspect a cut down 5 incher. I have this 1926 and I have a Prewar 4 inch HD..both smooth on top of the barrells.

Good luck.. Roger