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S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 All 5-Screw & Vintage 4-Screw SWING-OUT Cylinder REVOLVERS, and the 35 Autos and 32 Autos


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Old 12-15-2016, 08:29 PM
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1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it? 1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it? 1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it? 1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it? 1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it?  
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Default 1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it?

Found a 1955 Chiefs Special Airweight at the LGS. Would you put this one in the safe, or take it out to the range and maybe carry it around regularly? Some of us are most comfortable with the classics.

This was clearly somebody's shooter and no safe queen back in the day: continuous cylinder drag, a nice smooth (but still 11.5 pound) trigger pull, plus nicks and chips all around the edges that bring the condition down to 90% I think. No box. Alloy frame, steel cylinder, three screws.

The grips are in good shape, so I'm thinking the previous owner put Pachmayrs on it for a while. "If only old guns could talk."





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Old 12-15-2016, 08:58 PM
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If handles and shoots well, I'd trust it. Just don't use any +P rounds, use the most effective standard pressure rounds you can find.

BTW, really nice gun you have there.
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Old 12-15-2016, 09:04 PM
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Yea, I just might.
None of mine are museum pieces.
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Old 12-15-2016, 09:05 PM
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That is very nice.

Shoot it? Absolutely!

Carry it? Hmmmm? You asked so I'm thinking you want to... do it. Hard to beat the cool factor.

I'll be along in a couple of days with a 1952 baby chiefs (all steel) that I certainly intend to shoot and carry, but it's not as purdy as yours. It was carried EDC or BUG by a LEO, according the gal I got it from, and it shows. It'll match my faded blue jeans.
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Old 12-15-2016, 09:40 PM
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My preference would be a Centennial Airweight. However, let's pretend that's what you have and my answer would be not to carry it, it's too nice.

It may not be in top collector condition, but it's still nice enough to be collectible to some. We can't all afford 99% guns.

So I'd get a lesser condition example to carry. And either only shoot it at the range or sell it to buy a less expensive, more worn example.

I'm not hard on my carry guns, but never had to use one in a serious anti-social situation yet. Plus accidents happen, drop from a holster, bump against a cement wall, etc.
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Old 12-16-2016, 12:50 AM
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I would certainly shoot it and carry it, but I've never bought guns I couldn't shoot or that were too nice to carry.

As an alternative to carrying it, it would make a damn nice nightstand gun.
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Old 12-16-2016, 01:04 AM
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Carrying to me means shooting a lot and I don't know how well those old alloy guns hold up. Assuming they do.....sure why not!

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Old 12-16-2016, 01:10 AM
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I wouldn't carry a '37 or '36.

The hammer is the problem: gets hung up on everything.

I occasionally carry a 1956 Centennial.

More often a M38.
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Old 12-16-2016, 02:24 AM
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Originally Posted by Hondo44 View Post
My preference would be a Centennial Airweight. However, let's pretend that's what you have and my answer would be not to carry it, it's too nice.

It may not be in top collector condition, but it's still nice enough to be collectible to some. We can't all afford 99% guns.

So I'd get a lesser condition example to carry. And either only shoot it at the range or sell it to buy a less expensive, more worn example.

I'm not hard on my carry guns, but never had to use one is a serious anti-social situation yet. Plus accidents happen, drop from a holster, bump against a cement wall, etc.
Point well taken, thanks. Too bad Smith doesn't make this in the Classics series. I have two of the new Model 36 that I carry in appropriate locations and take to the range regularly (along with a 4" 586). My all-steel Chiefs from the 1950s stay in the safe, but this Airweight's just got me excited for some reason. To find one of these in any condition is difficult in California, where I might have to make a 400 mile trip twice, to buy and then pick up after the 10-day waiting period. Hmmm. Maybe I will get a C&R license after all.

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Old 12-16-2016, 02:30 AM
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Quote:
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I wouldn't carry a '37 or '36.

