S&W 38/44 dad left me

[nrsj1]

I was left a 38/44 outdoorsman, in the original box - blue/gold.
Not sure of year - and trying to research it, I posted pics and serial number starts with S 787XX. It is in excellent condition and I tried it out last week. Love it!

Can anyone give me a year this revolver was made?

 

[arjay]

1950-1951 according to SCSW

 

[CCG]

New here myself, SCSW 4th edition gives 1950-1957 before it was changed to Model 23. I'm sure someone with with way more knowledge than I will be along shortly. My opinion , I would get that one lettered. Hope this helps, Chris

 

[JohnRippert]

Ooohhh! Oh my! That be beautimus! Yes indeed, letter that one.

 

[nrsj1]

Does lettered mean to authenticate?

 

[JohnRippert]

A factory letter will let you know when it was shipped and where it went. Also gives info on the configuration when it left the factory., barrel length, grips, etc.

 

[apollo99]

very, very, very nice, That's 3 verys Don't give those out much, I'm usually a one or two very guy.

 

[A10]

Congratulations on your fine firearm! It looks to be in amazingly good condition, and it's obvious your dad took good care of his guns.

 

[nrsj1]

How do I get it lettered?

 

[A10]

Smith & Wesson Collectors Association

This should help.....

 

[nrsj1]

Thank you!

 

[bananaman]

Very nice piece! Welcome to the FORUM! Enjoy your Smith. Bob

 

[John Fugate]

Only letter the gun if you interested in when and where it shipped. Other wise save your money. You may or may not know it but you have a fantastic gun, its configuration is pretty much self explanatory. I wonder if it was factory fired only before you fired it last week, it sure looks like it could have been. Sounds like a sentimental thing anyway your going to keep, so it really doesn't matter one way or the other just curious. I paid 3450.00 for the exact gun NIB for my personal collection, this is just to give you an idea what I would insure it for. You may realize its valuable or you may not ? Well, It is.

John

 

[nrsj1]

Is it ok to use it? I love this gun. And it was not used much, but I did shoot it once before, I was 12...I am close to 60 now..

 

[John Fugate]

Is it ok to use it? I love this gun. And it was not used much, but I did shoot it once before, I was 12...I am close to 60 now..

If its been shot, its been shot. So no harm shooting the gun further, its used. The gun is not NIB no longer per say, just don't holster it and take good care of it. You will not hurt the gun. Where to big jump in value is for that gun would NIB vs a nice used gun in its original box. Had the gun been factory fired only, I would have voted to keep it in that condition. Its rare to find about any 50-60 year old Smith still new factory fired only in its original box. Never the less you have a collector quality firearm you can shoot and enjoy without devaluing the gun. Granted you shoot the gun sparingly and take exceptional care of it.