Smith & Wesson S&W .38/44 Heavy Duty Model of 1950 Pre-Model 20 .38 Spl 4″
SOLD FOR: $1,277.00
WOA#: WY240602AC019
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: .38/44 Heavy Duty
Serial Number: S 84650
Year of Manufacture: 1951
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 side of the frame is marked “MADE IN U.S.A. With the Marcas Registradas four line address; and the right side-plate has an S&W monogram logo. The rear face of the cylinder, underside of the ejector star, rear face of the crane, butt of the grip frame, and the inside of the ejector shroud are each marked with the serial number. The yoke, yoke cut, and sides of the grip frame are marked with inspection marks. There is a “R” stamped under the extractor star.
Barrel Length: 4 inches pinned
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a half-round blade integral to a base that is forged to the barrel. The rear sight is square notch at the end of a groove in the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece magna Stocks with S&W medallions and diamonds around the screw escutcheons . The checkering is sharp. There are some handling marks if even noticed. Overall, the grips are in about excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Factory refinished by Smith and Wesson Factory (In this Writer’s opinion)
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. There are no visible burn marks on the cylinder face. 10/10 is the bore rating in this writer’s opinion.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 100% of its metal finish. There is no finish loss on the edges. There are no light scuffs. There are no light handling marks. There are some “pock marks” behind the surface. The color is lustrous. There is evidence of bead blast and scaring under the surface in some undetectable places like the blast shield. There is an extremely light and imperceivable turn line on the cylinder. The hammer and trigger show little to no operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. There are no perceivable burn marks on the cylinder face. Tis gun appears factory fired and very well kept for over 70 years. Overall, this handgun rates in about excellent condition for C&R.
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: Included is a cleaning rod, some Vapor barrier paper and an original & timely golden Smith and Wesson Box with reinforced corners; also included is a copy of the high informative and entertaining factory letter signed by Historian Roy Jinks.
Our Assessment: While the K and even smaller J-frames would become those most commonly associated with .38 Special Smith & Wessons, when the cartridge was first being developed, the more stout N-frame was chosen to chamber the new round. This .38/44 Heavy Duty Model of 1950 Pre Model 20, Five Screw Variation, Caliber .38 S&W Special, configuration with fixed sights was produced around 1950-1951 and shipped from the factory on June 14, 1951, and Delivered to W.S. Darrel Co. Chappell Falls, WI and is in great shape for a gun of its age. It has a 4? barrel and is equipped with original stocks. This would make an incredible addition to a Smith & Wesson collection as they are hard to come by. So bid firm and bid high. Please see our high quality pictures and good luck on your bid.-K.F.
