UPDATE! -- Oddball 38/44

[james56]

Selling it????

Hope you give the Forum here a shot frist
thanks
james

Well, not a "first" post, as I had over 2,000 when I became inactive some time ago. And then I found that my membership had expired, disappeared, or had been erased. Not a problem, certainly, and if nothing else, this is certainly the most interesting first post I've ever made.

I'd like to thank Mr. Aspenhill Bill and others for the time they took to help me out with my "problem." I'd also like to thank my friends Charlie, Mark, and Many, particularly Mark and Charlie for their early morning phone calls today.

Right now I don't think anyone could rain on my parade, even if they tried really, really hard, as I literally NEVER have had a gun show experience this exciting (other than seeing Elvis and the Memphis Mafia at a Jackson show in the early 70s), though I've had many good times and have found some wonderful pieces to take home with me. This event is just absolutely over the top, however.

I don't collect guns, I accumulate them. I bought the old HD because I wanted a shooter, but of course now I couldn't possibly carry it through the woods or out to the range without feeling not only very guilty, but more than a little bit reckless. And I don't like those feelings: guns are made to be used, and I don't believe in owning safe queens. No offense to those who collect, save, and treasure the truly wonderful tools we all love, but it's just not my thing. So after I write to Mr. Jinks and get as much info as possible, I'll sell the HD on Gunbroker or something.

Again, thanks to everyone for your help. I'll be posting some more pictures later on tonight or tomorrow, as soon as I can get them done.

LR

 

[LelandRay]

Yep, I don't keep guns that are too pretty to shoot, since I'm primarily a shooter. I shoot the 520 because I like shooting it, even though it was NIB when I got it (and could probably still sell it at a tidy profit, besides). And I shoot my PC Schofield because it's so darned much FUN!

 

[ladder13]

I think the term "altered" should never be used describing a gun coming from the factory. I agree with Many that the correct term to be used would be either maunfactured or produced.
'Altered" denotes some sinister deception meant to mislead a buyer. Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[Art Doc]

LRFXR- Please refer to the photo of the 1956 HD I posted. Round sight. You may have many 1956s HDs with the ramp sight but like I said I have never seen one. As I keep repeating over and over I am not an expert.

The only way I know of for that unshrouded HD barrel to have been produced was for S&W to take a standard shrouded barrel and mill it into the present configuration. Sort of like the old Target Models that were factory converted from fixed sight versions prior to shipping. To me, these are modified guns... modified by the factory. You would argue that since this is how it left the factory it is original. That's one way to define it, but not mine. That unshrouded barrel was not manufactured, it was created from the standard unit. These 12 special order HDs are not standard items, they are factory customs. A fine point but that's how I see it.

As for bursting bubbles, I didn't realize I had that sort of power. But thank you for reminding me that this forum is all about, for, and by the serious collectors and experts, and I am neither. I forget that, sometimes.

I ask questions that nobody else seems to ask. Apparently there's a reason. I speak directly and I offer my honest opinion when someone solicits comments but I guess what I see as being honest others see as bursting bubbles. I'm not trying to be irritating, this is just the way I am. Ask my friends.

Not everyone wants directness and honesty. OK. I will try to remember my place.

 

[LelandRay]

 

[ladder13]

That sure is purty "I'll take it"

 

[GLL]

LelandRay:

Thank you very much for the close-up photos ! I appreciate your help !

I will ask Bill to post similar photos of a shrouded version of the same vintage !

Interesting front blade !

Best Regards,

Jerry

 

[LelandRay]

That sure is purty "I'll take it"

I don't think UPS will allow you to ship your first born child to Mississippi. Maybe the post office will, however.

 

[230grfmj]

I don't think UPS will allow you to ship your first born child to Mississippi. Maybe the post office will, however.

LelandRay,

Probably not too far off, since that's one of only 12 ever made. Its value must be way up there like one of those extremely rare Heavy Dutys they made in .45 Colt.

That is a very rare find and it appears to be in mint condition as well. That gun is a "collection" all by itself.

Congratulations!!

 

[ladder13]

LelandRay,

Probably not too far off, since that's one of only 12 ever made. Its value must be way up there like one of those extremely rare Heavy Dutys they made in .45 Colt.

That is a very rare find and it appears to be in mint condition as well. That gun is a "collection" all by itself.

Congratulations!!

Ohhh Tom , I had him just where I wanted him

 

[stiab]

I would hate to see my old buddy Leland, or someone in a simular situation flip a rare and desireable revolver like this one because someone rushed to judgement with incorrect facts.

Why don't you just step back and do a little research next time?

Misinformation is the curse of the internet, and distracts from threads like this one that are otherwise interesting and educational.