The hammer is the problem: gets hung up on everything.

I occasionally carry a 1956 Centennial.

More often a M38.
You just get used to clearing the hammer of snags by drawing slightly backwards. That way even comes out of a pocket cleanly. That is a good habit to get into for keeping it away from someone during a close tussle anyway. The hammer also clears well if you carry it cross-draw (but that is a whole 'nother discussion). I am looking at some of the newer shrouded models, but I am just very very comfortably with the Chiefs.
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Old 12-16-2016, 02:37 AM
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The biggest problem with old airweights is the frames tendency to crack in the forward part of the cylinder recess. Check both under the barrel and in the lower portion near where the crane contacts the frame. If you have a magnifying glass...use it. If it's clean I would be careful with it and not use any high speed ammo but it will be safe to shoot. If you prefer the newer high speed rounds then get a newer gun and put that one up for a collector or investment.
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Old 12-16-2016, 02:59 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by flintsghost View Post
The biggest problem with old airweights is the frames tendency to crack in the forward part of the cylinder recess. Check both under the barrel and in the lower portion near where the crane contacts the frame. If you have a magnifying glass...use it. If it's clean I would be careful with it and not use any high speed ammo but it will be safe to shoot. If you prefer the newer high speed rounds then get a newer gun and put that one up for a collector or investment.
Looks OK in those spots, thanks. The previous owner probably shot only the powder puff loads of the day out of it. As I'm sure you know, a lightweight snubbie can be a real hand-biter.

I wonder what the low-recoil equivalent would have been back then. Maybe a 148 grain wadcutter? Probably equivalent to our 110 or 125 grain high-tech JHPs today. Like I said, if only old guns could talk.
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Old 12-16-2016, 04:14 AM
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Very nice...Is that a Baby Chief made on the I frame or regular J frame?
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Old 12-16-2016, 05:05 AM
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I pick stuff up like that all the time when I see it , very nice to have and you don't see them every day I get a holster and speed loader and put them away. The day will come when you will get the 99 per cent for guns like that.
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Old 12-16-2016, 06:36 AM
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I've used a M37 as a BUG, conventional hammer spurs are not a deal breaker to me.

At one point I used 1942 Victory Model as a duty gun, so a '55 wouldn't bat an eye.

But the condition is borderline too nice . I would shoot it, and probably carry it occasionally for the personal satisfaction. But I wouldn't subject it to constant everyday carry.
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Old 12-16-2016, 07:12 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LeftHand-Fu View Post
You just get used to clearing the hammer of snags by drawing slightly backwards. That way even comes out of a pocket cleanly. That is a good habit to get into for keeping it away from someone during a close tussle anyway. The hammer also clears well if you carry it cross-draw (but that is a whole 'nother discussion). I am looking at some of the newer shrouded models, but I am just very very comfortably with the Chiefs.
That's definitely something I wouldn't be doing. Changing draw based on hammer snagging. You shouldn't have to change your training and/or muscle memory based on one little revolver. Carry gun should be for protection not to be cool or different

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Old 12-16-2016, 08:15 AM
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I'll most likely be ridiculed by some to post my feelings ( but we all have opinions-right ? ).

I would not even holster that beauty, much less carry it.

We all have shooters for shootin' and lookers for lookin', fondlin',cleanin', and showin' , some more of one or the other.

If I owned that beauty, the closest I'd come to using it would be, as posted in #6, to lay it in my bedside table drawer on a clean cotton cloth
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Old 12-16-2016, 09:25 AM
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I'm not a collector so I'd sell it to sombody that can appreciate a vintage piece. Then buy a newer +p equivilant.
If shooting/carrying it would be with standard pressure full wad cutters
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Old 12-16-2016, 09:57 AM
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Since it is not NIB, I would carry it, and with a great deal of pride!
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Old 12-16-2016, 10:09 AM
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It's really nice but not perfect so.............. it would be my "Sunday go to meeting" and Tux gun.........

