just learned this..S&W Mod 20

bamaranger · December 10, 2024, 07:48 PM

Just read about the new Model 20 .357. Saw a picture and thought it was a .38/44 but no......a new .357 retro looking revolver fashioned after the old Heavy Duty's and Outdoorsman. N-frame, slim barrel, heavy under lug, fixed sights to include the old half moon up front. Retro to the extreme. All business and I love it But..... Only problem, their asking $1200 -1500 for the dang things. One might well buy two shooter grade vintage HD models for that price....in .38 of course.

I really shouldn't even consider a new handgun, lots going on in the bank books, and my eyes keep me from shooting handgun as well as I ought. But gee-whiz I think that is a slick revolver.

Sound off....who has one (Model 20) ?????

Jim Watson · December 10, 2024, 09:01 PM

I had a deal on one, long ago, but the seller said “when it gets back from the bluing shop.” What a mess, washed seams, purple side plate.

I do have a nice Outdoorsman, though.

105kw · December 10, 2024, 09:41 PM

I have an original 520 S&W .357, from 1980. They only made 3000.
Fixed sight, taper barrel, blue finish. Basically a Highway Patrolman with fixed sights.
6 shot, pinned and recessed.
I have enough old N frames, that I have no desire to buy a new Smith.
The new 520 dates to 2005.
I just look up the new model 20, looks like a HD 38-44.
You wouldn't spend much more for a really good original Model 20.

Ernest T Bass · December 10, 2024, 10:38 PM

That is absolutely GORGEOUS, but it has the lock.

I would definitely buy one if it wasn't for that ?@#% lock!

What are the chances of one of those plugs that you can insert into the lock hole looking halfway decent? Would it still look as bad as the lock hole? Or only marginally better?

Pumpkin · December 10, 2024, 10:51 PM

I would love one, lock or not.

I do have almost a complete green and white box of Peters 38-44 ammo.

The tapered bbl is like cars from the 50’s and 60’s, Cold War jet fighters, pretty gloss blue and walnut, things with personality and beauty for the beholder.

You have my blessings bamaranger.

Webleymkv · December 10, 2024, 11:07 PM

That is a very attractive gun and it gives me hope that S&W might bring back some of the discontinued Classic Series models (I still lust after the M58). I am a bit conflicted about them chambering it in .357 Magnum though. On the one hand, I understand why they did so as the N-frame is way overbuilt for even .38 +P and .38/44 ammo has been out of production for decades, but on the other hand it niggles at me that it's not the original caliber (and I'd definitely shoot the Keith .38/44 load in it).

jetinteriorguy · December 11, 2024, 06:41 AM

While not a fan of 6” barrels in general, that sucker is a beaut. I don’t need any more temptations though, too many hobbies and not enough time already.

10-96 · December 11, 2024, 12:17 PM

I'll be double danged! It seems to be a 5 Screw (or at least a 4 Screw)!

**Mike Irwin** · December 11, 2024, 01:13 PM

Yep, I think it's a 5-screw. It's a single-piece barrel.

The barrel isn't pinned, though.

And it's only in 6". I'd be a lot happier with one in 4"

I'd like to see the lock works to see what's going on in there.

Agreed, though, I can't tolerate the lock.

10-96 · December 11, 2024, 02:41 PM

I dunno, this shows a 4" https://www.gricegunshop.com/smw1411...4b-6rd-as.html But like you, that Hillary Hole just doesn't sit right with me.

bamaranger · December 11, 2024, 03:36 PM

Hmm? I was under the impression that a 4" version was available, not that I'll be buying. All my money will be going to the dentist and oral surgeon for the next little bit

The lock is obnoxious but unfortunately is what it is.

Webleymkv · December 11, 2024, 03:39 PM

There is a 4" version

https://www.smith-wesson.com/product...agnum-revolver

Driftwood Johnson · December 11, 2024, 08:54 PM

Howdy

I see there is a 4" and a 6" version available.

MSRP is $1549.99 for each. They appear to be Davidson Specials. I see there are some deals available on Gun Broker for a bit less.

