Pre-War 357 Magnum Appreciation Thread

[Sgt 127]

Looking at the grip uneven grip wear, I am thinking the Deputy was a lefty.

Actually, the wear is even on both sides. It was much discussed when I first showed this gun off. It's possible that both grips were sanded down to help preserve some skin on the shooters hands. Who knows. I know it got the crap carried out of it since 1936....

 

[Jim_O]

Jim,

Would it be possible to post a scan or a picture of the Groff certificate?

Thanks,
Kevin Williams

Unfortunately (for me), this RM, case and RM certificate are in the hands of Amoskeag for their March auction, so I won't be able to post it.

Jim

 

[kwill1911]

Jim,

Thanks for the follow up. Do you happen to know the lot number?

Thanks,
Kevin

 

[Jim_O]

Jim,

Thanks for the follow up. Do you happen to know the lot number?

Thanks,
Kevin

No. They haven't started doing that catalog yet. I'll also have my McGivern K22, K38, one Colt and 3 H&R's in it (all McGivern's). Breaks my heart, but necessary.

Keep an eye on their website if you are interested.

Jim

 

[RKmesa]

Pre-war Non RM - May 1940

Updating the thread with a factory refinished Non RM shipped to Boston MA:

 

[RKmesa]

1st Year RM 3.5"

 

[RKmesa]

One More...

Latest 8.75" - RM 4405:

 

[JayCeeNC]

Gorgeous long-barrel RM, Richard. You've got quite a collection.

 

[RKmesa]

Update for Factory 6.5" Nickel Non Reg 357

Shipped in July 1940:

Would love to see any new ones that you may have.

 

[dacoontz]

Richard,
Any chance you could show us or tell us what is stamped on the inside of the barrel lug under the extractor and or under the grips, if you happen to have the cylinder open or grips off. I don't blame you if you want to just leave it be, if it were mine I would likely hardly touch it. It's so nice I would be afraid to do anything but simply admire it. From and educational standpoint, I would like to know how the factory marked this particular gun from this period. Thanks for the pics, it's a beauty.

 

[RKmesa]

Richard,
Any chance you could show us or tell us what is stamped on the inside of the barrel lug under the extractor and or under the grips, if you happen to have the cylinder open or grips off. I don't blame you if you want to just leave it be, if it were mine I would likely hardly touch it. It's so nice I would be afraid to do anything but simply admire it. From and educational standpoint, I would like to know how the factory marked this particular gun from this period. Thanks for the pics, it's a beauty.

The gun looks a bit nicer in the photos than in person and the KB stocks help a ton. Here are a couple of photos...

and a copy of the letter from Roy:

 

[dacoontz]

Thanks Richard, that's perfect.

 

[WoodSmith]

RM 989

 

[calmex]

My old clunker...

Hmmm, my old clunker doesn't shine quite so nice as many of the nice examples pictured in this thread, in fact, it's rather weary and weathered. However, it does have a nice history and was passed directly to me from the original owner. Also, it has the distinction of being a Pre-war style Magnum that may have been actually put together during the war. It was certainly shipped after the U.S. entry into the war. A more complete story on it may be found, for those who have not read it yet, under the thread:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-ha...47-penultimate-pre-postwar-magnum-mexico.html
I am certainly happy to have it. About the only way I could have afforded to have something like this was if it was given to me (which it was)...but having it keeps me from needing to sell my soul to get one.

 

[RKmesa]

A more complete story on it may be found, for those who have not read it yet, under the thread:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-ha...47-penultimate-pre-postwar-magnum-mexico.html

Calmex - that thread on your gun has always been one of my favorites. I have followed it from the start and always read the latest installment with pleasure. I'm glad to see that your letter finally made it into your hands.

Happy New Year!

 

[calmex]

Calmex - that thread on your gun has always been one of my favorites. I have followed it from the start and always read the latest installment with pleasure. I'm glad to see that your letter finally made it into your hands.

Happy New Year!

Thank you, RK. Just for you, I'll go add something right now.

 

[long colt frazier]

Here is one of my RM shipped to Frank Baughman FBI this was the 3rd gun equipped with the buaghman front sight.Notice the hammer and grip that has been adapted by a previous owner.

 

[RKmesa]

LCF:

The modification to your RM hammer looks an awful lot like the modification this Walsh RM? I have seen photos of several RM's with the hammer modification like yours.

 

[Nedroe]

RM 4752.....

Went to the Evansville Board of Public Works & Safety, in May of '39, part of a 13 gun shipment. Shipped with a 4" barrel & magna's, was sent back & re-barelled as a 5" in '42.

Ned

 

[bettis1]

LCF:

The modification to your RM hammer looks an awful lot like the modification this Walsh RM? I have seen photos of several RM's with the hammer modification like yours.

Richard,

That is a great picture of Agent Walsh with his RM. There also appears to be a distinct similarity of his gun with the Utah HP gun that Saxon Pig has pictured several times.

There are at least two explanations of why so many of these guns seem to have this modification. 1)Many users came to the same conclusion that it served their purpose to either modify them or have some gunsmith do it. 2) Many users dropped their gun and broke the spur off the hammer. I would discount the latter possibility because the modifications seem to be concentrated in a particular type of handgun (i.e. one used for defensive purposes) and it is hard to imagine that someone who depended upon their firearm to protect themselves would be that careless..

There are numerous examples of hammer spurs being modified to satisfy the users needs. Here is another LEO owned RM that has a different spur.

Bob