Non-Registered Coincidence

MAB93 · #1 10-21-2017, 01:32 AM

A couple of years ago, soon after getting my handgun license, I decided to start filling out my wish list in terms of handguns. Not really an easy thing to do here in Australia on a general handgun license. Since I had been a teenager a Registered magnum had always been top of the list. I decided to chase one at auction. This particular auction had a few Registered Magnums listed. It even had a "Non-Registered variation" listed. At the time I didn't really understand what that meant. It had a registration number stamped inside the yoke, which was enough for me. I didn't realise that it hadn't had the registration card returned and so was technically classified as a Non-Registered Magnum, and lettered as such. Anyway I ended up winning it at auction.

It was everything I had always dreamed of. Even though showing a little bit of wear the finish was like nothing I had seen before. The action & timing made my other handguns seem agricultural. It came with a King reflector sight base and red post front sight with a King white outline rear. It had a 6.5 inch barrel and shipped with Magna grips, and they still number to the gun. According to the accompanying letter "... serial number 601xx was shipped from our factory on October 16th, 1939...It is interesting to note that the shipping records and invoice for this revolver list it a Registration no. 5388...".

This post is not about debating what is or is not a "true" Registered Magnum. The point is that I showed the revolver to a friend who collects old holsters and his response was to say that he might have had a holster that would interest me. Did it ever!!! Imagine two friends in Australia, independently and without coordination, one comes across a fine , pre-war .357 with a 6.5" barrel. The other just happens to have a Heiser holster, model 719, retailed by Abercrombie & Fitch, fitted for a 6.5 inch .357 and marked as such. Gives a whole new meaning to the phrase "It's a small world".

Any one else have a happy coincidence they want to share?

scooter123 · #2 10-21-2017, 01:59 AM

One thing about that holster that really dates it is that it was designed so that you can shoot yourself in the leg trying to draw from it. That cutout for accessing the trigger while it's strapped in is a bit of "holy cow, what were they thinking".

As for your revolver, that is also a bit of a "Holy Cow!!, What a Beauty". BTW, here in the US if it has a registration number it's a Registered Magnum even if the original owner didn't send in for the paperwork.

S&WsRsweet · #3 10-21-2017, 04:55 AM

Wow what a nice looking package that is a fine revolver and the holster looks great too congratulations.

stu1ritter · #4 10-21-2017, 06:29 AM

Now that I've caught my breath again, nice combination and exquisite revolver.

Stu

sodacan · #5 10-21-2017, 08:07 AM

What you have is a Registered Magnum that was not "registered" with S&W to get the registration certificate. Non-registered Magnums were the same models that wrere subsequently produced, but certificates we're not available for them. The latter guns are much rarer. I believe only about 1100 them were made. You have a beauty there. Enjoy it.

usm1rifle · #6 10-21-2017, 08:45 AM

What a great gun, great holster, great story and great coincidence. Good for you! There cannot be many of those left in Australia.

Wiregrassguy · #7 10-21-2017, 08:58 AM

What a beauty!

cndrdk · #8 10-21-2017, 09:02 AM

What a great pair. Count my "Like" as 2 likes. One for the revolver and one for the holster.

Doc44 · #9 10-21-2017, 09:06 AM

Your ".357" Magnum is a registered magnum since it has a registration number (5388) stamped in the yoke cut. Most of the Magnums shipped between 1935 and late 1939 or early 1940 were not registered with S&W. The registration certificate was actually a lifetime warranty against defects issued to the purchaser (see wording on certificate shown below). Much the same as registering a product purchased today. Also, if S&W was notified the Magnum was sold to another party, the new owner could request a new certificate be issued in their name.

Bill Cross
Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation

loeman · #10 10-21-2017, 09:10 AM

Congratulations! Great gun and great story. I didn't know about non-registered RMs until your post. Makes one curious as to why the purchaser didn't send for the certificate. Thanks for sharing.

loeman · #11 10-21-2017, 09:15 AM

Well, Bill just answered my question. Very interesting that "most" RMs were not registered. I guess that makes the certificates very rare.

Wiregrassguy · #12 10-21-2017, 09:20 AM

I believe a replica registration certificate is available from the Foundation for someone who wants one to complete a set.

epj · #13 10-21-2017, 09:24 AM

Only in fairly recent years has it became mandatory that holsters cover the trigger in order to be safe. Previously it was believed that you simply didn’t place your finger on the trigger until ready to fire. OTOH, if you do stupid things, you may need all the safety engineering possible built in.

S&W ucla · #14 10-21-2017, 11:15 AM

Great gun there! The King sights are my favorite. You keep good company to have a friend that has vintage holsters on hand!

iPac · #15 10-21-2017, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scooter123

One thing about that holster that really dates it is that it was designed so that you can shoot yourself in the leg trying to draw from it. That cutout for accessing the trigger while it's strapped in is a bit of "holy cow, what were they thinking".

As for your revolver, that is also a bit of a "Holy Cow!!, What a Beauty". BTW, here in the US if it has a registration number it's a Registered Magnum even if the original owner didn't send in for the paperwork.

I actually REALLY like the holsters with cut-outs at the trigger guard like that.

I agree, you could shoot yourself by doing something dumb. On the other hand, it really allows you to grasp and hold, completely in the ready to draw with finger in place. It just feels really comfortable to me.

Although I don't put pressure on the trigger, just keep my finger in place. Pressure comes after it's drawn.

Anyway, that's a great gun and holster OP. Congrats! Going to be some mighty fun shooting down under.

Muley Gil · #16 10-21-2017, 12:44 PM

"One thing about that holster that really dates it is that it was designed so that you can shoot yourself in the leg trying to draw from it. That cutout for accessing the trigger while it's strapped in is a bit of 'holy cow, what were they thinking'."

It wasn't until recent history that covered trigger guards became popular. There are a whole of us that carried sidearms in holsters with exposed triggers and NEVER had an AD.

Just remember: the best safety is between your ears.

S&W ucla · #17 10-21-2017, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Muley Gil

Just remember: the best safety is between your ears.

The ORIGINAL Integral Lock!

MAB93 · #18 10-21-2017, 10:01 PM

As far as the cut-out on the holster goes, I don't have any great experience but I'd guess that at the time there was probably more concern about someone shooting themselves in the leg when re-holstering with their finger on the trigger rather than when drawing.

As for the question of how you might classify the revolver I've always thought if it had REG XXXX stamped in the yoke cut then it was a Registered Magnum. However when the letter from Roy calls it a "...Pre-World War II Non-Registered Variation.." I know who holds the high ground in terms of knowledge and experience.

In any case, exactly what it is called does not worry me much. I'm just happy to have, and experience the use of, an iconic firearm made by S&W at the top of their game.

scooter123 · #19 10-21-2017, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Muley Gil

"One thing about that holster that really dates it is that it was designed so that you can shoot yourself in the leg trying to draw from it. That cutout for accessing the trigger while it's strapped in is a bit of 'holy cow, what were they thinking'."

It wasn't until recent history that covered trigger guards became popular. There are a whole of us that carried sidearms in holsters with exposed triggers and NEVER had an AD.

Just remember: the best safety is between your ears.

Guess I've become so accustomed to Lawyer Proofing that it's a bit of a shock to see a product made before concerns about Litigation came before Convenience. One thing that is Certain is that both that RM and it's Holster are in wonderful condition and quite lovely.

mh51 · #20 10-21-2017, 11:45 PM

Be proud to own it. It would be a long and expensive search to find one better! And the holster is just the icing on the cake!

amazingflapjack · #21 10-22-2017, 12:27 AM

Beautiful rig-well done.