Question on early Post-War Heavy Duty

[epidoc]

I purchased a blued Heavy Duty (38/44) at the Reno Gun show last Friday. The serial number is S 62913 which would date it to 1946-47. It is blued, all matching and with about 98% finish remaining. The seller even threw in a nice gold colored S&W box as part of the deal. I will letter in the near future.

My question - it has four inch barrel. What proportion of the Heavy Duties were made with 4 inch barrels?

 

[boykinlp]

Can't answer your question, but we all would sure like to see some pictures of your new purchase.

 

[DCWilson]

1Aspenhill can probably tell you off the top of his head, but my general impression is that before WW2 the five-inch barrels predominated, and after the war four inch barrels were most common.

Here's mine (S66842), which shipped as a four-incher in July 1946:

 

[1Aspenhill]

Thanks Dave, but I haven't figured it out lately. Based on my observations, the 4" was the most popular followed by the 5" and 6.5". I will add the ones I know about and get back with you. By the way Dave, that sure is a great looking HD!
Bill

 

[DCWilson]

Bill, that one has been traveling in recent years. If I'm not mistaken, it lived a little while in your vicinity before ambling on down the road and eventually taking up residence with me.

 

[1Aspenhill]

Joseph,
Sorry for taking so long to get back with you. Of the 185 HD Transition serial numbers I have, here is the break out:
4"-135, 73%
5"-46, 24%
6.5-4, 3%
I'm expecting a list of serial numbers on a police purchase which may change the percentage some depending on how many of the guns fall in the transition range.
I hope this helps,
Bill
Dave, it did and still looks great!

 

[DCWilson]

Bill, I don't want to make work for you, but do you have similar stats on the prewar production? The two I have (1932 and 1934) are both five-inchers.