s&w model 5207 38spl (38/44 hd thanks to yalls help)

[Num1fordfan]

recently acquired a s&w 5207 .... i cant find anything on this model i see the model 520's in .357 but this one is a .38spl ... seems to be a very heavily built .38 spl .... unfortunately there is a bulge in the barrel right behind the front sight , what other model barrels would fit this gun?

 

[ejjeff]

Photos would sure help.

 

[JP@AK]

Photos would sure help.

True.

But this sounds like a .38/44 from before 1958. In that case, it has no model number and 5207 is a parts-tracking number on the yoke and on the frame in the yoke cut.

 

[Num1fordfan]

it looks identical to the model 520 just in .38spl serial number is S645XX

 

[Num1fordfan]

so would the model on this be 38/44 outdoorsman? Smith & Wesson .38/44 - Wikipedia

 

[Papa Lee]

Does it have adjustable sights and a 6.5" barrel?

 

[Truckman]

it looks identical to the model 520 just in .38spl serial number is S645XX

If it looks like a 520, then it has fixed sights and a 4" barrel (or in some cases a 5")...That would make it a .38-44 Heavy Duty...Lore has it that the 520 model number was chosen by S&W because in 1958, when model numbers were introduced to previously named models, the .38-44 HD was then designated as the Model 20, the difference being the Model 520 was chambered in .357 Magnum and wore PC Magnas......Ben

 

[JP@AK]

it looks identical to the model 520 just in .38spl serial number is S645XX

That serial number makes it a postwar N frame, hence, a .38/44.

so would the model on this be 38/44 outdoorsman?

Since you say it "looks identical to the model 520" I'll assume it has a fixed rear sight. That means it is a .38/44 Heavy Duty. The Outdoorsman's had an adjustable rear sight.

I will note also that it should be in the 1896-1961 category. I'll ask Lee to move it.

 

[Num1fordfan]

yes the rear sight is fixed (def appears it is the 38/44 heavy duty)...... now to find a barrel

 

[22hipower]

yes the rear sight is fixed (def appears it is the 38/44 heavy duty)...... now to find a barrel

Well, maybe, but shoot it first. It may shoot just fine and if the bulge isn't all that detracting cosmetically perhaps no need to change it. And finding another matching barrel isn't going to be all that easy either.

I have a pre-war HD with a barrel bulge and it shoots just fine; better than I can. I'm leaving mine as is and cooking up some great stories as to how the bulge occurred. Probably simply a squib load but I'll come up with a better explanation. Pictures please, and here's my pre-war with the bulge until we see yours. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

https://flic.kr/p/2oN2k33 https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/

 

[JP@AK]

here's my pre-war

Jeff
That one is nice. I particularly like the prewar N frame Magna stocks. Do they number correctly?

My prewar HD (July, 1934) has numbered stocks but they are the older style service stocks (too early for Magnas). N frame Magnas of that era are not easy to come by and yours are beautiful.

 

[22hipower]

Jeff
That one is nice. I particularly like the prewar N frame Magna stocks. Do they number correctly?

My prewar HD (July, 1934) has numbered stocks but they are the older style service stocks (too early for Magnas). N frame Magnas of that era are not easy to come by and yours are beautiful.

Yes, SN on the stocks matches. If you liked the right side you'll perhaps like the left side even more. I suspect a LEO gun as the stocks show quite a bit more wear on the right side then the left. I've been meaning to letter it but just haven't gotten around to it. Came from another member at the Tulsa Symposium.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

https://flic.kr/p/2oN7z5u https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/

 

[Num1fordfan]

as you can see the bulge is under the front sight

 

[22hipower]

View attachment 635407

View attachment 635408

as you can see the bulge is under the front sight

The bulge on mine is just behind the front sight about an inch from the end of the barrel. Shoot it, you may be surprised.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[hkcavalier]

They are interesting guns. I like overbuilt guns even though I definitely own a few that are 'underbuilt' like the Kel-Tecs.

Mine is slightly newer than yours, in the 80k serial range with grips a bit newer yet.