[788Ham]

I took my newest pawn shop revolver to the range yesterday afternoon, S&W 38-44 HD, got to see how this old warhorse shoots. WOW, was I pleasantly surprised! This revolver shoots a whole lot better than I can shoot it, hands down. I was shooting a mild load, 158 gr. SWC, 4.0 gr. of WW 231, 750 fps, just to clear her throat if you will. At 15 yards, I was truly amazed I kept all the holes on the paper, most of them in the black scoring rings too. A couple of other shooter's were watching me, wasn't long and they were both asking about shooting her too. Ha "Where did you find this old bat?.... I haven't seen one of these in many years, how long have you had it?"... Wanna sell it?" I had as much fun watching these other guys, as I did shooting it myself, so glad I went back and dragged this old timer home when I did. A fine, fine old Smith has finally found a good home.

[Vern Humphrey]

You shouldn't be surprised, that was one of Smith and Wesson's best revolvers, ever.

[Kyle M.]

So maybe this means I need to go buy the one at my lgs this payday. It's got a lot of holster wear but the bore is mint and the action tight, there asking $400.

[Vern Humphrey]

They have a S&W .38-44 in good condition for $400?!?!

You're not buying that gun, you're stealing it!

[Radagast]

Yes. Yes you do.

[788Ham]

Kyle, You'd best jump straddle of it then, if I knew where it was at, I'd be on it like a rat on a Cheeto ! If its anything like the one I got, you'll not be disappointed.

[Kyle M.]

They have a S&W .38-44 in good condition for $400?!?!

You're not buying that gun, you're stealing it!
Like I said the finish is rough but the bore is bright and the action tight. I was in there today and some guy called and must have asked about it because the owner told him he could hold it for a week so he can have time to come down and look at it. So if it's still there in a week I might just have to stick it on layaway.

[Drail]

Now THAT's a revolver! All you need is a bullwhip and a fedora and ........

[Checkman]

If you find a Heavy Duty snap it up. I got mine about three years ago and it isn't going anywhere. They're getting to be pretty scarce.

[Jim K]

There was also a target version with adjustable sights. A real tackdriver and with standard .38's (or wadcutters) a comfortable gun. Those .38-44's were the direct ancestor of the .357 Magnum and the gun Keith used for a lot of his experimental work.

Jim

P.S. There was an old cartridge, also called the .38-44, that was chambered in the break top No. 3 revolver; not the same thing.

JK

[Iggy]

The target version is called the Outdoorsman.

If you find a nice one of pre-war vintage for under $2K jump on it.
The .38/44 Keith loads for this gun tended to romp along at above 1100 to 1200 FPS or a smidge more.


http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p246/Iggy25/002.jpg?t=1315777254

Post war's have a ribbed barrel and a bigger adjustable rear site. They ain't cheap neither.

[Vern Humphrey]

Like I said the finish is rough but the bore is bright and the action tight. I was in there today and some guy called and must have asked about it because the owner told him he could hold it for a week so he can have time to come down and look at it. So if it's still there in a week I might just have to stick it on layaway.
Sell your wife and children and buy that gun!!

[788Ham]

OH Iggy, thats a dandy now! Mine sure isn't like that one, yours has bluing on it! What a beauty.

[Checkman]

My 1937 Heavy Duty with 5" barrel. Yes i am aware that the Magna grips are not period correct and I do believe it was re-finished. But it's mine.
http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa427/checkman1/P1010003.jpg
http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa427/checkman1/P1010006.jpg

[Checkman]

My 1953 Outdoorsman with 6.5" barrel.
http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa427/checkman1/OD.jpg
http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa427/checkman1/OD3.jpg

[Peter M. Eick]

http://eickpm.com/picts/21_3844s.jpg

My current (actually 2 short) 38/44 collection. They are a bit addictive....

[SteelManCM]

^^No wonder I can't find one!

[Checkman]

Keep looking. Eventually you should come across one.

[Certaindeaf]

Good Lord, Peter.

Checkman, I'd check that mainspring tension screw. Seems like it's backed out.

[Iggy]

I figgered this thread would bring Peter out of his lair..:)

[Peter M. Eick]

Iggy,

I just got back from working in Greenland. I just today got online and started trying to catch up on 2 months worth of threads.

http://eickpm.com/picts/prewar_hds.jpg

Just a nice picture of a few prewar HD's.

[Iggy]

Peter,
Those pictures are a pretty good start. Thanks for sharing and welcome back.

[Checkman]

Certaindeaf

Checkman, I'd check that mainspring tension screw. Seems like it's backed out.

Photo dates back three years. Long ago corrected, but thanks.

[Drail]

Those old time S&Ws are so purty.

[788Ham]

Mr. Eick, Looks as if I have a ways to go huh? Nice bunch of firearms.

[Deltaboy]

Nice looking Smiths.

[Peter M. Eick]

788Ham,

I started just like you. I had one 38/44 OD (shown below) and it cascaded from there. Great guns but I think you should collect something else. I hate competition!


:):):):):):):):)

http://eickpm.com/picts/od020406.jpg

[Iggy]

You don't want to shoot agin him neither!!

[Guillermo]

you guys are going to cost me money