Mike: Great stuff! I too have been a McGivern fan for years. My grandparents and my Dad were from Montana, and saw McGivern shoot numerous times. Dad said it was actually phenomenal to watch him! You are right about him not being a collector...I think there are a LOT of McGivern guns out there. If we only knew.... (Hmm. I have a 38-44 5" that I got from my grandfather....)

MikeyL
SWCA #2010

MikeyL:

Is your 5" .38-44 an Outdoorsman Model(target)?

If so, would you please drop me an email !

Jerry

gllewis@pasadena.edu

MikeL & others

Ed McGivern actually "functioned" as a dealer. There are many guns that were shipped
to him, that were either given or sold to others. As near as is known, none of these
guns was ever used by him. I don't know how many there are, but its at least a dozen
or so. Of course, this was back in the 1930's .

Later, Mike Priwer

Here's a pair of Mike's 38/44 McGivern Models, made as a pair at the factory. Actually, McGivern ordered one gun for his friend F.W. Millington, and as was the practice at the time they made a second gun in case something went wrong with the first. The gun that Millington ended up with has the sideplate engraved with his name. Somehow Mike ended up with both guns, in his travels, and they are indeed a pretty special pair of 5" Outdoorsman guns.

Per Jerry's request, here's the McGivern Model that I had the privilage of owning for a couple years.....

This message has been edited. Last edited by: <SmithNut>,

SmithNut:

Thank you very much !

Your 5" Outdoorsman has always been at the VERY top of my drool list !

Jerry

Mike, Thanks for starting a truly fascinating thread! And thanks to the rest of you for the great pics. Smithnut - those are great photos of some REAL classics. I'm truly envious. Regards, Jerry

quote:

Originally posted by GLL:
Mike:
I agree with Rob. Is there any way we can get a high resolution scan of the .38-44 target?

I would love to have a nice copy to frame for my office wall. Do you know who currently has the 5" .38-44 Outdoorsman? If so, it would be nice to have a good photo of the .38-44 he used !

Thank you for posting this !

Jerry

Hello Jerry,

I believe the 5" .38/44 Outdoorsman used to shoot that target is still part of the NRA's collection. The trigger guard was modified sometime after August 1932, and the grips replaced with Magnas at some point. For reference, see the article in the August 1980 American Rifleman, "Guns For A Montana Marksman". The article discusses the guns and gear that were donated to the NRA by the wife of Walter Groff.

Take care,

Steve:

Thank you for the reference !

Jerry

Jerry I might be wrong but I think the 5 inch Outdoorsman is on display at the NRA museum.

They have a McGivern section. I was there a few weeks ago. Next trip up I'll try and get some photos.

B

When you do get back to the NRA museum, you might also count the numbere of McGivern
guns that are on display. I've heard that is something like 12 or 14. And, if possible,
make some notes as to what the guns are !

Later, Mike Priwer

Mike no problem. I might be able to get up there this weekend. I know they had a 4 inch M&P target and a 5 inch Outdoorsman. Both pre war. Also had one of his shooting cases. I'll take the camera too.

Bruce:

I would love to get a close-up photo of that 5" Outdoorsman if you make it up there.

See if they will let you have the serial number while you are at it !

Thank again for all of your help in the past in getting me interested in .38/44 Outdoorsman, although I would be a wealthier man if you had not !


Jerry

Guys I am sorry I couldn't get to the museum this weekend.

With Cub Scouts, prostate exams, wife hitting out patient surgery we have had a busy week.

I promise I will get up there soon. I know you guys want to see the pics and get more info on the guns.

I need some down time out of the house. Perhaps I can hit it Friday. I'm off all week taking care of the wife. But she's doing well and I could slip out for a few hours. Keep all posted.