38/44 HD

[Oldschool shooter]

Came across a S&W 38/44 HD today. It has a satin nickel finish, which I was told is the original finish. It's in really nice shape and locks up tight. Asking price is $850. Is this a good price?

 

[buster94]

Where's the pics?

 

[Oldschool shooter]

No pics. I haven't bought it.

 

[.455_Hunter]

Being "satin" nickel sets off my refinish alarm bells. DANGER!

 

[Jim Watson]

Agree. The only "satin nickel" Smith I ever saw was a scarce nickel Highway Patrolman.

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

Howdy

According to the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson, there were some nickel plated 38/44 HDs made with a satin finish. However they do not say how many. It looks like these were post war guns. Any idea of the Serial Number?

 

[Oldschool shooter]

Didn't inspect it that closely to take note of the serial number. This is the only one I've seen with a nickel finish. I had concerns that it may have been a refinished gun. I'll try to get serial number, may be the real deal after all.

 

[Jim K]

Factory satin nickel is a nice finish, but in too many cases, it is a dealer term for "the blue looked like heck so I dipped it in blue remover.".

Jim

 

[sgt127]

Playing the odds, a true factory satin nickel Heavy Duty would be extremely rare.

A nickel version that has clouded up would be more likely.

One that has been e nickeled or hard chromed would be most likely.

For your sake, I hope it's a factory gun! Good luck.