Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this amazing double-action revolver today for a penny-start auction, this is the Smith & Wesson .38/44 Heavy Duty Model Of 1950 “Pre-Model 20!"
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
Model: .38/44 Heavy Duty Model Of 1950 "Pre-Model 20"
Serial: S149140
Date of Manufacture: 1956
Caliber: .38 Special
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 4" Pinned Barrel
Optics/Sights: 1/10" Forged Round Blade Front with Fixed Square-Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Black Pachmayr Rubber Grips with Checkering
Action: Double/Single-Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Smith & Wesson .38/44 Heavy Duty Model of 1950—later known as the “Pre-Model 20”—stands as a prime example of postwar American revolver craftsmanship, blending sheer strength with refined design. Introduced in September 1950, it was built on Smith & Wesson’s massive N-frame with the classic five-screw, square-butt configuration, giving it both durability and balance. Offered with 4-inch and 5-inch barrels, plus the scarce and highly sought-after 6 1/2-inch version, the revolver featured a short-throw hammer and trigger for quicker follow-up shots, a forged 1/10-inch round-blade front sight paired with a square-notch rear, and finishes in either polished blue or bright nickel. Its six-shot fluted cylinder, 1.57 inches long, came equipped with a shrouded extractor rod and a uniform-diameter extractor—hallmarks of S&W’s meticulous engineering. Each example bore “Made in U.S.A.” with three additional lines of marking and the bold S&W trademark on the sideplate, underscoring the company’s pride in form and function.
Model: .38/44 Heavy Duty Model Of 1950 "Pre-Model 20"
Serial: S149140
Date of Manufacture: 1956
Caliber: .38 Special
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 4" Pinned Barrel
Optics/Sights: 1/10" Forged Round Blade Front with Fixed Square-Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Black Pachmayr Rubber Grips with Checkering
Action: Double/Single-Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Smith & Wesson .38/44 Heavy Duty Model of 1950—later known as the “Pre-Model 20”—stands as a prime example of postwar American revolver craftsmanship, blending sheer strength with refined design. Introduced in September 1950, it was built on Smith & Wesson’s massive N-frame with the classic five-screw, square-butt configuration, giving it both durability and balance. Offered with 4-inch and 5-inch barrels, plus the scarce and highly sought-after 6 1/2-inch version, the revolver featured a short-throw hammer and trigger for quicker follow-up shots, a forged 1/10-inch round-blade front sight paired with a square-notch rear, and finishes in either polished blue or bright nickel. Its six-shot fluted cylinder, 1.57 inches long, came equipped with a shrouded extractor rod and a uniform-diameter extractor—hallmarks of S&W’s meticulous engineering. Each example bore “Made in U.S.A.” with three additional lines of marking and the bold S&W trademark on the sideplate, underscoring the company’s pride in form and function.
Manufactured from 1950 to 1957 before being renumbered as the Model 20, this revolver carried serial numbers from roughly S75,000 to S256,133, with 9,493 built in the original run. Production continued until 1966, cementing its place in firearms history. Revered by law enforcement for its rugged dependability and admired by collectors for its scarcity and style, the Smith & Wesson .38/44 Heavy Duty remains a true workhorse of the golden age of revolvers.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
