Help with OMFT 44 info...

[msp2640]

For starters, I have very little knowledge of this model and the only OM I've ever held is a 41M, which is in my safe currently. I was recently looking at a 4 digit (5xxx range) OMFT 44, with I believe is a 6.5" barrel. It does appear to have very nice original finish, alloy grip frame and micro rear sight. That is precisely where my knowledgebase ends.......other than being non-converted, what else should I look at, to determine if it's in original condition? I know I've read here before about 6.5 and 7.5 bbls, differences in the style of the black eagle medallions. (Not sure if those even apply to this model!) It has typical wood grips and appear original and very good condition. I recall it had a "regular style" hammer (not the wider SBH style). Anything else unique to the ejector rod and/or housing, or the cylinder pin which are "correct" for this model? Appreciate any help with confirming, what I believe is an original revolver. Thanks, Bill

 

[hittman]

There can be a pretty good price difference between those 2 barrel lengths ….. 6.5 inch much more common I believe

Flat top 44's

A friend and former forum member here, SgtGarcia, passed away a few months ago. I'm in charge of inventory and selling his firearms. He has 2 (so-far) original 44 3 screw flat tops, one with 6 1/2" barrel and one with 7 1/2" barrel. The 7 1/2" has sambar stags on it. Both revolvers are in...

www.rugerforum.com

 

[msp2640]

I knew there was something to that, but wasn't sure which way and if it was to this model or the early SBH's.....just not an area that I'm well versed in!

 

[rugerguy]

sounds like a nice gun and as to the "typical wood grips" the walnut grips that came on the 44 flatops has a slight curve or indent, on the top ,rear of each panel , we call it "sculpted" as the regular ones are rounded over the top edge and no dip in the top edge,,, other info above is good...picture would be nice, as it it long and much to look for as to any "refinish" of the gun, rounded edges dished holes and on and on as well as blued or not blued in various locations of the final fitting, inside the cylinder frame window..........big difference from a "reblue" and a restoration........

 

[weaselmeatgravy]

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By popular demand, here is a sticky with info for subscribing to RENE. What is RENE? The Red Eagle News Exchange (RENE) is a quarterly Ruger collector & enthusiast's newletter with the latest information on Ruger firearms, member articles, new Ruger variations & discoveries, selected recent...

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[msp2640]

Thanks, I've been aware of RENE and somewhat meaning to sign up. I'm by no means a collector or was even looking out for this type of revolver, just stumbled upon it. Have several other NMs, but I'm mostly a S&W accumulator! Bill

 

[chet15]

For the 4-digit .44 flattop, the only variation there is would be in the cylinder base pin. Early pins had two narrow lands like that of the .357 flattop. Then Ruger changed the pin to have its lands look like that of a Single-six with wider lands. I suppose they did this to differentiate between the .44 size (longer) pin and the .357 pin. They do the same today with stainless blackhawk base pins and chrome moly blue base pins... one has 4 grooves instead of three.
The the last type pin that came into use in the 9xxx range had an extra collar at its base, to keep the pin from rotating during recoil.
Chet15

 

[Hondo44]

If it looks too nice to be refinished and you can't find any signs of refinish, it could be a Ruger factory refinish.