S&W Heavy Duty 5". Mfd. 1937. 38/44 H.V.
 

Carried by many police officers (really!) in the 1930's and 40's. Predecessor to the .357 magnum. Finally phased out in the mid-sixties. A great shooter.

http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/...1/P1010006.jpg

http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/...1/P1010004.jpg

http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/...1/P1010003.jpg

To me, that represents what it used to mean to be a police officer.

One Trooper, armned with one of those and an Winchester '07, and a car mounted radio was all that was avialable as back up to my Great-Grandpa when he was the sheriff of a small county in GA waaaaaaaaaay back in the 30s.

I am genuinely jealous of that gun, Checkman.

Nyles

It was an unexpected find. I really should get it lettered by the factory. I know that Idaho State Police started in 1939 and the first revolvers they carried was the 5" Heavy Duty.In the mid-fifties ISP went to the Model 28 Highway Patrolman and the S&W Model 65 in 1979 and the S&W 4586 in 1990. Finally ISP went to the Glock 22/23 in 2001 which the organization is still using.

My father was ISP from 73-94 and he bought his 28 and 65 when they were phased out. When he retired he was given his 4586 as a retirement gift. One of these days (hopefully many days from now) I'll be getting those handguns. The Heavy Duty will go nicely with them. Anyway the funny thing is my Heavy Duty's serial number is very close to several other pre-war Heavy Dutys that were shipped to a big sporting goods store in Lewiston Idaho. Is this HD one of the ISP HD's? I really should find out.

Nice one! I like this for the same reason I like the Model 28 Highway Patrolman. :cool:

The Model 28 is great. At one time I owned three of them. I let the two 6" versions go, but I've held onto the 4" model. I don't intend to let it get away.