I have a real 38/44 Heavy Duty that was made in 1931. I paid about $1000 for it a bunch of years ago at auction. Correct Service Grips.

Real 38/44s are out there, and may be less than the new one that S&W is hawking.

I see there are a couple on Gun Broker, current bids are $406.99 and $849.99 for one with incorrect Oversized Target Grips.

By the way, I doubt it is a real 5 screw. Yes, there is a screw up near the hammer, but I doubt if there is a screw in front of the trigger guard. The screw in front of the trigger guard requires some changes to the action and I doubt S&W will do that now. You can see the screw in front of the trigger guard poking out in my photos.

Pumpkin · December 11, 2024, 09:12 PM

Very nice!

**Mike Irwin** · December 12, 2024, 08:26 AM

Oh, sweet. I looked at the spec sheet I found and it looked like it was only listing a 6" barreled version.

And yeah, it's not a 5-screw. I got a little carried away.

I like it. It harkens back to the classic era of S&Ws.

I'd rather have the real deal, but I do like the fact that it's in .357.

Paul B. · December 12, 2024, 05:50 PM

I have a 38/44 Outdoorsman and it has the old S&W "long action". Looking at that latest version, it uses the current "short" action. Frankly, I prefer the older action so for that reason would pass on the latest M20. That lock would just add another point against me ever buying one.
Paul B.

December 10, 2024, 07:48 PM	#1
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,820	just learned this..S&W Mod 20 Just read about the new Model 20 .357. Saw a picture and thought it was a .38/44 but no......a new .357 retro looking revolver fashioned after the old Heavy Duty's and Outdoorsman. N-frame, slim barrel, heavy under lug, fixed sights to include the old half moon up front. Retro to the extreme. All business and I love it But..... Only problem, their asking $1200 -1500 for the dang things. One might well buy two shooter grade vintage HD models for that price....in .38 of course. I really shouldn't even consider a new handgun, lots going on in the bank books, and my eyes keep me from shooting handgun as well as I ought. But gee-whiz I think that is a slick revolver. Sound off....who has one (Model 20) ????? Last edited by bamaranger; December 11, 2024 at 03:34 PM.

December 10, 2024, 09:41 PM	#3
105kw Senior Member Join Date: June 30, 2017 Location: Columbia Basin Washington Posts: 519	I have an original 520 S&W .357, from 1980. They only made 3000. Fixed sight, taper barrel, blue finish. Basically a Highway Patrolman with fixed sights. 6 shot, pinned and recessed. I have enough old N frames, that I have no desire to buy a new Smith. The new 520 dates to 2005. I just look up the new model 20, looks like a HD 38-44. You wouldn't spend much more for a really good original Model 20. Last edited by 105kw; December 10, 2024 at 10:06 PM.

December 10, 2024, 10:51 PM	#5
Pumpkin Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2020 Location: Seguin Texas Posts: 1,002	I would love one, lock or not. I do have almost a complete green and white box of Peters 38-44 ammo. The tapered bbl is like cars from the 50’s and 60’s, Cold War jet fighters, pretty gloss blue and walnut, things with personality and beauty for the beholder. You have my blessings bamaranger. Last edited by Pumpkin; December 10, 2024 at 11:23 PM. Reason: Baad speelin

December 11, 2024, 12:17 PM	#8
10-96 Senior Member Join Date: October 19, 2005 Location: Tx Panhandle Territory Posts: 4,190	I'll be double danged! It seems to be a 5 Screw (or at least a 4 Screw)! __________________ Rednecks... Keeping the woods critter-free since March 2, 1836. (TX Independence Day) I suspect a thing or two... because I've seen a thing or two.

December 11, 2024, 01:13 PM	#9
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 14, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,642	Yep, I think it's a 5-screw. It's a single-piece barrel. The barrel isn't pinned, though. And it's only in 6". I'd be a lot happier with one in 4" I'd like to see the lock works to see what's going on in there. Agreed, though, I can't tolerate the lock. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

December 10, 2024, 09:01 PM	#2
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 19,203	I had a deal on one, long ago, but the seller said “when it gets back from the bluing shop.” What a mess, washed seams, purple side plate. I do have a nice Outdoorsman, though.

