S&W 38-44
Due to a recent death in the family I have inherited what I think is a S&W 38-44 Outdoorsman. Now, Iam pretty much up on the S&W Model 3 top break revolvers and the Schofield, but need to learn more about the modern S&W's. Anyway here goes. The revolver is in caliber .38 S&W Special and is so marked on the right side of the barrel. The left side of the barrel is marked Smith & Wesson. Top of the barrel is marked Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass. U.S.A. Patented Feb.6 06 Sept.14 09 Dec.29 14 in two lines. The barrel is round 6 1/2 inches long and tapered,i.e. no rib. The front sight is the Patridge type pinned to a forged lug at the muzzle. The frame appears to be an "N" type large frame, but is not marked as such. When you open the cylinder the only numbers are the serial number on the barrel lug and matching assembly numbers on the frame and the crane. The rear of the cylinder also has the serial number. The cylinder is not counter bored for the cartridge rims. The rear sight is a very low adjustable sight and the top of the frame is rounded rather then flat. The hammer is of standard size, but the spur is low like is found on the Colt Bisley. The back of the hammer is marked "Reg. U.S. Pat. Off.". The trigger is of standard width and is grooved. The stocks are dark walnut and checkered with an uncheckered diamond around the grip screw and silver S&W medallions. The revolver has a bright blue finish and a five screw frame. The serial number is 521XX. The finish on the revolver is excelent, except for some scratches on the ejector rod and a drag line on the cylinder, the finish is perfect. The bore is mint. So, what do I have? Any guess as to when it was made and to it's value? Thanks to one and all. Scout
0
-
I found a S&W 38-44 today, serial # 104884 has quite abit of holster wear, but great bore and tight lockup, grips number to gun. Very small chip out of bottom of grips. I'd say it's a 65% gun, can't post pictures because I don't have it here. Question, when was it made and about what is it worth? I know what the 30th Blue book says, and the only pre 23s on the auction side are nicer than this one. Thanks in advance.
W.D.0 -
the .38/44's are highly sought after guns-even in moderate condition over on the S&W forum and from what I've seen there and at local gun shows those gun's that 20 years ago you could pick up for $300 now go for $600 and up--the one I saw this weekend at the show was $1300 and it was a 85% gun.
Here's a Pre war version without grips and it's going for $500 http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=1469189320 -
It was made in 1954 and it should have an "S" prefix before the serial number. As far as value, because of it's 65% condition, I would say it has shooter value more than collector value. And, that it would be worth $650.00 0 -
Thanks, I thought I might offer $700, it has a George Lawerance holster and belt with it, marked 38-44 and in pretty good shape.
Yes, it does have an S in front of the serial #. This gun has adjustable sights, it's a pre 23.
Thanks again.
W.D.0
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Comments
4 comments