Smith & Wesson .38/44 Heavy Duty .38 Special Revolver 4″ Blued Box
SOLD FOR: $1,749.00
LSB#: WY250428HR040
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: .38/44 Heavy Duty
Serial Number: S154395
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1955–1957
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: Double Action / Single Action Revolver with Swing-Out 6-Shot Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”. The right side of the barrel is marked “.38 S.&W. SPECIAL CTG.”. The right side of the frame is marked with the S&W monogram and “MADE IN U.S.A.” The butt of the grip frame is marked with the serial number “15439S”. The yoke and yoke cut are marked with assembly numbers.
Barrel Length: 4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade forged to the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch in a micrometer click-adjustable leaf.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered Goncalo Alves target stocks with silver S&W medallions. They are clean, well-fit, and free of cracks or chips. The checkering is sharp and the figure is attractive. They rate in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains approximately 98% of its original finish. There is extremely light handling wear and a nearly invisible turn line on the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp and the markings are clear. The revolver rates in Excellent overall condition.
Mechanics: The action functions properly. Timing and lock-up are solid, and the thin-profile hammer and trigger are crisp in both single and double action. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a blue Smith & Wesson two-piece cardboard box with factory insert. The box is in good shape and period correct, though not serialized to the gun.
Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson .38/44 Heavy Duty was introduced in the 1930s to handle the hotter loads of the era—essentially a precursor to the .357 Magnum. This example is a postwar 4-screw transitional model with a strengthened N-frame and upgraded features. The 4″ barrel, thin hammer and trigger, and excellent original finish reflect the level of craftsmanship expected from Smith & Wesson’s golden years.
This revolver is in beautiful condition, retaining 98% of its original finish, with crisp action and sharp Goncalo Alves grips. It comes with a clean blue S&W box, completing the presentation. Whether you’re a collector of pre-model N-frames, a .38 Special aficionado, or simply appreciate well-preserved postwar revolvers, this .38/44 Heavy Duty is a standout. So bid high and bid firm. I highly encourage you to take a look at the condition of the item in our high-quality photos. Good luck with your bid. -K.F.
