S&W .44 H.E.: Loops and Groups and Grips

[Bigslug]

Work on the old Smith .44 Special continues. Got the load figured out at 4,8 grains of Titegroup behind my custom 255 grain bullet for right on about 710 fps:

2nd H.E. 29.1.jpeg (308.12 KiB) Viewed 1527 times

As before, point of aim was the 6:00 edge of the square at 25 yards. We're hitting a bit high there, but pretty much dropping to be about level with the sight at 50 yards. For trying to figure out a bench hold on invisible WWI sight while doing the progressive lens bifocal lean, I'm pretty happy.

The reproduction lanyard loop landed a couple weeks ago. That needed a little shortening of the topmost surface to get the groove for the pin to align correctly. The "mostly authentic" grips arrived from Altamont yesterday:

2nd H.E. 25.1.jpeg (126.58 KiB) Viewed 1527 times

The correct grips for this 1921 gun would not have had the medallions, but Altamont says their blanks come with the medallion holes pre-drilled. No biggie - I'm OK with it looking like one of the WWI British service .455's.

Altamont was thoughtful enough to include three different lengths of screws for their grips. Nice of 'em. . .

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And the full glory shot:

2nd H.E. 26.1.jpeg (189.92 KiB) Viewed 1527 times

I had a lot of fun with this one. I fear the way I'm going, I'm gonna need to add a 1st Model Triple Lock somehow. That's gonna sting a bit. . .

[Wambli Ska]

NICE!!!

[sakodude]

What's not to love about that!

[Diver43]

Great job. Love it!!!

[bullsi1911]

Very nice! You gonna go for a flap holster to make the complete package?

[Bigslug]

Very nice! You gonna go for a flap holster to make the complete package?

I may already have it. Some years back I purchased the repro leather holster and trench whistle to match up with my Webley MKVI, and the Brits authorized pretty much this exact revolver in .455 as a substitute standard. I've just got to check the fit.

[Elk Creek]

Beauty!!!

[Wambli Ska]

Very nice! You gonna go for a flap holster to make the complete package?

I may already have it. Some years back I purchased the repro leather holster and trench whistle to match up with my Webley MKVI, and the Brits authorized pretty much this exact revolver in .455 as a substitute standard. I've just got to check the fit.

And BtW that is the correct Indiana Jones holster

[Zee]

Stupid sweet!

[JunkCollector]

Looks good
What are the plans for the other grips ?
And did you post a picture of the inside of then ?

[Bigslug]

Looks good
What are the plans for the other grips ?
And did you post a picture of the inside of then ?

Second page of the Dr. Jones thread, but here ya go:

2nd H.E. 19.1.jpeg (423.08 KiB) Viewed 1442 times

Probably a hand-done job, and a VERY nice one, but no identifying marks I could make out.

Mothballed for the moment, but as I seem to have a thing for old N-frames, they'll stay in reserve in case I latch on to a classic that some barbarian decided to put a set of rubber grips on.

[DanielChamberlain]

Cool gun.

[Jayhawker]

I am having a severe case of envy at the moment...

[Elk Creek]

Yeah as a 44 special loonie I’m having a severe case of envy, almost covetousness. That is a beauty!!

[Bigslug]

Thanks guys. I'm looking forward to spending some quality time with it.

The single action trigger on this thing is in the "combat gun" range of probably 4-5 pounds with a degree of crispness that is to die for.

I am not quite nerdy enough on S&W's evolution to know exactly what was done when, but my understanding is they eventually made some changes to the lockwork geometry to improve the leverage/quality of the DA trigger pull. This gun predates that, and the DA pull on it will definitely separate the men from the boys - especially if you're going to run it one-handed.

What I've really come to like in the last 10-15 years - - - I've recovered from my youthful "Magnum Mania" and have started to appreciate the big-ass lumps of lead launched at low speeds that have the ability to penetrate a lot. . .with very little recoil. The .44 Special is the one surviving "poster child" of that era, and I'm turning into a real fan.