.44 HE 3rd Model

[awp101]

Spotted this in a semi-regular haunt just before Thanksgiving last year and got it paid out in time for it to be my Christmas present last year.

Not my best pics, but I was struggling to find a nice light balance without having the flash wash it out or reflect back too badly.

44HE by awp101, on Flickr
44-1-1 by awp101, on Flickr
44-2-1 by awp101, on Flickr
44-6-1 by awp101, on Flickr
44-7-1 by awp101, on Flickr
44-8-1 by awp101, on Flickr
44-5-1 by awp101, on Flickr
44-4-1 by awp101, on Flickr
44-3-1 by awp101, on Flickr
44-9-1-1 by awp101, on Flickr


Need to letter this one. According to the S&W Forum, this one probably shipped in the 1927-1930 time frame, all matching including the pencil numbered stocks and has a nice post-factory nickle. I prefer the old blued revolvers and will tolerate stainless if I really have to have it but nickle does very little for me. This one struck me as something special and really spoke to me. I knew if it wasn't factory nickel it was a very well done refinish. By coincidence it does have an "N" stamp on it but it's not the correct "N" stamp to indicate factory nickle or factory refinished in nickle.

I haven't shot it yet. I'm having a hard time coming to grips with what stores want for .44 Special ammo but I'm going to have to bite the bullet (so to speak) before too much longer.

[serialsolver]

That's nice. I have one made the same time frame. Mine letters as a wolf & klar gun. I would get a letter on that one also.

[RABULL]

That is really a nice one. I love those older S & W Model 1926 .44 Special 3rd model revolvers also. I have a blued one in 4" and a blued one in 5" and I will never let them go..... It took years to find them but I am very glad to have them........ The 4" was very hard to find and I finally find it on Gunbroker.com Auction and had to out bid everyone for it!

[warhawk]

Very nice!

I found one earlier this year myself. I think it left the factory with a 5 inch barrel, which was cut top 3 3/4", and custom sights installed. It had plastic stag grips on it when I bought it, these are from Mr Grashorn.

Its not nearly as nice as yours, but I wouldn't have been able to afford it otherwise. It is a sweet shooter, and smooth as glass.

[paulg]

Very nice revolvers gentlemen!

[awp101]

Thanks, I've enjoyed getting back into the big Smiths and doing some research. My wallet hasn't but that's another story...

A 4" N Frame might be my favorite of all time just based on the proportions and heft for range use. Never carried one so I can't comment on lugging one around all day. I shoulda kept the 4" 27-2 I had 8-9 years ago but oh well.

warhawk, I like the stags on yours. I see Sack Peterson doesn't offer them for S&W. Who is Mr Grashorn?

[Ken O'Neill]

www.grashornsgunworks.com

I've been very satisfied with what I've gotten from him.

[awp101]

Jul 19, 2014 9:18:08 GMT -5 Ken O'Neill said:

www.grashornsgunworks.com

I've been very satisfied with what I've gotten from him.

Thank you! Again, my wallet isn't going to like it but what the heck. It's only money and I can always print more!

[paulg]

awp101, for what it's worth I have an N frame 4" 29 that I used to carry in Simply Rugged's Sourdough model with IWB straps. With a good belt it was a very comfortable all day carry rig. I have since put away the 29 because it was left to me by my FIL and I was giving it more wear than I cared for.

[Frank V]

Coming in late, I'm another who likes the older S&Ws.
Those are beautiful, thanks for sharing.

[awp101]

Picked up a project today. Stripped frame that probably started out as a .455 2nd HE with a .45 barrel screwed halfway in. No pics yet but me thinks it will become a .45ACP when it's all said and done.