Recently was looking over a list of firearms being sold for the estate of a friend. Noticed a listing for a model 544 in .44-40 W. Something must be wrong. Never heard of a model 544. Never heard of a modern era S&W in .44-40. After researching the SCSW I got an education on a very interesting revolver. Already a .44-40 fan from my experience with Colt Single Actions, I was excited to find one in a large frame Smith. Came with presentation case.
S&W 544, .44-40 Winchester
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cowboy4evr
Member
Smith made the 544's(N frame) in celebration of the 150 yr anniversary of Texas Independence . They are chambered in 44-40 . From what I understand Smith used std 44 barrels , .429-.430 groove diameter (the largest measurement in a barrel ) . I have read from those that have them , their cylinder throats were .428 . I don't have one but have given it serious consideration . I hope this helps , Regards, Paul
Haven't checked but would assume std .44 barrel.
Mine had a .429" barrel and .428" throats. In theory that should have made it a wall-hanger according to gun store loafng experts, but I reloaded standard 44 caliber, 200 grain JHPs that were .4295" (Sierra) and found the revolver was more accurate than am I. Larger .430" bullets were not quite as accurate (but certainly accurate enough for coyote and jackrabbit shooting) and with the same powder charges seemed to be slightly higher pressure. The revolver would do anything a 180 grainb357 would but with a slightly larger, heavier bullet.
Yet another I should never have sold.
Yet another I should never have sold.
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Papaw
Member
A LGS has one with case (I don't know about paperwork) for $1500.
An unfired 544 in wood box with papers has failed to sell for a couple of months at $995 on a site I frequent.
Model 544s are a strange bird
I have seen the standard version of the Model 544 sell around the $1400 mark and like dr. mordo, I have seen them sit for months priced under $1000
There is no pattern to it. They run hot and cold.
If you like it and the price feels fair, go for it.
This was not a popular offering when it came out. The Texas Sesquicentennial Commission had reserved a serial number block of 7800. However only 4782 total pieces were produced. I would call that a failure as far as commemeratives go
Those 4782 revolvers broke down to 4630 of the standard version, 150 of the deluxe version and a two gun set serial numbered 1836 & 1986.
I happen to think that the Deluxe version is one of the best looking commemeratives that Smith and Wesson has ever offered.
The revolver had nice engraving and gold work, it was wearing hand scrimshawed Elephant Ivory coke profile grips. The revolver came in a huge glass case mounted on a lazy Susan so that it could be rotated and the case was hinged on the top.
The Texas Sesquicentennial Commission had bronze Texas Longhorns commissioned that were serial numbered to match the revolvers and signed by the artist
There was even a nice commemorative coin in the big case
Over the years I saw several of the standard versions fitted with 44 Magnum cylinders for a nice 5" Model 29 feel. Personally I would not do that, but then I am not a big 44 Magnum fan
I have seen the standard version of the Model 544 sell around the $1400 mark and like dr. mordo, I have seen them sit for months priced under $1000
There is no pattern to it. They run hot and cold.
If you like it and the price feels fair, go for it.
This was not a popular offering when it came out. The Texas Sesquicentennial Commission had reserved a serial number block of 7800. However only 4782 total pieces were produced. I would call that a failure as far as commemeratives go
Those 4782 revolvers broke down to 4630 of the standard version, 150 of the deluxe version and a two gun set serial numbered 1836 & 1986.
I happen to think that the Deluxe version is one of the best looking commemeratives that Smith and Wesson has ever offered.
The revolver had nice engraving and gold work, it was wearing hand scrimshawed Elephant Ivory coke profile grips. The revolver came in a huge glass case mounted on a lazy Susan so that it could be rotated and the case was hinged on the top.
The Texas Sesquicentennial Commission had bronze Texas Longhorns commissioned that were serial numbered to match the revolvers and signed by the artist
There was even a nice commemorative coin in the big case
Over the years I saw several of the standard versions fitted with 44 Magnum cylinders for a nice 5" Model 29 feel. Personally I would not do that, but then I am not a big 44 Magnum fan
I see them occasionally at shows. Think about it but always move on. IIRC, they're usually in the $900 range. Not sure if the seller had the case, Box, etc., but I never saw them.
They're really nice shooters, and most are factory new N-frames in a desirable caliber. If they keep getting cheaper I may buy another to replace the one I should not have sold.
The M544 is a 5" N frame .44 caliber revolver. What's not to like?
I have one and .429" bullets work fine.
I have one and .429" bullets work fine.
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Just got mine but I have factory loads and my own handloads from other .44-40's. So it won't be long until I have mastered it. Like the size and balance. Should make a great hunting / field gun.
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iskra
Member
In the "What's not to like..." department MG, my only downside to an otherwise great gun (5" big hurrah!), is the fact of "Commemorative". I don't discriminate. I just don't like any commemorative guns per se. Also, as investments most of the commemoratives have been less than flat! There are some really beautiful guns out there, but I just groan when noting such in context of "C"s.
That said, I bought my 544 as new for all the pluses. I do enjoy owning it. I guess if I had to pick a commemorative to institute... A trio one celebrating: Teddy Roosevelt, Otto Von Bismark and Marlyn Monroe!
They are nice pieces but for some reason don't grab me so have never owned one. And wasn't the price either as most I've seen were very affordable for what they offered. Also haven't checked SCSW for the numbers but IIRC they came in both blue and brushed nickel???
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