Granddad's revolver

[ZLBubba]

My grandfather passed away after 88 years of hell-raising and orneriness, and I miss him like crazy. We gave him a military funeral on Tuesday and the vets from the VFW came out with their Garands and gave him a fitting sendoff.

Granddad left me a revolver because he knew how much I like firearms. I didn't know much about it so I posted some pics over at S&W forum and, much to my surprise, it's not your run of the mill 38 Special. Here are a couple pics:

From what the S&W guys tell me, it's a pre-war 38-44 Heavy Duty. It was the gun my great-grandfather carried as a cop in Peoria, Illinois. It's fascinating what a rich history guns can have and what they say about the time period, the country, and the people who owned them. And even better, it's one gun I'll always have to remind me of my grandfather. I don't think I'll shoot it much because it is in such excellent condition. Still, it's taken the place of honor in my gun safe.

 

[RTH1800]

Re: Granddad's revolver

Your granddad must have not been a cop very long, that gun looks new. Nice .38
RTH

 

[oneshot onekill]

Re: Granddad's revolver

Looks like a Model 10 at first glance... But I'm not a Smith and Wesson expert. Very Nice!

 

[ZLBubba]

Re: Granddad's revolver

I know, that pistol looks brand new. The bore is like a mirror. I don't know much about Peoria back in those days but I think it was just a small river town. Frankly, I'm glad it's in as good of shape as it is because I like to think that back in 1940, when he was carrying this, people left their doors unlocked because it was so safe.

 

[macthknife]

Re: Granddad's revolver

My condolences to You. That is a fine revolver. Glad You will have it as a memory.

 

[Fritz24]

Re: Granddad's revolver

I have an almost identical Smith Model 10, except the grips are slightly different and it does not have the housing around the ejector. Granddad's is a sweet piece though - the case colors on the hammer % trigger are mint! He must have treated her really well! Great old gun.

 

[Blanco0621]

Re: Granddad's revolver

Great piece of history....Very Nice

 

[tacticalrifleman]

Re: Granddad's revolver

Very nice revolver! While at first glance it may seem similar to a model 10, this one is actually an N frame (large frame ) and the model 10 is a K frame (small medium frame). This is desirable both for being your grand dads, and for being a .38-44. Definately an heirloom piece.

 

[ZLBubba]

Re: Granddad's revolver

As I've been reading up on the .38-44 Heavy Duty, I've learned a couple interesting tidbits. First, this model and cartridge was the predecessor to the 357 Magnum. While the 357 is almost ballistically identical to the .38-44, it has a 1/8" longer case to keep it from being put into smaller, weaker framed revolvers. Apparently, police wanted a new round due to gangsters wearing body armor and plating their vehicles. This is a bit of gun history that I'd never heard of. Here's a great site I found: http://www.38-44heavyduty.com/Home_Page.php.

 

[Jayhawker]

Re: Granddad's revolver

Condolences to your family and may your Granddad Rest in Peace...

He left you a helluva gift, simply awesome Smith...one that I would shoot regularly and carry on occasion...

I love those old style S&W fighting handguns...

 

[bmt]

Re: Granddad's revolver

Sorry about your Grand Dad.

The 38-44 was one of Elmer Keith's favorites.

Nice piece of history.

BMT

 

[ZLBubba]

Re: Granddad's revolver

After seeing it and handling it, I can see why EK was such a huge fan of that S&W model. It's a sweet pistol, one I'll cherish for life.

 

[sourdough44]

Re: Granddad's revolver

That's in great shape. I have a Model 12 from Grandpa in fine shape that will be passed on someday.