[StrawHat]

I looked at the “New Posts” and did not see many gun related posts so, here is one to help stimulate the Forum.

This is a Model 1950 Heavy Duty, built in 1950. This model differed from previous HDs by having the short action that was introduced across the board in this year. I have quite a few of the older long action N frames and it is a big difference. Too bad the internet was not available in 1950, it would be interesting to hear if there was any whining and crying about the switch to the short action like there is about two piece barrels, MIM parts and the storage lock!

I have fired this one a bit. I used the load popularized by Skeeter Skelton, 38 Special brass, the 160 grain Thompson 358156 bullet crimped in the lower groove, and 13.5 grains of 2400 powder. It hits hard and to the fixed sights of the 5” barrel.

The stocks are not original to the revolver, it came with some rubber things on it, just a pair I had handy for photos. For shooting it wore a set of magnas and a grip adapter.

Kevin

 

[ussmanlovede36]

Very nice S&W heavy Duty made to shoot the super police loads. Magnas are proper for that Heavy Duty.

 

[azmick]

Very nice! Smith and Wesson tried to revive the Heavy Duty with the first model 520, a fixed sight N frame chambered in. 357. It didn't sell and was dropped. The short action before 1950 was available by competent gunsmiths repositioning the hammer axis. I've only seen photos of a few but the short hammer throw was a thing. It's also why I don't care for Ruger revolvers, it takes forever for the hammer to fall.

 

[45acp230]

StrawHat, that’s a beauty.

 

[latitude22]

You have a really nice Heavy Duty there Straw Hat, bet it really shoots well with the 160's. And I really like those target grips.

 

[WendyZXZ]

Fine HD! I say we lucked out finding this one at a gun show a few years ago:

One of the local gun dealers/gunsmiths in this area always had a table at the shows, we were looking at a model 10 and noticed this Smith, $600 plus tax. We did replace the grips which were non original magnas with Altamont bonded ivory which we both like the looks of.

 

[45acp230]

That’s a nice handful, Wendy! I’m envious. Hank

 

[msharley]

Hey Kevin,

Wowser! What a great looking HD!

Later, Mark

 

[StrawHat]

The HD was S&Ws answer to Colt’s 38 Super. LE wanted a handgun that would shoot through cars and the bullet proof vests of the day and the K frame 38 Special was not up to the task. S&W chambered the 38 Special in the N frame and Remington (?) brought out a heavy load for it that satisfied the requirements of LE.

And then the handloaders got involved and a few years later the 357 Magnum was introduced, also in the N frame. After the Magnum made its debut, some gunsmiths would rechamber the 38/44 for the longer cartridge. More than a few were also rework d to larger cartridges like the 44 Special and the 45 long Colt.

I wonder, when S&W were developing the 357 if they chambered any of the HD for the Magnum or only the adjustable sighted frames?

Kevin

 

[StrawHat]

Fine HD! I say we lucked out finding this one at a gun show a few years ago:

One of the local gun dealers/gunsmiths in this area always had a table at the shows, we were looking at a model 10 and noticed this Smith, $600 plus tax. We did replace the grips which were non original magnas with Altamont bonded ivory which we both like the looks of.

I’d say that revolver needs a grip adapter but otherwise a good looking piece.

Something like this.

Kevin

 

[Curt360]

Sweet looking Heavy Duty! Great to see pics of the older classics.

 

[Dhstheiv]

I like these old HDs. Beautiful guns. Definitely have one on the list. I’m just a sucker for any N frame.

 

[Iggy]

Pretty sure that last photo posted shows the N frame with K frame grips...Still looks pretty spiffy.

 

[StrawHat]

Pretty sure that last photo posted shows the N frame with K frame grips...Still looks pretty spiffy.

Ding, ding, ding, ding, give that man a ceegar!

When I got those ivories I stuck them on a couple of M&Ps, first a 32 WCF then a 38 S&W Special. When I got the 22-4, I was short a set of magnas and threw them on for “just one photo”. Well... they felt pretty good so I left them.

If you have a pair of N magnas in ivory maybe we could trade!

Kevin

 

[Iggy]

Wish I did have some.

 

[PandRFan]

Nice Heavy Duty. I have one from 1952 with the 5" barrel I bought in the late '90s for $250. (No, I do NOT wanna double, or triple my money). It's my favorite of the many N-Frames I have owned. I invite you to check out the .38/44 Heavy Duty website. It has a lotta cool stuff on it.
JIm

 

[StrawHat]

Jim,


Thank you for reminding me to post that site for others.

https://38-44heavyduty.com/

I have been emailing Bill for a while now. He has helped me with figuring the minutiae of this piece.

For a small bore N frame, it is kind of nice.


Kevin