S&W 38/44 Heavy Duty from 38 to 357

[steelslaver]

You could use a model 28-3 or 27-3 or later cylinder that was not recessed or you could use an earlier recessed N frame cylinder and either machine the rear of the cylinder to remove the recesses. The ejector star would not need to be machined. This would allow you to leave the frame lug stock. There are usually some on Ebay for under $100. I think I might have one in my parts pile that I would let of and machine the ledge in for you.

 

[Abbotson]

I just want one in .44 Special, but I am very fond of both my kidneys. And besides, my 329 PD sort of makes it a moot point anyway.

 

[Muley Gil]

You could use a model 28-3 or 27-3 or later cylinder that was not recessed or you could use an earlier recessed N frame cylinder and either machine the rear of the cylinder to remove the recesses. The ejector star would not need to be machined. This would allow you to leave the frame lug stock. There are usually some on Ebay for under $100. I think I might have one in my parts pile that I would let of and machine the ledge in for you.

You can machine a small groove around the rear perimeter of the M27/M28 cylinder to clear the frame lug, rather than machining off the recesses.

BTW, the frame lug IS replaceable.

 

[The Gila Bender]

Fascinating thread. Although the HD would be yours to do with as you wish, I suggest exploring it's full potential as a .38 Special. If you really would rather have a .357 then there are plenty of used Model 28's in the world for (relatively) reasonable prices. I'll go so far as to suggest that someone here would pay good money for a 4" HD, possibly enough to cover the cost of a decent condition Model 28.

Here's a nice old HD that I had for many years. Shoulda kept it.

 

[Inland7-45]

38/44 HD Military

There were only 20,000 or so 38/44 HDs made between the early 1930s and 1966. Mine is a very early gun that was factory refinished a long time ago. I consider it to be collectable the way it is. I enjoy shooting it with full charge.38 Special reloads from the latest Lyman cast bullet manual using their 170 grain SWC. When I want to shoot full charge .357s I go to my 6" Model 27

Your holster worn 38/44 HD is something that you can enjoy the way it is. Any money spent on altering the cylinder would be better spent on a used L Frame or some other .357.

 

[StrawHat]

…I also already have in the stable of personal treasures a 5" Model of 1950. I think that is the one where there was only a few made. Looks like the one you pictured only already made that way…

PT,

My apologies. The revolver in the photograph is my unaltered 38/44 HD with 5" barrel, shipped early in 1950.

Please check your 1950. The Army model (fixed sights) was shipped with a standard 5 1/2" barrel. The Target Model typically had a 6 1/2" barrel.

A factory 5" on either would certainly be a treasure!

Kevin

 

[PT-Partners]

PT,

My apologies. The revolver in the photograph is my unaltered 38/44 HD with 5" barrel, shipped early in 1950.

Please check your 1950. The Army model (fixed sights) was shipped with a standard 5 1/2" barrel. The Target Model typically had a 6 1/2" barrel.

A factory 5" on either would certainly be a treasure!

Kevin

You are so right on being a treasure. Pretty sure it is a 5 1/2" Took me 24 months to save for it. I attached two pictures and I do use it. I think and repeat think mine may have been a Law Enforcement gun. Was going to get it lettered but will wait until the next S&W Collectors meeting I think in 2022 it will be in Tulsa.

Treasures were made to use and enjoy. The grips are correct but not numbered to the gun. Thanks for your picture. Your gun ROCKs

I also have a 38/44 Prewar serial number 45XXX range. Also with the 5" barrel.

Got more than my fair share of "treasures" My wife and I are VERY VERY VERY fortunate and have been selective on what we keep.

Again.Thank you for sharing your piece.

Just a side note. The P&T Partners is for my wife and I. Phyllis and Terrence, Partners for 48 years this year

 

[bama55]

Question. I have found a S&W 38/44 Heavy Duty 1953 Vintage SN S9182X with a 4"barrel. It is by no means collectible grade.
I do, well I did reload and going to pick back up again and enjoy the heaviness of the N-frame firearms.

IMHO, it is your gun to do as you wish. But, I recently acquired a pre-war HD that someone chose to cut the barrel back to 3 1/2". It has not been reamed and I don't intend to do so. It is one I will leave original. I will load some Keith fodder and enjoy it. Also, it was re-nickeled by S&W. I'll mail a factory letter request next week. It is probably as close to a 3 1/2" M-27 as I will get unless I am very lucky.