Smith and Wesson model 23

Yes, The Smith&Wesson of this era were exquisite in the finish and trigger. I owned a .357Mag N frame with 5 inches barrel and it was a sweet to shoot. And over that there is the history that's in it that make a gun like yours...special.

Let us know your impression if you test fire it.

Yves
 
It realy has a nice trigger. on the registration it says Smith and wesson model 23 outdoorsman but no indication of model on the gun itself. Anyways I just uncovered a model 29 and I am going to post an investigation on this pistol as well.
 
Having a gun lettered is an excellent idea, but I read on the S&W forum that Roy Jinks was not taking demand cos he was overload, maybe just send an e-mail to S&W customer service about this.

Yves
 
38Spl's are so mild that unless this gun was never used at all I can't see a few hundred rounds through it bringing down the value at all.

FZ, like you I never thought I was a revolver sort of guy. That lasted until I was looking at the guns in the display case at the range where I've done all my shooting so far. On a whim at the end of a day I asked for a box o' .38's and a Model 19. By the end of the second cylinder I knew I was a revolver guy. The zen motions of loading and unloading and needing to reload every 6 shots plus the option for double or single action drew me in. I found that I really enjoyed the need to be more involved with the gun instead of just racking and pulling like with the semis.

Assuming it saw use in its day go get a couple of boxes of .38 Spl and try it out. Don't be surprised when you find yourself grinning like a kid with a shiney new toy and giggling while you're shooting it. These things are a whole other sort of totally different handgun experience. There's room in your shooting sessions for both styles.

Oh... I'll just add on that I'm green with envy at your luck in coming across this find. But at the same time I'm grateful that it fell into hands that can appreciate this fine bit of workmanship and history.
 
BCRider said:
38Spl's are so mild that unless this gun was never used at all I can't see a few hundred rounds through it bringing down the value at all.

FZ, like you I never thought I was a revolver sort of guy. That lasted until I was looking at the guns in the display case at the range where I've done all my shooting so far. On a whim at the end of a day I asked for a box o' .38's and a Model 19. By the end of the second cylinder I knew I was a revolver guy. The zen motions of loading and unloading and needing to reload every 6 shots plus the option for double or single action drew me in. I found that I really enjoyed the need to be more involved with the gun instead of just racking and pulling like with the semis.

Assuming it saw use in its day go get a couple of boxes of .38 Spl and try it out. Don't be surprised when you find yourself grinning like a kid with a shiny new toy and giggling while you're shooting it. These things are a whole other sort of totally different handgun experience. There's room in your shooting sessions for both styles.

Oh... I'll just add on that I'm green with envy at your luck in coming across this find. But at the same time I'm grateful that it fell into hands that can appreciate this fine bit of workmanship and history.
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I know what you mean. I doubt I will shoot the thing. Maybe a few rounds to get the feel of it. I appreciate what you are saying Max I agree this will be the baby in the collection. Like fine china. I got my Tupperware Glocks that are for range picnics.

I have been actively looking at revolvers and I would not mind a 44 mag or a nice 357 mag. I remember shooting a 44 mag, I did not stop grinning the who time. accuracy? Gotta love it totally different animal then the semi auto. Horsepower? 357, 44, 454, 460, 480 , 500? :D 454 Casull was the most powerful handgun I shot. Taurus raging bull, fun stuff. The best part is dreaming and saving up for the next purchase. Research is a blast. This Forum is a wealth of information and I am very lucky to have access to it even if my girlfriend give me trouble for being on it to much. Yep looking forward to the next gun show. Also my next trip down to bass pro shop. Wheel guns sure are fun I agree there is more to it then tap and rack of the semi auto. Considering this forum is dominated with topics on semi autos, I have noticed a spike in Revolver inquires, :)
 
For Myself, I collect S&W. and I had shot all of them, the only one I wont shoot are the anniversary Mdl type or a really brand new older model. Mr Frozen, I dont know if you have hit this web site http://smith-wessonforum.com/ but you will find nice pics of some other Outdoorsman, and the target result from them. I wont be afraid, myself to do a PPC with a stock Outdoorsman. These gun were manufactured so you can reload .38 special with 158g at 1200 FPS, I dont think that some regular .38 will affect an Outdoorsman. IMHO

Yves
 
Theres a whole wackload of S&W revolvers to collect.

And then Colt.

I've always been a shooter, but I am trying to get into serious collecting. Because of this I can't fathom people saying "shoot it" There are lots o guns out there for shooting. Only a few that are worth collecting anymore.

Guess thats my rant untill the wife gets home. :D
 
Well the Smith and Wesson Historian just contacted me about this particular model. Its 1950, 1951 adjustable sight model with the 6 1/2 inch barrel built on the heavy N frame. It is in fact the 38/44 model pre marking of model numbers on the frame. Judging by the details of the gun he said not to shoot it. Very rare for that condition. Just like most of you said. Just means I have to get something else to shoot. Most of my questions were already answered by you guys so again thank you. I figured I would just repeat what he told me.
 
Max Owner said:
Thanx Frozen Snake.

I'll see if I can dig out a value for it.

Or did the historian give you one?
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He told me the book of gun values in his opinion is over inflated. Pending on condition for this gun which is almost mint, he figures $ 1400 USD. So to the collectors out there it is in my opinion worth more owning it then selling it. If I were to sell it tomorrow. I would be more inclined to sell it to a collector who will appreciate its vintage and history then someone who is going to shoot it.
 
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