Description
11/18/2025 - This is a rare transitional Smith & Wesson .38/44 Heavy Duty Outdoorsman Revolver, manufactured in 1946 and featuring a 6 1/2" barrel. From the included factory letter, the revolver was shipped on November first 1946 and delivered to the E.K Tryon Company in Philadelphia. The examples S&W produced directly after WWII carried an S prefix, which signified the incorporation of the improved hammer block found on this example. Only 2,326 examples were produced pre-1950s of this longer barrel, adjustable sight variation, with an additional 6,039 made after 1950 for a total production of 8,365. This particular example is all matching, with serial numbers properly stamped on the frame, barrel, and cylinder, and assembly number on the frame and cylinder sides of the swing out yoke. The revolver has retained about 93% of its original blue, with thinning and finish loss on the high edges of the frame and cylinder, around the muzzle, and along the underside of the trigger guard. Some minor thinning, spots of oxidation, and mild darkening of the finish on the back strap, tang, and butt. Turn line on the cylinder, and some scattered surface scuffs, spots of discoloration, and handling marks here on the frame. Excellent mechanics, including lockup, timing and single and double action trigger functionality. Bore and grips are excellent as well. Includes factory letter verifying the details of this iconic revolver.
