44 S&W Double Action
 

Okay, had no intention on spending Simson money, but...

I thought I knew what I was buying today, but turned out to be different than I thought, once I brought her home and looked it up I realized I had a S&W double action in 44 S&W Russian (although a 44 S&W Special fits right in, I don't have a 44 Russian cartridge to test.

From the Blue Book, I think I am even or just paid slightly too much, too early. :p:

Comments? Serial number is 2619 so early for the production of 50+ thousand made.

What is the star after the serial number?

http://home.comcast.net/~weimar_police/DA2.jpg
http://home.comcast.net/~weimar_police/DA5.jpg
http://home.comcast.net/~weimar_police/DA3.jpg
http://home.comcast.net/~weimar_police/DA4.jpg

They called this a mexican holster...
http://home.comcast.net/~weimar_police/DA1.jpg

Hi Ed,

I've enjoyed the banter and knowledge on this forum and finally may be able to contribute. Had a Smith & Wesson Double Action First Model some 1200 newer than yours. It had a shoulder in the chambers that would not allow a S&W Special to seat fully. The cylinder was about 1.4 inches in length while a S&W SPL is about 1.6 OAL. Kinda makes it tough to index the cylinder yaknow. This model was also offered in 38WCF and 44WCF but with a longer cylinder. 44 S&W Special is just a longer S&W Russian ( like 38 Spl to 357 Mag). The star has been noted as a factory mark on revolvers returned for refinishing or other modifications. Perhaps a rechambering ? Hope this helps.

Rich

Thanks Rich, was $620 out the door too much you think? Not that it matters, it is staying on the wall :)



Ed

Sounds about right to me. I've seen higher and and a little lower recently The large caliber S & W topbreaks have been appreciating well of late. Vintage Colt SAA prices are out of many peoples reach.
Probably saying something you already know, but antique condition standards are a lot lower. A Luger in "fine" condition by antique standards would be considered just a shooter or at best a candidate for Thor.

Ed You probably have already looked at it but "Flayderman's Guide to Antique Amereican Firearms has a writeup on this pistol. Keep in touch. Bill

ED, you need to get at least $5.00 back and return the UGLIEST holster I have ever seen in my life :roflmao: (BUT it IS a NICE .44 S&W... congrats on that!)

I did not, will go look! :)


John, the guy told me $625, I had cash for $400, he ran the ATM / Credit Card for $225 and he forgot to run the taxes, so he said, never mind... So, I figure I got another $20-$25.00 off ;)

Ed,

Nice old Smith you have there !! 44 Russian is the forerunner to the 44 Spl and was a modification ( a bit longer ) of the 44 American that was the cartridge introduced in S&W large double action pistols...

Is this a period holster ?? I would believe so as it has a ``gunfighter slot`` on the body...This is used when the pistol is twisted so the front trigger guard rests in that slot. It gives you a full clearance af the grip & trigger for that fast first shot...It was popular back then in the gunfighter's day...

Pic of a 1909 vintage 38-40 Bisley with period holster. Please note the similar ``gunfighter slot``...

http://forum.lugerforum.com/lfupload/dscn5412.jpg

Not Lugers but these old guns are also interesting...

MARC

nice Bisley Marc, didn't know you like these!

I want to get a 1st gen SSA, but that will have to be eventually.


Ed

Ed,

Looks like a Mexican holster alright, with those "zebra striped" rattlesnakes and Gila Monsters on it. All you have to do to get a 1st Gen SAA is sell 5 or 6 high end Loogers!:thumbsup:

I know Hugh, even a ratty, ratty one is what a nice luger costs :D

I had no idea you guys were interested in guns other than Lugers. I bought a big collection of Smiths and others last year, many superb old models NIB, and have gradually sold most of them off. Maybe some of you would be interested in a few I have left, such as a nice U.S marked Schofield, a Bekeart .22, S&W New Model 1 1/2, a NIB model 39, etc. Would love to trade for Lugers..........