Think Tom Selleck in Blue Bloods who carries his father's old J-frame (36 ???)

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Old 12-16-2016, 10:13 AM
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I think so. I bought a model 637 airweight, and like it. I will buy a model 60 in early 2017. I carry a semi auto, but like revolvers as well.
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Old 12-16-2016, 10:18 AM
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Congratulations, that is a very nice gun you found. I don't think I would carry it, but I would shoot it occasionally and put it into service as one of my home defense guns. And that's just what I do with My Md 12 Airweight.
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Old 12-16-2016, 10:56 AM
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20161103_164306.jpg

My 1953 one. Carred a lot before I got it. Abd a lot since.
Old nyclad rounds ride in it
20161103_163407.jpg

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Old 12-16-2016, 11:05 AM
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To me it would depend upon the value of it and if you really wanted to have it long term.

The main factor is if it is used in a SD role it mostly likely will be confiscated by police and sit in an evidence room for a good while, without maintenance.

Just my opinion.
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Old 12-16-2016, 11:21 AM
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Carry it, that's what Smith made them for. Feed it standard velocity rounds and you and it will do fine.
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Old 12-16-2016, 12:08 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Pete from Perth View Post
Very nice...Is that a Baby Chief made on the I frame or regular J frame?
Yes, it's a J-frame. No, it's not a baby.

Here's a terrific commentary on the topic:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/blog.php?b=104

Cheers,

Bob
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Old 12-16-2016, 12:12 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Arik View Post
You shouldn't have to change your training and/or muscle memory based on one little revolver. Carry gun should be for protection not to be cool or different
Sounds like the OP is more than familiar carrying chiefs. I get the impression his training/muscle memory is set for occasion, the only variable being the Airweight, which I don't view as an issue.

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Old 12-16-2016, 12:41 PM
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Yes my muscle memory is based on having hammers. I shoot best DA, but the hammers are always there.

To another point above, my bedside gun is a 586-8. In a V-Line safe, because California.

One point against carrying an Airweight from the Fifties is the target trigger. I'm used to smooth combat triggers.
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Old 12-16-2016, 09:24 PM
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I often carry a 1954 Baby Chief Special, a 1955 Colt Agent (1st yr. production), or a 1964 Colt Cobra. I have many other snubs, most in exc. or new condition, which I do not carry.
The youngest in my rotation is a Mod 042 in used condition.
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Old 12-16-2016, 09:39 PM
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Id carry it in a second...
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Old 12-16-2016, 09:49 PM
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Shoot it! Shoot it!
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Old 12-18-2016, 08:11 PM
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Thanks to all who chimed in on the question of "would you carry it". About 15 say yea (and "Yay!") while less than half that number say nay (after subtracting those not down with hammers but apparently OK with this otherwise).

But among the nays is Hondo44 (and I'm following his expert commentary), so after appropriate weighting the tally is about even. That leaves me still on the fence.

The serrated trigger may be the deciding factor for me. It can affect double action accuracy, but I'm certainly not grinding anything off of this beauty. Oh what a quality firearm this is.
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Old 12-18-2016, 08:26 PM
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well i carried my 61 model 38 airweight for years...i used a ankle holster with mine...i do agree in your pocket it might be a little problematic and might wear the finish a bit...but i would use it if it were me...i carry a 63 detective special in 90% to 95% now but i am very partial to older firearms too...great find...and enjoy it for sure...God Bless,John
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Old 12-18-2016, 08:38 PM
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I carry this one occasionally...
Bob

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Old 12-19-2016, 08:05 AM
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1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it? 1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it? 1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it? 1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it? 1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it?  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by two-bit cowboy View Post
Yes, it's a J-frame. No, it's not a baby.

Here's a terrific commentary on the topic:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/blog.php?b=104

Cheers,

Bob
Thanks Mate.
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Old 12-19-2016, 08:59 AM
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1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it? 1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it? 1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it? 1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it?  
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Carry it or sell it.

