IDEA: Distributor-Like Revolver Group Buy???

[StickShift]

I recently emailed TALO asking how they create distribute exclusives and received a similarly quick response from Mr. Coyle. I think the most likely to succeed option would be starting as a distributor exclusive that we can piggyback on. That would give their stocking dealers to sell and might give us the volume necessary to swing a smaller run of custom serial number guns.

I, for one, would buy a Model 65LS or 3" Model 66 with little hesitation.

 

[TAROMAN]

While the idea sounds neat, I cannot imagine 500 of us agreeing on anything, let alone a single gun.

As long as we're dreaming, I would like to see an updated Model 12 with a 3" barrel and scandium frame.

 

[Jim Watson]

Put me down as a Possible.

I don't know how Special a special order they would fill.
Are we talking a reissue of something like a M&P Target?
Or parts bin engineering, a collation of available features, just not one in the current catalog?

I would not be interested in a 3" L or N frame, that big a gun ought to be a 5" to give it some exclusivity and decent balance and ballistics.

A 3" M19 RB would be nice.

 

[Nico Testosteros]

I will be keeping my eye on this. I think it's a great idea and I'm interested. It's interesting to see the overwhelming interest in a 3" barrel.

 

[rog8732]

Interesting idea. Perhaps a member or two, in addition to the union member who chimed in, could relate how his particular outfit bought some of their special runs.

For instance, I read the Oklahoma state police has an approximate 900 troop base, but, they do have at least one special run firearm.

I have never known quite how these special runs are put together and paid for, so some of our LEO guys might know how the deal was put together.

As for a "bring back, or reissue" of some of the favorites mentioned here, I for one would not like the idea of everyone being able to step down the street and buy a NEW revolver that I searched for years to find.

I know it sounds a bit selfish, but I like to think that the scarce item I searched out and paid premium for, can not be had by just whipping out a card and ordering one.

The idea of a run of specialty revolvers, never seen before, and not to be duplicated is appealing, and of course opens another can of worms. Will S&W, or Talo grant us an exclusive order, not to be repeated ?

Well, perhaps I'm thinking too much. One free "pick-of-the-litter" revolver to the organizer may be a little "light" for payment.

 

[klausinak]

While the idea sounds neat, I cannot imagine 500 of us agreeing on anything, let alone a single gun.

^^^^This is what I see as the major stumbling block; that & the lock. I'm interested, and even more interested in watching how this plays out.

-Klaus

 

[Usmc5811]

You know I haven't been on here long, but I hope that everyone knows they are not going to get exactly what they want ( but I would hope that we can work something out that we can all agree with We will have to make some sacrifices. But how great would it be to have a run of a certain revolver that is exclusive to members of this awesome site? We will all just vote on the polls mentioned above, and if you don't get exactly what you want suck it up. You would be purchasing the first in hopefully a line of firearms for this forum. Maybe starting a new collection line.

 

[younggun22]

This is a great idea but I think some aspects are un realistic. (Hammer mounted firing pin, forged parts, old school blue, an accetable set of grips) as far as grips go I would settle for ahrends

I would be in for a K or N

3in
Fixed/adj sight
.357 (k frame)
.357, .41, .44spc, .45ACP, 45colt cut for moon clips (.45acp) (n frame)

Tapered non full lug barrel

Probably stainless

 

[Irn-Bru]

The only way I could see this working is by taking a deposit of say $100 from each member who wants in. Then we set a poll where only members with a valid deposit can vote on the gun selection. Here's the kicker. Even if the gun you voted for doesn't win, you still have to buy whatever choice gets the most votes. If you back out you lose your $100.

 

[BScott2231]

Please remember my screen name. I would definitely be interested. Would prefer a 3" barrel, but K, L, N frame all work for me as long as it is at least a 38/357 model.

Sounds like a good idea!
3" in K,L,N / 357 an up / "SWF" markings of some kind a must, serial number and prefix probably the easiest.

I am guessing these will be PC builds?
PC tuned at least?

I will look for the polling.

Excellent idea!

 

[Tom_R]

There are some necessary steps that need to happen here.

1. Whoever runs this needs to understand all of the build options available:
- frame size
- finish options
- butt type
- grip options
- caliber
- capacity
- site options

2. Based off of those options, we have to put to a specific set of requirements, for example:
3" round butt model 66 with Ahrends grips...
Or
3" 586 with 7 shot capacity, altamont grips...

It will definitely be a challenge. But things worthwhile aren't always easy.

But there are a lot of moving pieces to work through.

3. I think the key is having something that is realistic to build and not pie in the sky, yet something you don't find every day.

To me a 3" or a 5" 357 magnum screams uncommon, yet wanted.

 

[sndbggr1484]

Group Buy

Great idea as long as you aren't from California! This leaves all of us out.

 

[HarrishMasher]

You know I haven't been on here long, but I hope that everyone knows they are not going to get exactly what they want ( but I would hope that we can work something out that we can all agree with We will have to make some sacrifices. But how great would it be to have a run of a certain revolver that is exclusive to members of this awesome site? We will all just vote on the polls mentioned above, and if you don't get exactly what you want suck it up. You would be purchasing the first in hopefully a line of firearms for this forum. Maybe starting a new collection line.

This is the exact mentality that will be required for this to be successful.

 

[shawn mccarver]

My vote would go to something that looks like a classic S&W revolver, not a slab-sided abomination like we see these days.

Without giving this too much thought, here are three ideas:

Duplicate the NIS/FBI revolver, a 4 inch round butt 19.

Duplicate the RM, including the barrel having a set back front sight so it looks like the original. The 3 1/2 inch or 5 inch with ramp front sight seems the obvious choice.

A 3 inch round butt K frame, such as a Model 19.

 

[shell627]

It sounds like a great idea.But we all have different ideas what it should be.Since we are all also grownups we should be able to come to a consensus. Saying that how about in N frame a 3 1/2 inch 627.Or a 3 inch lightweight 625 in 45 colt that is also cut for 45acp and moon clips.In k frame a 3 inch 65 like the ladysmith would be great.Oh yeah it goes without saying no lock.

 

[birdshooter]

I would be interested. Especially in a 3" K Frame but certainly open to many options.

 

[Continental Op]

I'd go for a 65 Ladysmith with an XS Standard Dot sight and...

...wait for it...

...a Centennial-style enclosed hammer!

They did it with a .44 L-frame, didn't they?

 

[Chipmunk6]

Hmmm, something unique...
Stainless steel version of the 296 with single action
capability in a K frame package.
Chipmunk6

 

[qballwill]

I kind of like the idea of having to pay $100 up front to vote in the polls, it would keep the people out that aren't really interested in buying and just want to play. Those votes would effect the outcome and the actual buyers could end up with a gun that was partially chosen by those who just wanted to give an opinion and not lay down cash.

 

[Herknav]

I'm in. One of the first things to find out from S&W is if all 500 units have to be the same. If S&W will do a RB K frame, 3" barrel, adj sights, no lock, wood combat grips and in either SST or steel (blue) and either 41 Mag, 44 Mag or 45 ACP, the door comes open for a lot more takers. Some folks for more than one. I know there can't be total flexibility but I'll bet there could be some.
At probably $800 a pop, 500 units works out to $400,000. That's a strong incentive.

Huh? You lost me between "K-frame" and .41, .44, or .45. Did you mean to type N-frame, or are you thinking way outside the box?