Posted: 5/8/2014 2:51:42 PM EDT
A friend of mine recently inherited some firearms and has an S&W revolver he knows nothing about so he gave me a ring to try and help him out. I know nothing about S&W revolvers outside my own model 940 and am striking out trying to help him out, hoping for some guidance from the hive. Any help would be greatly appreciated.         |
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Just a thought, but if possible your friend should make an effort to find the original grips (or "stocks") for that revolver (which should have the SN, possibly in pencil, noted on the inside of the grips).
While a .38 Special on an N frame isn't going to attract too many shooters, that revolver (esp. with the original grips) certainly has some collector value. Granted, they're probably long gone, but the box it came in, instructions, screwdriver, etc. would add to it's value. Really nice old school S&W!! 
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Wasn't the Model of 1950 a .45? Quoted:
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I can narrow it down a little. It appears to be the improved model of 1950. If you can give a serial # range I may be able to come up with a year of manufacture. Wasn't the Model of 1950 a .45? Yes you are correct but in 1949 the factory ran out of pre-war parts for the Outdoorsman and started production of parts for the improved model. Those parts included a ribbed barrel, the new micrometer sight, and short throw hammer. The improved models went on sale on Oct. 26 1950 and it was referred to as the 38-44 Outdoorsmen Model of 1950. |
| IIRC, The MARCUS REGISTRADAS went on in 1948. So that would make it between 1948 and 1957, or thereabouts. Really nice revolver. The 357 Magnum was developed from that one. They used to make a special hot load called the 38/44 that was meant for this gun. Listed at 1175 fps or so with a 158 gr bullet. S&W need to compete with the 38 Super that Colt came out with. The standard 38 Special 158 gr lead round nose at 700 fps did not penetrate car bodies very well. The 38/44 fixed that. Fixed sight versions were also made. |