 

[trouthunterdj]

I am glad I joined this forum when I did. This has been extremely fun and educational.

Leland - In my opinion if the gun has been shot already, why not hang on to it and take it to the range a couple time a year? I don't think the value will decrease much at all but the upside might be greater. If you were going to us it for hiking through the woods that might be a different story.

Like I said, just my thoughts.

ddj

 

[Art Doc]

OK... OK... I get it, already. I'm a stupid idiot and should shut up.

Got it.

 

[1Aspenhill]

Jerry,
Here are some pics of S155250:

Hope this works for you.
Bill

 

[1Aspenhill]

Frank/SP,
You have a good eye as the barrels were regular HD barrels and they milled the shrouds away. You are not an idiot and please keep asking the questions.
Bill

 

[cherokee5425]

Thank you lowriderfxr, it's about time someone said something.

 

[jmark1651]

The beauty of this forum is that everyone has something to contribute or add and some of us have strong wills and personalities. It is important to remember that and treat folks with respect,or as we would want to be treated ourself. I have found this thread very informative,and knowing Leland personally, makes me glad he found this beautiful speciman.

 

[Art Doc]

Well, Mr. cherokee5425 if you thought something needed saying why didn't YOU speak up? At least I have the courage to say what I think.

 

[smitholdtimer]

I still love you Sax. congrats, LelandRay!

Yes sir Sax, I still love you, you cause things to be heard that most folks are afraid to say. You may remember my dumb question about the barrel markings on a .38 special revolver, you helped me immensely by exposing me as an "novice" so I have been studying up. I'll not be one forever, thanks to you. Of course, I was not making a statement then, I was merely asking a question since the seller had disputed what was marked on the barrel. I have become dependent on you as I am always assured of your honest opinion. Not offensive, refreshing most times, and thanks. Oh yes, Congratulations, LelandRay, you uncovered a treasure and I'm proud for you.

 

[hastings]

I will confess right up front that I am an idiot, with no experience regarding the finer points of S&W history. Now that I've got that off my chest, does anyone have one, or have pictures of one of the 45colt HD's? I'd love to see one. I'm sure they are priced way, way out of my range, but it would give me something to dream about.

 

[ladder13]

I will confess right up front that I am an idiot, with no experience regarding the finer points of S&W history. Now that I've got that off my chest, does anyone have one, or have pictures of one of the 45colt HD's? I'd love to see one. I'm sure they are priced way, way out of my range, but it would give me something to dream about.

You're not an idiot, just someone who wants to learn more about Smith's, like most here do.

 

[ElToro]

I will confess right up front that I am an idiot, with no experience regarding the finer points of S&W history. Now that I've got that off my chest, does anyone have one, or have pictures of one of the 45colt HD's? I'd love to see one. I'm sure they are priced way, way out of my range, but it would give me something to dream about.

i beelive doc44 has one. he has posted about it before and its history. it might be in his photo album

Leland, that is a very cool & rare HD variation and a great find. hopefully a foto will be in SCSW # 4 ?

 

[1Aspenhill]

Jim Fisher owns it now and is pictured in his picture album on this site.
Bill

 

[kennyb]

yepper...and this is the place to learn....

 

[H P Bushrod]

Talk about a rarity! Congrats on your find LelandRay and thanks for sharing the pics. I'll probably never see another .38/44 like that.

 

[shawn mccarver]

This is one of the neatest looking and rarest N frames I have ever had the pleasure to see. Thank you for sharing it with us. Good show!

Shawn McCarver
SWCA 765

 

[Jimmymac46]

Lowriderfxr- I did not, in fact, have the gun right in front of me. I had a photo of it. I once saw a photo of Bill Clinton talking to a Martian on the cover of a magazine. Does that make it real?

You mean that wasn't a real picture?

Always good to learn more and more about Smith's and their respective variations. Just about the time you think you have got it together, you discover there is more to learn. For the record, my late 30's/early 1931 HD has shroud and round front sight and until now I believed that to be the case with them all!

 

[handejector]

I love this board.

I had never heard of these. GOOD for you Leland!




(now, everybody play nice, or no Happy Meals all weekend )

 

[Buford57]

Frank/SP,
You have a good eye as the barrels were regular HD barrels and they milled the shrouds away. You are not an idiot and please keep asking the questions.
Bill

Thank you for clarifying that. I was wondering whether the factory took that approach, bored a blank from a .44 or .45 HE to .38. or set up a whole new process in hopes the idea would take off.

 

[tommy F]

I have S155835 and it is the only other HD I have seen with the ramped front sight. sorry for the fuzzy pic.