December 10, 2024, 10:38 PM	#4
Ernest T Bass Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 141	That is absolutely GORGEOUS, but it has the lock. I would definitely buy one if it wasn't for that ?@#% lock! What are the chances of one of those plugs that you can insert into the lock hole looking halfway decent? Would it still look as bad as the lock hole? Or only marginally better?

December 10, 2024, 11:07 PM	#6
Webleymkv Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 10,610	That is a very attractive gun and it gives me hope that S&W might bring back some of the discontinued Classic Series models (I still lust after the M58). I am a bit conflicted about them chambering it in .357 Magnum though. On the one hand, I understand why they did so as the N-frame is way overbuilt for even .38 +P and .38/44 ammo has been out of production for decades, but on the other hand it niggles at me that it's not the original caliber (and I'd definitely shoot the Keith .38/44 load in it).

December 11, 2024, 06:41 AM	#7
jetinteriorguy Senior Member Join Date: April 28, 2013 Posts: 3,476	While not a fan of 6” barrels in general, that sucker is a beaut. I don’t need any more temptations though, too many hobbies and not enough time already.

December 11, 2024, 02:41 PM	#10
10-96 Senior Member Join Date: October 19, 2005 Location: Tx Panhandle Territory Posts: 4,190	I dunno, this shows a 4" https://www.gricegunshop.com/smw1411...4b-6rd-as.html But like you, that Hillary Hole just doesn't sit right with me. __________________ Rednecks... Keeping the woods critter-free since March 2, 1836. (TX Independence Day) I suspect a thing or two... because I've seen a thing or two.

December 11, 2024, 03:36 PM	#11
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,820	barrels and lock Hmm? I was under the impression that a 4" version was available, not that I'll be buying. All my money will be going to the dentist and oral surgeon for the next little bit The lock is obnoxious but unfortunately is what it is.

December 11, 2024, 03:39 PM	#12
Webleymkv Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 10,610	There is a 4" version https://www.smith-wesson.com/product...agnum-revolver

December 11, 2024, 08:54 PM	#13
Driftwood Johnson Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2014 Location: Land of the Pilgrims Posts: 2,053	Howdy I see there is a 4" and a 6" version available. MSRP is $1549.99 for each. They appear to be Davidson Specials. I see there are some deals available on Gun Broker for a bit less. I have a real 38/44 Heavy Duty that was made in 1931. I paid about $1000 for it a bunch of years ago at auction. Correct Service Grips. Real 38/44s are out there, and may be less than the new one that S&W is hawking. I see there are a couple on Gun Broker, current bids are $406.99 and $849.99 for one with incorrect Oversized Target Grips. By the way, I doubt it is a real 5 screw. Yes, there is a screw up near the hammer, but I doubt if there is a screw in front of the trigger guard. The screw in front of the trigger guard requires some changes to the action and I doubt S&W will do that now. You can see the screw in front of the trigger guard poking out in my photos.

December 11, 2024, 09:12 PM	#14
Pumpkin Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2020 Location: Seguin Texas Posts: 1,002	Very nice!

December 12, 2024, 08:26 AM	#15
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 14, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,642	Oh, sweet. I looked at the spec sheet I found and it looked like it was only listing a 6" barreled version. And yeah, it's not a 5-screw. I got a little carried away. I like it. It harkens back to the classic era of S&Ws. I'd rather have the real deal, but I do like the fact that it's in .357. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

December 12, 2024, 05:50 PM	#16
Paul B. Senior Member Join Date: March 28, 1999 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,940	I have a 38/44 Outdoorsman and it has the old S&W "long action". Looking at that latest version, it uses the current "short" action. Frankly, I prefer the older action so for that reason would pass on the latest M20. That lock would just add another point against me ever buying one. Paul B. __________________ COMPROMISE IS NOT AN OPTION!