Sharp 1952 Smith & Wesson 38/44 Heavy Duty .38 Special 4" Revolver & Box
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 undergoing development to become more potent, the more stout N-frame was chosen to chamber the new round. The company wanted a hotter and more powerful .38, the first round was the .38/44, a hot loaded .38 Special that was later renamed the .38-44 S&W Special and finally known as the .38 Special High Velocity. To handle the added pressures, the company selected the beefy N-Frame. These revolvers became the .38/44, offered in the Heavy Duty configuration with fixed sights and the Outdoorsman version with target sights. The name .38/44 was simple enough as it was a .38 Caliber revolver built on a .44 Caliber frame, the N-Frame had originally come about to handle the .44 S&W Special. This example was produced in 1952 a few years before it was renamed the Model 20. This would make a great shooter but will be a great addition to a Smith & Wesson collection. As Smith & Wesson continued to develop rounds, the end result was the glorious .357 Magnum. Without the .38/44 we may never have gotten one of the most iconic calibers ever, besides just being a badass .38 on an N-Frame, this an awesome piece of firearms history! Please see our pictures and good luck!
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: .38/44 Heavy Duty, Pre-Model 20
Serial Number: S85152
Year of Manufacture: 1952
Caliber: .38 Spl.
Action Type: Double Action Revolver with Swing Out Cylinder
Markings: Standard .38/44 Heavy Duty markings.
Barrel Length: 4"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a half round blade integral to the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch in the topstrap.
Grip Configuration & Condition: The grips are replacement checkered walnut Magna stocks with smooth diamonds and S&W medallions. There are a few light marks on the grips and the checkering is sharp. The grips rate in about Fine overall 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. In this writer's opinion and for the age, the bore rates a 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are a few little spots of oxidation, the most noticeable is on the cylinder. There are a few little oil marks on the barrel. There is faint finish wear on some of the edges. There are a few scattered light marks. The cylinder has a light turn line. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a serial matching box.
CA LEGALITY: C&R: YES, CA PPT: YES.
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