If you are a collector then keep it. If not then sell it.

If you really want to carry it then do so. I have two, a 342 and a 36 (1965). I mainly carry the 342 due to it's weight, if wearing a heavier coat then the 36. The 36 is not an airweight.
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Old 12-19-2016, 08:01 PM
CCG CCG is offline
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1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it? 1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it? 1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it? 1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it? 1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it?  
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I would put that one up and get a newer one for carry. My EDC is a 638-3. Looks rough from being carried so much, but it will handle +P all day long and I can shoot single action if needed. Just my .02.
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Old 12-20-2016, 01:56 PM
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1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it? 1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it? 1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it? 1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it? 1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it?  
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It sure feels nice in my pocket, and the quality is outstanding. With my needs it's not likely to suffer a lot of wear-and-tear, but if I don't carry it around then it will go into the safe with the rest of the mid-century modern revo collection here, and I'll take a look at other options. Normally I pack full weight Model 36 Classics. My only other lightweight was a Ruger LCR, but the long pull on that trigger is so different from Smiths that I could never get used to it.
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Old 12-25-2016, 05:51 AM
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1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it? 1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it? 1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it? 1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it? 1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it?  
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My 1953 pre # 36 Airweight 20161103_164306.jpg20161103_163407.jpg.


Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
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Old 12-25-2016, 08:47 AM
cadmike cadmike is offline
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1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it? 1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it? 1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it? 1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it? 1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it?  
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Nice gun you have there OP. The flat latch definitely adds to the cool factor. I would absolutely not be concerned about carrying that gun at all. That's what it's made for. I have a chiefs special model of 1953 pre 36 flat latch that I carry routinely. I think you'll appreciate the lighter weight of the air weight as compared to your 36. Contrary to a previous post the hammer won't "get caught up on everything". You're not going to drop it on concrete. And police confiscation??? So we're all supposed to carry junk guns just in case? My god who worries about that ****? Carry it shoot it and enjoy it.
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Old 12-25-2016, 08:54 AM
AlHunt AlHunt is offline
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1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it? 1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it? 1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it? 1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it? 1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it?  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LeftHand-Fu View Post
... To find one of these in any condition is difficult in California ...
That right there would be reason enough for me not to carry it. Or move...
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Old 02-04-2017, 06:45 PM
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1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it? 1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it? 1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it? 1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it? 1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it?  
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Thanks again for all the advice. In the end, I did wind up carrying it some.

It's more beat-up than you can see in the photos, but my main reason is that I just can't stand the low quality of today's Airweights.

I added a beefy Pachmayr grip, and just had to picture it here with a classic knife and safe. Anyone recognize the Black Cat?

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Old 02-04-2017, 06:58 PM
silversnake silversnake is offline
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1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it? 1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it? 1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it? 1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it? 1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it?  
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A Mercator K55K, nice knife.

I sometimes carry a 1955 airweight myself, I love the older J-frames. Mine came well used so I never worry about holster wear.
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Old 02-04-2017, 07:23 PM
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1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it? 1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it? 1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it? 1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it? 1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it?  
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Here's what Hondo44 was talking about...in addition to my modern Centennials, I sometimes carry this, a model 42 no dash, from September of 1963. It was sure worn when I got it, but shows no signs of metal fatigue or frame cracking, and still shoots well. I carry standard pressure/velocity rounds in it. Very slick from the pocket, and I sure don't have to worry about the finish:



Best Regards, Les
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Old 02-04-2017, 08:26 PM
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1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it? 1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it? 1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it? 1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it? 1955 Chiefs Special Airweight - would you carry it?  
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My go to snub is only a little newer and I totally trust it to run. That may be a bit too nice by my standards to carry, but age alone would not stop me from depending on a smith revolver. Many years ago while in college I worked as an armed security guard and carried a 1920's era m&p
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