Smith and Wesson model 23

[Frozen Snake]

I was just wondering if anyone knows the history of this Revolver. This Particular one is a 38 special with six inch barrel and it is classified as an 38 outdoorsman. It has a big frame for a 38 , looks more like model 29. I think it was purchassed in the lte 50s early 60s. Anyways It a nice gun, Makes the model 10 look like a toy. It has aftermaket hogue grips. The original grips are much smaller. I will try to get some pics.

 

[Wendell]

The serial number would help. Pics would help too.

 

[SMITH45]

Model 23 is The 38/44 Outdoorsman Model of 1950. The name was change to Mdl 23 in 1957 , as all the Smith who change the name of there gun for numerical one. This Mdl was discontinued in 1966. There was only 2 tecnical change thus, you can find 23, 23-1, 23-2.Original barrel lenght ws 6½ inches pinned barrel, blue,5 screws,. It had a shroud ejector rod,usually reserve in those years to Magnum caliber. It is mainly a .38 special N frame S&W that was conceived in Nov 1931, before the advent of the.357MAG. The round was a Hot-loaded .38 special, later called .38 special High velocity. By the S&W Standard catalog, these are too rare to estimate value. As they state, exact quantity unknown, but possibly between 50 to 100 of these were model marked between 1957-1966. With the serial # it will be easier to know is DOB, but this is a rare gem you got in your hand. Pics will be appreciated. By the way, the original stock is a must and will give more value to your piece.

Congratulation for this find.

Yves

 

[Frozen Snake]

Well Here are the pics of the gun. It has not been shot in four decades. I thought it was three but I was wrong. Anyways I found the original grips and this is what it looks like. The barrel is 6 1/2 inches.

 

[Max Owner]

According to the 29th edition of Blue Book of Gun Values...................

For the 23.............

60% $1000
70% $1250
80% $1500
90% $1700
95% $1950
98% $2250
100% $2500

For the Numbered Model 23.

I also have the same info as Smith 45.

 

[Max Owner]

Looks like one helluva find.

 

[Frozen Snake]

The safe was a time capsule. It also had a copy of the Montreal gazette the day after JFK was assassinated. Also dug up some 38 spl lead bullets that read. Dominion 38spl. The gun really is in great shape It was well oiled a little stiff getting the cylinder open but It loosened up after a few tries.

 

[Max Owner]

Collectors item.

Don't shoot it.

 

[dan belisle]

I have the identical gun. I shoot mine fairly often, that's what it's for. - dan

 

[ian_in_vic]

Very nice revolver, they really don't make them like that anymore.

 

[SMITH45]

Thank you for the pics It is really good looking for his age.

 

[Cerdan]

As a lover of all things S&W, I am now very jealous.

 

[Rigmover]

Awesome pics VERY NICE GUN thats in Excellent to MINT CONDITION there was a fellow member in here that sold one with the 4 inch barrel last year for $300 i'm kicking my nuts for not buying it. It wasn't as old as you're gun though. Don't let that one get away on you. Make it your safe QUEEN i know if it was mine it would be! Thanks for sharing pics Rick..

 

[Frozen Snake]

I wonder how many old pistols are floating around that may not have any value to the owner because they have no Idea what it is worth. It does not have to be the dollar value that always matters, just the fact of owning something rare. This gun was almost sold for $200 to someone who has no clue that guns do indeed hold value. And this one for its condition was a good find. Thanks to all that helped identify the history of the model 23.

 

[kidvett]

Frozen Snake,

A very collectible S&W you have there !! Exceptionnal condition !! Like some mentionned, it you want to sell it to a collector: dont shoot it !! There are some S&W collectors on this board....

Max Owner,

I dont want to ``start a debate`` but the Blue Book values dont apply here in Canada. Totally different market than the USA which is the book basis. Do you personnally know of some who paid 2K for a collectible S&W here in Canada ?? I dont !! Of all the colletible handguns there are to be, very few collectors in Canada are in the 2K+ range....Trust me, I've been collecting Lugers & others fine German Military handguns to know........

Mark

 

[Max Owner]

I agree.

But it shows the potential for the gun. If Frozen Snake wanted to sell it Stateside, he would do kinda well.

 

[kidvett]

For sure in the States there would be ``hell of a battle`` to get it !! I'd be curious to see how it would fare on an auction site like GunBroker....Probably more than 2.5K !! And with the exchange rate....But it cant be done on a snap like calling CFC for a transfer....

Mark

 

[SMITH45]

I exchange with the gent who have this gun, and it is not a MDL 23, but a 38/44 Outdoorsman model of 1950. I made a check price for this series of Outdoorsman on the web site of Kull & Supica, and saw only one who sold for $1055US in 2006.

The big difference between this model, rather scarce and a numbered Mdl 23 is that the total of that model between 1957 and 1966 was 50 or 100, even the 3rd catalog can tell the exact number manufactured.

I think for a collector at heart, and the rarety of this one, $1K is a good price for this one. Even here in Kanakistan!

Yves

 

[Max Owner]

The Outdoorsman model is worth that much more.


I got the book buried as I am trying to get my room set up.

 

[Frozen Snake]

I can see why people havethe urge to collect revolvers. I used to be a Semi only guy. But holding this revolver made me see what works of art they really are. I think collecting these guns would be fun.