I just picked up this magnificent beast from my dealer:





It's an RG in .44 Magnum! I had been searching Gunbroker for a S&W Model 57 (in .41 Magnum) with an 8-3/8 barrel and came across this. I had no idea they made such a thing and when I saw it, I had to have it. Oddly I was the only bidder.

I remember back in the day when RGs were being sold, that it was said that it stood for "Rotten Gun". I had seen the ubiquitous shabby .22s, and a number of equally nasty .38s but had no idea that they had stepped up to .44 Mag level. After taking a look at it, it's actually surprisingly well made (considering). The seller said that he had shot about 60 factory loads through it but I guess he's braver than I am. Even though it looks pretty good I think I'll stick to .44 Special when and if I ever get around to firing it.

Oh, and the serial number is 10000. A collector's item!

Happy new year, and back to the hunt for a long tube S&W Model 57.