SMITH & WESSON MODEL 23 (.38-44 OUTDOORSMAN) Description
.38 Spl. cal., similar to Model 20 in .38 Spl., except with rear adj. sight, blue only, featured ribbed 6 1/2 in. barrel standard (4 and 5 in. variations are rare). Mfg. 1946-1967.
Early post-war models had long action with barrel rib and micrometer sights (ser. range S62489-approx. S74000). There were 4,761 pre-war revolvers, 2,036 post-war transitional, and 6,039 styled after the 1950 model.
The "44" in this model's name refers to the size frame, not the caliber. This variation was designated the Model 23 after 1958.
There were 2 engineering changes for this model.