S&W 38/44 Heavy Duty Model of 1950 "Pre Model 20" (Pictures Added)

[Muss Muggins]

Found one. Serial number says 1956-57, closer to '56. Honest wear, some pitting, mechanically perfect. The stocks have been butchered, sanded smooth over the rectangle outline. Diamond gone, checkering gone, terrible shame. Numbers match, although I don't know about the stocks because I didn't check. Price on the tag is $519. What say the masses . . . ?

 

[Kinman]

Brother...Thats right where I would have to take a good long look at that one. I'm not a finish freak but I do like me some good looking revolvers. From your description I would label that an excellent shooter grade, especially if you were going for the grit with some Keith bullets and powder to push them. I prefer a larger caliber for that kind of work but if the .38 is your bag you would have a hard time finding a nicer example for that price...the disclaimer is that you have a fine period correct pre-model, you could spend alot less for something of lesser quality but it ain't gonna be a HD, they have their own following and while I prefer the Outdoorsman I wouldn't trade mine for any modern .38/357 handgun.

 

[DocB]

I would jump on it. Can't find a 38/44 around here. . . ever! That's why I don't have one. I've got a pair of diamond magnas and diamond targets just waiting for a gun like that. What's on it would go in the trash can matching or not.

 

[DWalt]

Most any .38/44 not in terrible condition will bring at least $500.

 

[PALADIN85020]

I feel fortunate to have found a very nice one - shipped in 1957 according to Roy Jinks. I understand the Model marking was not applied on most of these guns until a number of years after the authorization for that in 1957. This one has no such marking.

John

 

[gmborkovic]

Muss, the most important thing is what say you? If it perks you, buy it.
me, I would stop and look at it. Would I pass, I dont know.

 

[bulletslap]

I would have jumped on it, quick like.

 

[moosedog]

It's hard to visualize, a picture would have helped, but the price doesn't sound bad for a nice shooter. Grips hardly ever match anyway.

 

[Aircrewman]

Well, I would say that one thing you have said would possibly make it a "buy." That is the condition of the action..... you said "mechanically perfect." Finish matters can be dealt with. Even a little pitting is ok as long as it doesn't impair accuracy. A refinish would deal with the worn appearance. Grip stocks are rather plentiful and can be found, even at a reasonable price. However, problems with the action/timing/carry-up etc. can be more problematical and would cause me to steer away and wait for another prospective buy later. Another may be more money but it could also be free of woe....

 

[sigp220.45]

I think I'd do it. I never understood the attraction of an N frame fixed sight .38 Special, until I got my only one due to a Facebook trade with a guy who thought it was a Model 10. He even had it stuffed unsuccessfully in a K frame holster.

It was refinished and had some K frame Jay Scott pearlies on it. I got some Taiwanese magnas from eBay and took it to the range.

But man, does it shoot. There is just something about it. I had originally thought to convert it to .45 Colt or .44 Special, but now I am content to leave it as is. It feels like it wants to just jump up and shoot some sassy bandits all on its own.

 

[Jim NNN]

I don't have original (#'s matching) magna stocks on my pre-model 28. They are era appropriate, though. Doesn't really bother me because the gun had been refinished long ago.

A way to get around non-original or damaged stocks would be targets...but if you think diamond targets for K frames are over priced, wait til you start looking at N frames. They might be as much as the OP's gun itself, meaning they ain't worth it.

IMO, I'd go for that gun at that price, not worrying too much about stocks or minor surface distractions. Sort of like buying the most affordable house in a nice neighborhood: it's kind of hard to lose.
Best wishes.

 

[jchodur]

My Jink's letter might help explain why .38/44 HD's are hard to come by. I requested letters for two .44 Spl. Hand Ejector Model 2's I've owned for decades. The information provided by Roy on the younger of the two (pictured above) was a complete surprise. I knew it had been refinished but was totally unprepared for what the letter revealed.



I'll post the older letter results and pics in another post when I get some better pictures, hopefully next week.

 

[Muss Muggins]

Bought it. Like I said earlier, it's a shooter, and the stocks are a mess. I was hoping they were at least numbered to the revolver, but they are not. All the other numbers match. The mechanics are perfect. $460 and it is mine . . .

 

[sigp220.45]

Bought it. Like I said earlier, it's a shooter, and the stocks are a mess. I was hoping they were at least numbered to the revolver, but they are not. Also, the yoke has been replaced. Cylinder and barrel numbers match the frame. Aside from that, the mechanics are perfect. $460 and it is mine . . .

Those look like K frame grips to me. No loss, for sure.

Congratulations on a gun with a lot of character (the good kind). I bet it shoots.

 

[Muss Muggins]

Those look like K frame grips to me.

I kinda thought the same, but they are numbered, and it's a number close to this serial number. I'm wondering if they just weren't sanded down so much to get the checkering off that they look like K's . . .

 

[bulletslap]

For my taste a set of old Sambar Stags would look great on that old piece.

 

[Muss Muggins]

For my taste a set of old Sambar Stags would look great on that old piece.

Not a bad idea . . .

 

[Glashaus]

I like it! some of these 38/44 HD's got carried a lot, yours looks a lot like one I picked up last year finish wise.



I found another one earlier this year, it has its own set of challenges, but they both shoot great!

 

[CScott]

Glad you got it. You can have a lot of fun with that one. Do whatever you want to it and make it yours.

 

[DWalt]

It would be a good project gun for a DIY rust blue finish. Original period N-frame Magnas can be a little expensive. Someone earlier mentioned the Thai grips sold on eBay, and I can vouch for them being a very good buy for use on a shooter-grade gun. There are numerous styles available.