Clint Smith’s Smith & Wesson .38/44 Outdoorsman .38 Spl 6.5″ Revolver C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,475.00
LSB#: LSB260703CS007
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: .38/44 Outdoorsman
Serial Number: S70746
Year of Manufacture: 1947-48
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 butt, rear face of the cylinder, underside of the ejector star (no letter prefix), rear face of the crane (no letter prefix), butt of the grip frame and the inside of the ejector shroud are each marked “S70746”. The yoke, yoke cut and ejector rod shroud are marked with inspection marks. The interior of the right grip panel is stamped “137938”.
Barrel Length: 6 1/2″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a high Patridge sight on a ramp pinned to the full rib of the barrel. The rear sight is 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 handling wear in the form of scratches, and compression marks. The checkering is semi-sharp. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, though there is lead fouling. 9/10 on the Bore rating.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 85% of its metal finish. There is moderate handling wear in the form of blueing loss at the muzzle, blueing loss at the edges of the cylinder, small scratches throughout, and a heavy turn line on the cylinder. Some of the markings are thin. Overall, this handgun rates a Good to Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder produces very light play 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: Comes with a letter of provenance from former owner Clint Smith of the Thunder Ranch.
Our Assessment: In the 1920’s U.S. law enforcement had a problem — the inability of the ubiquitous .38 spl round to penetrate the heavy steel framed automobile of the day. S&W sought to counter this inadequacy with the .38/44, which was chambered to handle a more powerful type of .38 special ammunition. The 38/44 was offered in the Heavy Duty configuration with fixed sights and a 5″ barrel — and (in 1931) the Outdoorsman version, such as this, with target sights and a 6 1/2″ barrel.
This example was produced in 1947 or ’48, has a 6 1/2″ barrel, and comes with a letter of provenance from former owner Clint Smith of Thunder Ranch fame. The bore is great and the mechanics are sound. This would make a good addition to a S&W collection and would be a great shooter to this day. Please see our pictures. -C.B.