Please educate me on the 38/44 Outdoorsman

[Peter M. Eick]

While searching for a good m27 to create a new experiment I came across a 38/44 Outdoorsman that I am interested in. My problem is I know virtually nothing about the 38/44 except that they were the predecessor to the 357 Registered magnums. (Sure I would love to buy a registered 357 magnum, but they are out of my price league). So, I proceeded to search the forums and read all I can about the 38/44 Outdoorsman.

From what I learned, the one I am interested in is a post-war (serial number S76xxx) 6.5†barreled target version. I have not seen it, but it was described as having 90% original finish, a bit of muzzle wear and from the pictures, I can see a faint turn line on the cylinder. The bore is described as bright and the lockup is reasonably tight. The gun comes with the original paperwork and box and is considered in very good but slightly used condition. The barrel and sight are one forged unit and the screw heads do not looked removed or worked on.

I have this one on hold, but would like to know what you all can advise me about it. My purpose is just to shoot targets. I will not hunt or do anything else but shoot 38 special reloads out of it. For 357 mag hunting I have a Dan Wesson md-15 and for 357 target shooting in have a customized Python. My interest in the 38//44 is it would go well with my 5 screw k-22 that has an excellent trigger pull and I can be quite accurate with it.

I am familiar with the basic checkout of a revolver procedures, but I am looking for particular information and advice for the 38/44 outdoorsman. If you were presented a very good to really nice 38/44 outdoorsman with all of the box and paperwork, would you buy it (the price is high but reasonable for the market and I have had good dealings with the dealer before). Also what would be the criteria you would use to decide to buy or not to buy.

Finally, any other advice on the 38/44 would be appreciated. I only have one other Smith, a 5 screw k-22, and most of my experience is with a Colt Diamondback and Python along with Dan Wesson small frames.

Thanks

 

[Mike Irwin]

It sounds like you know everything you need to know about it already.

It's essentially an N-framed .38 Spl., capable of handling a steady diet of +P ammo.

 

[444]

would you buy it

In a Heartbeat.

"what would be the criteria you would use to decide to buy or not to buy."

Desire

 

[Old Fuff]

The .38/44 Outdoorsman was the target version of the fixed-sights/police model .38/44 Heavy Duty. The "S" serial number guns were made shortly after World War Two, and the "S" indicated that it was equiped with a new-style hammer block. The early guns had narrow-spured hammers with fine checkering and the pre-war "long action." Later guns had wide-spur hammers with course checkering and the post-war "short action" All are very good guns - made when S&W could afford to use lots of hand labor, and target guns were given special attention.

No. S76xxx was probably made in 1950 - or could be as late as 1951. As others have indicated you can use any mid-range, standard or +P .38 Special cartridge. However it is not a Magnum as S&W used a diffferent kind of steel and heat-treating in the cylinder as opposed to that used in the .357 Magnum of that period.

If everything is as represented I'd jump on it. They don't make them like that anymore. As for price, I wouldn't worry much. They are going up and no matter what you pay you'll win in the long run. Incidentally, only 6,039 of them were made between 1950 to 1966.

 

[RON in PA]

Only disadvantage that I can see is that if all you want to shoot are light 38 target loads you have an extra big and heavy gun to shoot. For target shooting I'd look for a Model 14(K-38) that goes with your K-22.

 

[Peter M. Eick]

Ron, I have a little Diamondback so I have the k sized frame well covered. For more mid-range to +P loads I have a Python that Teddy Jacobsen worked over and is a dream to shoot, but I do not run full magnum loads in it.

The 38/44 to me is supposed to be a big heavy 38 that I can shoot full load 38's in it or even +P's with good accuracy and a nice trigger. Basically a 38 special shooter on an N frame.

Thanks for all of the advice.