SMITH & WESSON .38/44 OUTDOORSMAN – PRE-WAR – .38 S&W SPECIAL HIGH VELOCITY – 5" PINNED BARREL – ORIGINAL BOX – CIRCA LATE 1930s – ORIGINAL FACTORY CO
Guns International #: 103559310 Seller's Inventory #: 16
Category: Smith & Wesson Revolvers - 38/44 - Smith & Wesson Revolvers

Seller's Information
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Verified Seller
Seller: Peterson Collective Ohio
Member Since: 1/7/14
First Name: Albert
Last Name: Peterson
State: Ohio
Zip: 45040
Country: United States
Phone: (513) 309-3614
Phone2: (513) 446-4311
Platinum Seller
Number of Active Listings: 25
Total Number of Listings: 40
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.

Payment Types Accepted: Check, Cash, Gold, Silver, Property, Trades welcome, items of interest

About Us: Established in 2026, Peterson Collective LLC was founded on the longstanding reputation of Albert Peterson Guns in Cincinnati, Ohio. Built on years of trusted experience and industry knowledge, Peterson Collective specializes in high-end and collectible firearms, fine knives, hunting and shooting accessories, and sporting memorabilia, with a focus on quality, rarity, and craftsmanship. We proudly buy, sell, and trade collectible firearms, knives, luxury watches including Rolex and Audemars Piguet, as well as gold, silver, and other investment-grade collectibles, while providing a professional and discreet experience for collectors, sportsmen, and enthusiasts alike.


Description:
SMITH & WESSON .38/44 OUTDOORSMAN – PRE-WAR – .38 S&W SPECIAL HIGH VELOCITY – 5" PINNED BARREL – ORIGINAL BOX – CIRCA LATE 1930s – ORIGINAL FACTORY CONDITION

Price: $1,850.00

Offered by Peterson Collective is a scarce and highly desirable pre-war Smith & Wesson .38/44 Outdoorsman revolver, serial number 39335, representing one of the classic large-frame N-frame revolvers developed during the interwar period. Manufactured circa late 1930s, the .38/44 Outdoorsman was engineered to handle high-velocity .38 Special ammunition, predating and helping pave the way for the later development of the .357 Magnum platform. These revolvers are historically significant, both as a technical milestone and as a refined example of Smith & Wesson’s pre-war craftsmanship.

This example features a 5-inch pinned barrel and retains its original factory finish, presenting as a well-preserved and honest survivor from its era. The revolver remains in excellent mechanical condition, with tight lockup and proper timing, reflecting careful maintenance and limited wear over its lifetime. The action is smooth and consistent, and the cylinder indexes correctly in all chambers, indicative of a revolver that has been properly cared for and remains mechanically sound.

Cosmetically, the revolver retains strong factory character with age-appropriate wear consistent with original finish examples of this vintage. Please refer to the accompanying photographs for detailed condition assessment. The bore is expectedly clean for its age, with visible rifling and no significant corrosion noted.

Included with this revolver is its original factory numbered box, a highly desirable and increasingly scarce accessory that significantly enhances collector appeal and provenance. The presence of the matching factory box elevates this piece well beyond a standard example, placing it firmly within the realm of collectible pre-war Smith & Wesson revolvers.

The .38/44 Outdoorsman holds an important place in Smith & Wesson history as part of the High Velocity series, designed for strength and durability at a time when standard .38 Special revolvers were being pushed beyond conventional performance limits. Built on the robust N-frame, these revolvers were a precursor to the development of more powerful service and sporting handguns that followed.

Shipping is $35 to a licensed FFL. Payment accepted via credit card through GunsInternational checkout. Please ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations prior to purchase. Additional photographs and details are available upon request.

 

Price: $1,850.00

Curio/Relic: Yes
Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
Model: 38/44 Outdoorsman
Serial Number: 39335
Barrel Length: 5" Pinned
Bore: Excellent
Metal Condition: Good with wear on backstrap
Wood Condition: Excellent
Bore Condition: Excellent
Action: Revolver
Finish: Factory Original
Manufacture Date: 1930s
Extras: Original Factory Numbered Box
Item Location: Cincinnati, OH