Results 1 to 10 of 10

Thread: Semi-"Grail Gun" found: S&W 38/44 Outdoorsman Target

  1. #1

    Semi-"Grail Gun" found: S&W 38/44 Outdoorsman Target

    Been looking for one of these for quite some time, and just found one today. 38/44 Outdoorsman Target. I believe this is a "Transitional" in that it has the pre-war long action but the post-war ribbed barrel, likely made between 1946 and 1948 but I need to research it further.





    It's in fine shape but is not a showpiece. I'll have it out at the range this weekend if I can pry loose some time. Looking forward to loading up some 173gr Keith bullets in Starline 38+P brass with some Unique or 2400...

  2. #2
    Site Supporter
    Join Date
    Sep 2017
    Location
    South Louisiana
    Oh, that is sweet!

  3. #3
    Site Supporter
    Join Date
    Jul 2017
    Location
    Texas
    I had one years ago. Then such were not in the sought category. I regret selling it and similar nice old Smith's. Treasure it.

  4. #4
    Congrats on the beautiful piece!


    -Rainman

  5. #5
    Member JHC's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    North Georgia
    Glorious!
    “Remember, being healthy is basically just dying as slowly as possible,” Ricky Gervais

  6. #6
    'Uncle' Guy was already retired from being a Muncie cop when I was a 5yr old kid in the early 70's, but I remember two of his guns distinctly: the confiscated little sawed off double barrel straight outta Gator and his presentation boxed S&W 38-44. My mind's eye wants to tell me it was a 5", but I was so tiny that it was simply a huge pistol to me.

    Guy died when I was still a kid, 10 or less, certainly, and 'Aunt' Isabelle had his cop friends come take all the guns out of the house so their junkie kid didn't steal them for drug money. I knew even then what a crying frakkin shame that was. I hope they stayed in somebody's collection.

  7. #7
    Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    Missouri
    Elmer Keith approves. Nice piece!

  8. #8
    Congrats you snared a good one . My '54 vintage pre 23 is a hell of a shooter . Don't know if you have experience with 38-44 loads but the old Elmer load of 13.5grs 2400 is nuclear . I use 12.5grs for around 1250fps , Unique don't exceed 7.0grs . I recently posted some of my loads in the Reloading section of this forum IIRC thread was titled Keith heavy 38 loads . Load up some wadcutter loads for paper punching , it's like shooting a cap gun & mine will out shoot any K38 I've ever shot . Enjoy your new purchase .
    Last edited by boatbum101; 01-09-2019 at 11:33 AM.

  9. #9
    Site Supporter Det1397's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Here
    Very, very nice acquisition there!!!

    Here’s a 1960 vintage Model 23 I grabbed late last Winter at a LGS. These .38/44s are incredible. And yup, that was the “asking“ price...
    Attached Images Attached Images  

  10. #10
    They aren't cheap, I got lucky in that mine had un-matched grips (the grips are at least 10-years younger than the gun); that, and the bit of wear on the gun, brought the price down to Earth.

User Tag List

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •