S&W Model 20 Heavy Duty 38 -44

Published on April 15, 2025
Duration: 20:11

This video provides an in-depth review of the Smith & Wesson Model 20, also known as the 38/44 Heavy Duty. The presenter, Hickok45, details its historical significance as a precursor to the .357 Magnum, its chambering in .38 Special and .357 Magnum, and its robust construction based on the .44 Special frame. The review includes shooting impressions of both calibers and comparisons to other S&W models.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson Model 20, or 38/44 Heavy Duty, is a historically significant revolver introduced in the 1930s. Built on a robust .44 Special frame, it was designed to safely fire hotter .38 Special loads, effectively bridging the gap to the .357 Magnum. This reproduction model can chamber both .38 Special and .357 Magnum ammunition.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the S&W Model 20
  2. 00:14The S&W 38/44 Heavy Duty Explained
  3. 00:44History of the 38/44 Cartridge
  4. 01:11Smith & Wesson Naming Conventions
  5. 01:43Comparison to the 1917 Frame
  6. 02:16Designed for Hot 38 Special Loads
  7. 03:00Shooting the Model 20
  8. 03:34Modern Features and Feel
  9. 04:23The Name '38/44' Explained
  10. 05:30Historical Significance
  11. 05:54Production Years and Interruptions
  12. 06:10Why a Heavy 38 Special?
  13. 06:58Shooting .357 Magnum
  14. 08:13Comparison to Model 27
  15. 09:42The 'Poor Man's Model 27'
  16. 10:00Heavy Duty vs. Outdoorsman Models
  17. 10:36Elmer Keith and Hot Rodding Loads
  18. 11:13Transition to .357 Magnum
  19. 11:45Case Length Differences
  20. 12:3238/44 Ammunition Performance
  21. 13:01More Shooting and Accuracy
  22. 14:10Deficiencies of .38 Special
  23. 14:47Colt .38 Super and S&W Response
  24. 15:15Production Timeline and Action Changes
  25. 15:31Model 20 vs. 38/44 Heavy Duty
  26. 16:00Modern Reproduction Appeal
  27. 16:39Final Magnum Shots
  28. 17:25Summary of the 38/44 Heavy Duty
  29. 18:14Construction and Durability
  30. 18:32Desire for Original or Reproduction
  31. 19:00Sponsor Mentions: Talon Grips & Ballistol
  32. 19:48Social Media and Website Links

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Smith & Wesson Model 20?

The Smith & Wesson Model 20, also known as the 38/44 Heavy Duty, is a large-frame revolver developed in the 1930s. It was designed to handle hotter .38 Special loads by being built on the .44 Special frame, serving as a precursor to the .357 Magnum.

What is the history behind the 38/44 Heavy Duty?

The 38/44 Heavy Duty was introduced in 1930 to address the need for a more powerful handgun round than the standard .38 Special. It was chambered in .38 Special but built on a robust .44 frame, allowing it to safely fire significantly hotter loads, paving the way for the .357 Magnum.

What calibers can the S&W Model 20 fire?

The reproduction Smith & Wesson Model 20 reviewed is chambered in .357 Magnum, which means it can safely fire both .357 Magnum and .38 Special ammunition. Original 38/44 Heavy Duty models were chambered in .38 Special.

Why was the 38/44 Heavy Duty considered a 'poor man's Model 27'?

The 38/44 Heavy Duty was often called the 'poor man's Model 27' because it offered a powerful handgun option at a lower price point than the original Registered Magnum (.357 Magnum) or later Model 27s, making high-performance shooting more accessible.

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