Clint Smith’s Smith & Wesson HD Model of 1950 .45 Colt 5″ Revolver C&R

SOLD FOR: $3,950.00

LSB#:  LSB260703CS006

Make:  Smith & Wesson

Model:  .38/44 Heavy Duty Model of 1950

Serial Number:  S89151

Year of Manufacture:  1952-1953 / C&R

Caliber: Rechambered to .45 Colt

Action Type:  Double / Single Action, Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder Revolver

Markings:  The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”. The right side of the barrel is marked “.45 COLT CTG.”. The left side of the frame is marked with the four-line Marcas Registradas. The right sideplate is marked with a large S&W monogram. The bottom of the grip frame, rear face of the cylinder, back side of the star extractor,  and the ejector-rod shroud is marked with the serial number. The crane cut and crane are marked with assembly marks.  

Barrel Length:  5″

Sights / Optics:  The front sight is a half-round blade pinned to a base that is forged to the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch at the end of a groove in the top strap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece stag panels with brass escutcheons. There is minor handling wear throughout. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original to build

Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is sharp. There is minor fouling. There is no visible erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 9/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There is minor finish loss at the muzzle and thinning along the barrel. There are a few minor dings on the bottom of the frame and trigger guard. There are polishing marks on the right side of the frame and plate. There is a turn line on the cylinder. The extractor rod shows operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are legible. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lockup is tight with minor play at each chamber. The double action trigger pull is smooth and the 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: Signed Letter of Provenance from Clint Smith of Thunder Ranch.

Our Assessment:  Smith & Wesson introduced the .38/44 Heavy Duty in 1930 as a large N-frame service revolver capable of handling high-velocity .38 Special ammunition developed for improved penetration against automobile bodies and other intermediate barriers. Its strengthened ammunition and massive frame helped lead directly to the development of the .357 Magnum in 1935. Production was interrupted during World War II and resumed after the war with an improved hammer-block safety and an “S” serial-number prefix; the postwar fixed-sight version became known as the .38/44 Heavy Duty Model of 1950 and was later designated the Model 20 in 1957. This revolver was subsequently rebuilt by noted custom revolversmith Hamilton Bowen and rechambered from .38 Special to .45 Colt, combining the strength and proportions of Smith & Wesson’s classic N-frame with one of America’s traditional large-bore revolver cartridges. Its documented ownership and use by Clint Smith adds another important dimension to the revolver; Smith founded Thunder Ranch in 1993 after service in the Marine Corps and law enforcement and became a prominent figure in modern defensive-firearms training.

This custom .38/44 Heavy Duty retains approximately 97% of the blue finish applied during its conversion, with minor muzzle wear, barrel thinning, scattered dings, polishing marks, a cylinder turn line, and operational wear on the ejector rod. The stag stocks remain in Fine condition, while the bright 9/10 bore retains sharp rifling and no visible erosion. The action functions correctly with a smooth double-action pull, crisp single-action release, tight lockup, and only minor rotational play at each chamber. Its Hamilton Bowen conversion, .45 Colt chambering, excellent mechanical condition, and signed letter documenting ownership and use by Clint Smith make this a particularly distinctive custom N-frame revolver. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY