Smith & Wesson S&W Model .38/44 Outdoorsman 1950 .38 Spl 6.5″ Revolver C&R
SOLD FOR: $1425
LSB#: 220420JR045
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: .38/44 Outdoorsman Model of 1950, Pre-Model 23
Serial Number: S 145942
Year of Manufacture: 1955-1956
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: Double / Single Action, Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder Revolver
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON” and the right is marked “38 S.&W. SPECIAL CTG”. The right of the frame is marked with the four line marcas registradas and the sideplate has an S&W monogram logo. The rear face of the cylinder, underside of the ejector star (no letter prefix), rear face of the yoke (no letter prefix), butt of the grip frame and the inside of the ejector shroud are each marked with the serial number. The yoke, yoke cut, sides of the grip frame, and ejector rod shroud are marked with inspection marks. The interior of the right grip panel is stamped “160 / 894”.
Barrel Length: 6 1/2″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Patridge blade pinned on a ramp pinned to the serrated rib of the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch micrometer sight adjustable for windage and elevation and is screwed to the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut magna stocks with smooth diamonds around the grip screws and S&W medallions. There is a chip loss on the bottom edge of the left panel at the rear. There is a thin hairline crack on the front of the left panel at the corner where the frontstrap widens into the frame. There are some little nicks and dings, some of the most noticeable are on the bottom faces. There are some scattered light handling marks. The checkering is strong. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 92% of its metal finish. There is some finish loss on the edge of the muzzle. There are some scattered scuffs, draglines, and a few hairline scratches, these are most noticeable on the barrel. Some of the scuffs have thinned the finish. There are a few little nicks on the trigger guard. There are some scattered light handling marks. There are a few little spots of light surface oxidation, the most noticeable are on the right side of the front sight base and back of the frame to the left of the hammer. The cylinder has a light turn line. The hammer and trigger show light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder produces hardly any movement in full lockup of all 6 chambers. The double action trigger pull is smooth, single action is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: While the K and even smaller J-frames would become those most commonly associated with .38 Special Smith & Wessons, but when the cartridge was first being developed, the more stout N-frame was chosen to chamber the new round. This became the .38/44, offered in the Heavy Duty configuration with fixed sights and the Outdoorsman version, such as this, with target sights. This example was produced around 1955-56 and is in great shape for a gun of its age. It has a 6.5″ ribbed barrel and is equipped with some good-looking magna stocks. The bore is great and the mechanics are exceptional. This would make a great shooter but with its included accessories will be a great addition to a Smith & Wesson collection. Please see our pictures and good luck!