Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this double-action revolver today for a penny-start; this is the Smith & Wesson .38/44 Heavy Duty Model of 1950 “Pre-Model 20” - Austin Police Department Issue.
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Between 1952 and 1964, a total of 249, this example being number 30, 4-inch nickel-finished revolvers were shipped to the Austin Police Department. This shipment included 50 revolvers specifically marked as Model 20-2. The serial numbers for these handguns fall within several ranges, including S88XXX, S89XXX, S147XXX, S1480XX, S149XXX, S150XXX, S151XXX, S154XXX, and S255XXX. These revolvers represent a notable period in departmental armament history and reflect a broad distribution across multiple production batches.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
Model: .38/44 Heavy Duty Model of 1950 “Pre-Model 20”
Serial: S89381
Date of Manufacture: 1952-1953
Caliber: .38 S&W Special
Finish: Nickel
Barrel Length: 4" Pinned Barrel
Optics/Sights: Round Blade Front with Square Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Diamond Checkered Walnut with Inlaid S&W Medallions
Action: Double
Markings: Standard / The backstrap is marked “Austin Police Department 30”.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Smith & Wesson .38/44 Heavy Duty Model of 1950, commonly referred to as the “Pre-Model 20,” holds a significant place in the history of the Austin Police Department. Between 1952 and 1964, the department received a total of 249 nickel-finished 4-inch revolvers, including 50 marked as Model 20-2. These revolvers were distributed across multiple serial number ranges—S88XXX, S89XXX, S147XXX, S1480XX, S149XXX, S150XXX, S151XXX, S154XXX, and S255XXX—indicating several production batches. They were procured to replace the department’s aging inventory of .38 Military & Police revolvers and remained in active service until 1968, when they were officially replaced by the Smith & Wesson Model 27-2. These revolvers were highly regarded for their strength and performance, particularly in handling the higher-pressure .38 Special loads used by law enforcement during the period.
Model: .38/44 Heavy Duty Model of 1950 “Pre-Model 20”
Serial: S89381
Date of Manufacture: 1952-1953
Caliber: .38 S&W Special
Finish: Nickel
Barrel Length: 4" Pinned Barrel
Optics/Sights: Round Blade Front with Square Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Diamond Checkered Walnut with Inlaid S&W Medallions
Action: Double
Markings: Standard / The backstrap is marked “Austin Police Department 30”.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Smith & Wesson .38/44 Heavy Duty Model of 1950, commonly referred to as the “Pre-Model 20,” holds a significant place in the history of the Austin Police Department. Between 1952 and 1964, the department received a total of 249 nickel-finished 4-inch revolvers, including 50 marked as Model 20-2. These revolvers were distributed across multiple serial number ranges—S88XXX, S89XXX, S147XXX, S1480XX, S149XXX, S150XXX, S151XXX, S154XXX, and S255XXX—indicating several production batches. They were procured to replace the department’s aging inventory of .38 Military & Police revolvers and remained in active service until 1968, when they were officially replaced by the Smith & Wesson Model 27-2. These revolvers were highly regarded for their strength and performance, particularly in handling the higher-pressure .38 Special loads used by law enforcement during the period.
This specific example, serial number S89381, was manufactured between 1952 and 1953 and features a nickel finish with a 4-inch pinned barrel. It is chambered in .38 S&W Special and equipped with a round blade front sight and square notch rear sight. The revolver is completed with diamond checkered walnut grips bearing inlaid S&W medallions, showcasing the classic craftsmanship of mid-20th-century Smith & Wesson revolvers. According to Bill Patterson’s article The Austin Police Department .38/44 Heavy Duty, one of these revolvers was notably carried by an officer who helped bring down Charles Whitman during the infamous 1966 University of Texas Tower shooting, further cementing the model's place in law enforcement history.
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.
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
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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.
