At least that's what I call it. The proper/official name for it is the Smith & Wesson 38/44 Heavy Duty Model of 1950. Now you know why I just call it "The Hammer".
The particular example was born around 1956. The stocks are the correct style with the flat bottom but of course a period correct set would need to have the diamond around the screws. I've had her for a number of years and even though she has a bit too much end shake she shoots quite well with a trigger and action only years and years of use can produce. Back when the 38/44 HD was introduced law enforcement was looking for more penetration than what the standard .38 Special would provide so with the introduction of the HD came various .38 special loadings that were a good bit hotter than the norm which is why S&W decided an N frame .38 Special was needed.
The hotter loads back in the day were a 158gr bullet at 1,175fps, perhaps a bit hotter than that even and a 200gr Super Police load (not sure what the fps was on that one). Some were getting real close to todays .357 mag loadings.
With S&W and others currently offering J frame guns chambered in .357 a big old N frame in .38 Special seems like overkill but in reality it makes for a great shooting and highly collectible wheelgun. Prices on the HD and it's adjustable sight cousin the Outdoorsman have increased greatly as folks found out what nice guns they are so they are no longer the sleeper of SW collectibles but, if you keep your eyes open you can still run across one now and again at a very good price.
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