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
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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 -
Everything about your gun sounds correct for a pre-war 38/44 Outdoorsman. Saxon has it identified correctly. These were first made in 1931,without going to the book,I think the total production of the pre-war model was around 5000.They became the Model 23 in 1957 when S&W started marking the model numbers on the guns.The post-war models have a barrel rib and some other differences. It should also have a serial number on the extractor star and on the inside of the right grip panel.If you have the original box,be sure to hang onto it.In the condition you describe,I believe the value could be a bit higher to a collector like myself...Hint!![:)] 0 -
Thank you Gentlemen for your quick replies. I thought this revolver was a .38-44 but wasn't sure as 1937 is a little modern for me. The revolver is not marked M23 nor does it have the S pre-fix, so from what you have said I would take it that this is a pre war revolver. The 1937 date would fit as my uncle Dan was a member of the Indian Police in that time frame and probably purchased the revolver new. No box came with it, but I will have to ask my cousin if there was one, but I doubt it. And, of course, the revolver is not for sale at this time. Again, thanks to all that responded. Scout 0 -
I have the book open now,so can get a little more exact. The pre-war 38/44 Outdoorsman was made 1931-1941.These were available with 6.5"& 8.75" barrels.The serial number range is #35037-#62483 with 4,761 units produced.My book says your gun was made in early 1938. I would also recommend the S&W factory letter,it's well worth the $30 cost on this gun. While not rare,I think any pre-war S&W target sighted N-Frame in high condition is a "good" one today.The correct box will be blue with a picture of the gun on top of the lid(aka: picture box),these are more scarce than the guns and always nice to have.Best I can do on this one ...enjoy it. 0 -
Again, thank you for the advice. As soon as I get a chance I will send for a letter. 0
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