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04-01-2020, 08:38 AM
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S&W Etherium revolver aired out today
As some of you know, a number of years ago I came into possession of a rare prototype S&W revolver - the legendary "Etherium" model. It so happens that I obtained it on an April 1.
It was a dead-end experiment. The metal molecules were actually infused with helium, which made this revolver the lightest revolver ever made - so light, in fact, that it was actually lighter than air.
Because of its rarity, I only take it out once a year on April 1. I have to be very careful not to let it escape when I let go of it - precisely the reason that S&W decided not to release it generally to the public.
At any rate, here is a picture of it, hanging in mid-air. I thought you might be interested in this pic of what may be the very rarest of all S&W products.
John
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04-01-2020, 08:41 AM
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That's a gas, man...
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Pisgah
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04-01-2020, 08:51 AM
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Definitely should have a lanyard ring......
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04-01-2020, 08:54 AM
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That would be the ticket for an upside down shoulder holster. No retention needed.
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04-01-2020, 09:03 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by handejector
Definitely should have a lanyard ring......
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Actually it does - hard to see in the picture, but it's incorporated into the heel of the butt!
John
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04-01-2020, 09:14 AM
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That is how light a Model 340PD Airlite FEELS when you are shooting 357. I am not smart enough to do the floating trick though. Happy April1st.
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04-01-2020, 09:27 AM
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Would a full load of 158 gr bullets even it out, so you could set it down, and it'll still be there when you need it? Maybe you load it with 125's and it floats at hip height. Empty requires the lanyard. Makes perfect sense to me.
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04-01-2020, 09:37 AM
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What caliber. 38 magnum or 357 special.
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04-01-2020, 09:39 AM
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Need a bit of humor during these times good old April 1.
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04-01-2020, 09:39 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PALADIN85020
As some of you know, a number of years ago I came into possession of a rare prototype S&W revolver - the legendary "Etherium" model. It so happens that I obtained it on an April 1.
It was a dead-end experiment. The metal molecules were actually infused with helium, which made this revolver the lightest revolver ever made - so light, in fact, that it was actually lighter than air.
Because of its rarity, I only take it out once a year on April 1. I have to be very careful not to let it escape when I let go of it - precisely the reason that S&W decided not to release it generally to the public.
At any rate, here is a picture of it, hanging in mid-air. I thought you might be interested in this pic of what may be the very rarest of all S&W products.
John
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A beautiful example but mine is not only lighter but invisible.
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04-01-2020, 09:50 AM
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bravo... but no range report?
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04-01-2020, 09:52 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bobbysixkiller
What caliber. 38 magnum or 357 special.
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Actually, it's in .22LR caliber. Anything larger would have stressed the frame too much. Nobody likes a frangible gun.
John
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04-01-2020, 10:03 AM
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Glad I have my boots on Floor is a little messy. Lol
Good humor always helps I times like this
Good on you PALADIN
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04-01-2020, 10:36 AM
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Will it shoot +p+?
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04-01-2020, 11:09 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by handejector
Definitely should have a lanyard ring......
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Nah, a gust of wind might get that gun and you would blow away hanging by the lanyard. 
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04-01-2020, 11:23 AM
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Great idea. Don't have to worry about dropping it.
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04-01-2020, 11:24 AM
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>>.22LR caliber
So I suppose the trigger is still 15 lbs?
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04-01-2020, 11:38 AM
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A negative weight .22 RF with Stingers in it would probably have pretty stout recoil!
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04-01-2020, 12:01 PM
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I recollect you told us about this gun before. Could have been around a year ago but maybe not. Could be two years.....
But when I asked my LGS about it they said they only thing they had like that was an Etherium prototype rifle that one of their gunsmiths made. I asked to see it and he showed me where it was up high on the ceiling where they couldn't reach. They forgot that they loaded it and the Etherium cartridges ruined its balance and it floated up there.
Stuff happens. We all understand..............
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04-01-2020, 12:03 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gnystrom
A beautiful example but mine is not only lighter but invisible.
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Do you carry concealed or open carry?
(I HAD to do it. I couldn't resist. I'm sorry....)
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04-01-2020, 01:12 PM
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If there's an engraver with chisels tough enough to cut Etherium we know who's going to be posting photos of their latest acquisition.
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04-01-2020, 01:42 PM
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It will be #102 in The Classic Firearms Book, Second Edition. Truly a unique engineering accomplishment.
A great post.
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04-01-2020, 01:51 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PALADIN85020
As some of you know, a number of years ago I came into possession of a rare prototype S&W revolver - the legendary "Etherium" model. It so happens that I obtained it on an April 1.
It was a dead-end experiment. The metal molecules were actually infused with helium, which made this revolver the lightest revolver ever made - so light, in fact, that it was actually lighter than air.
Because of its rarity, I only take it out once a year on April 1. I have to be very careful not to let it escape when I let go of it - precisely the reason that S&W decided not to release it generally to the public.
At any rate, here is a picture of it, hanging in mid-air. I thought you might be interested in this pic of what may be the very rarest of all S&W products.
John
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And a very rare invisible man shooting it. Being the gun is so light, it recoils with a bunch of muzzle flip.
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04-01-2020, 02:11 PM
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Before model numbers that revolver was called the Hindenburg because it was lighter than air. I passed one up in a pawn shop because I was an air head. Later I found one. I no longer have it because I let go of it.
Last edited by Bajadoc; 04-01-2020 at 03:45 PM.
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04-01-2020, 02:12 PM
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It's great you have one of these.
Most of the first production run are floating around in the upper atmosphere because people let go of them.
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04-01-2020, 02:20 PM
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Is it an Air Soft S&W copy?
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04-01-2020, 03:52 PM
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Well done...Made My Day.
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04-01-2020, 06:09 PM
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OP, you're crazy. I never take mine outside without a holster. Only shoot it on indoor range. It gets transported to the car in a level 3 retention holster. It stays down fairly well if I use 158g bullets, but when you dump the empty brass, look out !
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04-01-2020, 10:13 PM
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Thats the 10shot 357 right?
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04-01-2020, 10:37 PM
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In some localities the penalty for brandishing a gun can be extreme.
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Have Fun/Stay Safe
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04-02-2020, 12:08 AM
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You could tie it on a string like a balloon
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04-02-2020, 08:29 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bajadoc
Before model numbers that revolver was called the Hindenburg because it was lighter than air. I passed one up in a pawn shop because I was an air head. Later I found one. I no longer have it because I let go of it.
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It's probably a good thing that you let go of it, I heard that production stopped due to one of them exploding.
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VCDL, GOA, NRA
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04-02-2020, 01:19 PM
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I know it's chambered for .22LR, but is it +P+ rated (This is the must-ask question)?
Kaaskop49
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