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N320AW
Senior MemberPosts: 648 Senior Member
S&W 38/44 Outdoorsman. What factory load was this revolver designed for?
N320AW
Senior MemberPosts: 648 Senior Member
This has always confused me. This 38 special was built on a large frame. Well, anyone here old enough to tell me just WHAT ammunition was available in the 1950's for this gun? I grew up in this era and don't remember any special hot loads for the 38 special!
Replies
For your reading pleasure....
http://www.38-44heavyduty.com/38-44_HEAVY_DUTY_HISTORY.php
No, I don't have a line on one.
To disable the car when there is not a reason to kill the driver. It was done back in the day when such practices were permissible. The Georgia State Patrol used to carry armor piercing rounds (six) in their belts to do this. I don't know if these were ever used, though.
Nowadays, shooting at a vehicle is generally verboten.
― Douglas Adams
Thanks!
I got it from a private estate sale around 20 years ago. It belonged to a guard at Oak Ridge National Laboratories. When I saw it, I knew I had to have it. Got some holster wear on the muzzle, and the grip backstrap is missing some bluing from handling. It shoots better than I can. It likes wadcutters.......a lot.
― Douglas Adams
The .357 was able to crack the water jacket on an engine block not shoot through the block.
I'm not sure a low end .357 mag load would blow up a .38 service revolver of the day or more or less was a pressure testing like load at the edge of the envelope.
One thing is for sure, they are fairly rare and desirable by S&W collectors. I do remember hearing a blues song where the lyrics mention "I've got a .38 on a .44 frame...." or something similar meaning it was a one mean butt kicking revolver to have. I've also seen reference to them in books before.
OK from:http://www.thehighroad.org/archive/index.php/t-158300.html
"This is something that keeps coming up in blues lyrics.
The George Thorogood version:I got a thirty-eight pistol
on a forty-five frame
shoots tombstone bullets
and a ball and chain.The Hot Tuna version:Gotta .38 special man and .45 frame
You know the thing don't miss 'cause I got dead aimIs this sort of a monster desirable, or even possible?
"One of the many versions of "Railroad Bill" contains the following stanza:
verse 5
I've got a "thirty-eight special"
on a "forty-four frame,"
How in the world can I miss him
when I've got dead aim.
I'm gonna ride old Railroad Bill."
And a Colt .38 on a .45 frame? from same thread
"SW 38/44 Heavy Duty
Colt New Service in 38 Special (a 45 Colt Frame)"
Words of wisdom from Big Chief: Flush twice, it's a long way to the Mess Hall
I'd rather have my sister work in a whorehouse than own another Taurus!
Thanks for the link. So the Heavy Duty (version of, model 20) was actually made up until 1966, interesting.
So the Austin PD ordered some in 1964. I wonder why because the .357 had been around since 1935? PC back then or they just knew a good revolver to issue?
Words of wisdom from Big Chief: Flush twice, it's a long way to the Mess Hall
I'd rather have my sister work in a whorehouse than own another Taurus!
No. It came with the "Goodyear" high traction grip installed.
― Douglas Adams