What is the Difference??

[PackN]

I have what I THINK is a Pre-20 within reach at a Shop not far from here! I am looking to convert it into a .44 Special. Is this the same as a 38/44 ? My catalouge says it is for a .38 Special Cartridge. Is the 38/44 and Pre-20 built Metalurgically the same ? SN is 72xxx but I can not see an "S" in front of it on the grip frame. Help with my Dilemna Please! What would be a Fair Price to give for it?? 90%,4",Grips match SN.

PackN

 

[murphydog]

The .38/44 is an N frame .38 Special. The official name is the Heavy Duty (fixed sight, 4, 5 or 6.5" barrel) or Outdoorsman (adjustable sight, usually 6.5"). After 1957 they were named the model 20 and 23, so "pre-20" and ".38/44" (Heavy Duty) as they refer to a pre-1957 gun mean the same thing. The serial number suggests it is a post-war gun and it should therefore have the S prefix, so I have no explanation for its absence.

The factory made the equivalent model in .44 Special. I don't know if you intend to replace the .38 Special parts with ones from a .44 or modify the .38 to fire .44s, but in my opinion it would be a major project either way; more so if you intend to bore out the .38 cylinder and barrel to .44.

Photos would be most helpful to answer your value question, and there are several regular .38/44 collectors here to help you out.

 

[DCWilson]

With the serial number S72xxx, that would technically be a transitional .38/44 Heavy Duty from 1947 or 1948. I think of the Pre-20 classification as beginning about 1950 when the company went to the short hammer throw design for its big revolver actions. But this gun is on the development line to the Model 20 and it's immediate predecessors, so there is a sense in which it is a "Pre-20," and a lot of people would probably be comfortable with that designation.

It's a good question what happened to the S on the butt, but you should be able to see it on the barrel underside and the rear face of the cylinder -- the letter prefix and numerical portion of a serial number are often divided on either side of a charge hole.

If it's a completely proper Transitional HD, a 90% gun could legitimately bring $600-750 or more. But I'd try to find out what happened to the S, because a modified or partial serial number is a complete no-no in the ATF's eyes.

Pictures would indeed help if you could provide them.

A postwar HD is indeed heavy enough and metallurgically sound for the kind of conversion you envision, but as Alan indicated it might not be cheap. You might be better off looking for a prewar fixed-sight .44. The postwar .44s can be even more expensive than the Heavy Duty models.

 

[smitholdtimer]

PackN

I saw an old N frame Smith & Wesson for sale last weekend at a gun show chambered for the .44 spec, not sure of the specifics but if you are interested in their contact information I will share it, Just PM me please.

 

[mikepriwer]

The "S" should be there, on the butt . Maybe way to the left of the
serial number, soas to appear to be not a part of it. But it is.

Mike Priwer

 

[PackN]

.38 N Frame

Thanks Guys for chimeing in! I have been dilligently studing the differences between the Manufacturing Differences so I can figure out what it is. My Smith Book would be easier to just take with me BUT do not want to alert him as to what he has.Specially at $300 !

PackN

 

[murphydog]

If it has an original 90% finish, at $300 you really can't go wrong no matter what variation of .38/44 it is. Please post those photos after you pick it up .

 

[feralmerril]

I done exactly what you are wanting to do, but about 25 years ago. I had several legs up on you though. First, I bought a model 21 barrel at a gunshow before I even had a HD. I sat on the barrel a couple years and found a HD cheap. It was a 4" transitional I paid about $165s for way back. I had a gunsmith friend ream the clyinder to .44 special and screw in the barrel. Never had it refinished but still am thinking about it. It shoots just fine and while I have 6 .44 specials, this gets packed and the others pretty much stay in the safe. I sold the .38 barrel so probley dont have over $300 in the gun. It worked out well, but I doubt you could be as cost effective today. Besides, where would you find a 21 barrel? Must be expendsive to bore out a 20 barrel and remark. If I ever do get another gun reblued it will be this one. I have the original grips. They look like someone put up a wanted poster with it as they have the imprint of small nail heads in the butt!

 

[feralmerril]

Here is another picture of it with the original grips.

 

[ElToro]

unless its been dragged behind a truck then left at the bottom of the pond, i'm buying ANY N frame for $300... sight unseen.

Bowen caliber conversions start at $695,

let us know !

 

[Art Doc]

I suggest buying a 1926 rather than cutting up an HD.

 

[Jack Flash]

At that price, you should grab it right now before someone else does. Shoot it as is for a while, you may find you really like it.

You can always sell it / trade it toward a .44 Special. I agree with the others that converting it to .44 will not be cost effective, and besides, will destroy any collector value this one currently has.
Translation:
Don't do it.

 

[PackN]

Pre-War 38/44

I guess I am getting Organic Brain Syndrome in my old age! What I Picked Up today was a 5" 38/44 with SN 515xx Making it a Pre-War Revolver! I am Tickled Pink that it was 3 Bones OTD ! No wonder I could not find an "S" in the SN!! Besides I already have a 2nd Model HE in 44 Special so why ruin a Nice HD !

PackN

 

[boykinlp]

I guess I am getting Organic Brain Syndrome in my old age! What I Picked Up today was a 5" 38/44 with SN 515xx Making it a Pre-War Revolver! I am Tickled Pink that it was 3 Bones OTD ! No wonder I could not find an "S" in the SN!! Besides I already have a 2nd Model HE in 44 Special so why ruin a Nice HD !

PackN

Where are the pictures?

 

[DCWilson]

Prewar HD for $300? You're in clover!

I had a similar experience once -- bought an early '30s HD sight unseen for not too much money expecting it would be rough enough to play with and turn into a project gun. Turned out the gun was in MUCH better shape than I expected it to be, and I couldn't bring myself to fix something that wasn't broken. So it became another treasure on the .38/44 shelf in the safe, and it comes out now and again to get into the range rotation.

You're gonna love your gun just as it is.

 

[Dave T]

...I already have a 2nd Model HE in 44 Special so why ruin a Nice HD !

PackN

Bravo! Well done! Good for you! You'll like the HD, I promise!

Dave

 

[Checkman]

Wonderful. Whatever you do don't cut it up. I also own a pre-war HD with 5" barrel. Terrific revolvers and real treasures. Take care of it. And I agree where are the photos? Below are a couple photos of mine. Once again congratulations.