So this followed me home today...(lousy pics, sorry)
I've been turning over the accumulation recently to finish projects and to focus on the things that really interest me. I knew I was going to be near a shop I don't normally frequent so I packed up a couple of things to see if I could get close to my asking price. In true guncrank fashion I ended up trading them plus a little cash to get this very nice, numbers matching Great Western Arms 5.5" .44 Special that I didn't know I wanted until I started checking it out. According to grip maker Sack Peterson it dates to 1956.
I prefer the balance of the shorter tubes so I was planning on a 4 5/8" .357 Blackhawk (OM or early NM) as my next single action with a 4 5/8" .44 Special BH after that. These are rare enough I was willing to jump.