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08-29-2013, 08:50 PM
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Registered Magnum 'Pinto'
Hello All,
I knew as soon as I saw this beauty that it was a once in a lifetime opportunity that I could not let get away. It did not come with a Roy Jinks authentication letter, but the auction house confirmed with him (as have I) that everything about the gun is original except the grips, and that it was shipped in January of 1938. In the mean time, I have requested a letter for my records.
Notice that in addition to the cylinder, the ejector rod, thumb latch, and all pins and screws are also nickel. Also the special checkering on the trigger, hammer and backstrap. The barrel length is 8 3/4", and the sights are extra height front and rear. As for the grips, the gun originally came with Magnas which were replaced at some unknown time. I have conferred with Keith Brown about the current set, and he has no doubt that they are Ropers. Enjoy...
Bill
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Last edited by wlp624; 12-08-2013 at 02:22 PM.
Reason: added more pictures
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08-29-2013, 08:55 PM
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WOW! How lucky are you
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08-29-2013, 08:59 PM
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Absolutely Awe-Inspiring. One of the most beautiful guns I have ever seen. Very Nice pick up. And please share the provenance when the letter arrives and also the info from the historical foundation. AMAZING!!
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04-18-2017, 04:43 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jjbrewst1
Absolutely Awe-Inspiring. One of the most beautiful guns I have ever seen. Very Nice pick up. And please share the provenance when the letter arrives and also the info from the historical foundation. AMAZING!!
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Why write my own comment? I like this one!
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08-29-2013, 09:05 PM
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You already know I like it.....looks great with the Ropers
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08-29-2013, 09:17 PM
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S&W Historian
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Great gun. Too bad about the mismatched stocks. I have a correct pair if you wanna swap and make yours correct!
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Don Mundell
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08-29-2013, 09:15 PM
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Kinda gaudy!
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08-29-2013, 09:18 PM
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08-29-2013, 09:18 PM
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"A thing of beauty is a joy forever". Awesome.
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08-29-2013, 09:22 PM
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Awesome piece. Congratulations, that is top of the line!
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ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ
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08-29-2013, 09:26 PM
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Awesome gun!
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08-29-2013, 09:35 PM
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Very nice......I would guess that I am not the only one on this forum that wondered where that gun ended up.
Semper Fi!
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08-29-2013, 09:41 PM
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Fantastic! I'd call that one king of the two tones.
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08-29-2013, 09:51 PM
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Bill, A very nice and rare gun you have. It also looks to have a taller rear sight than normal. The front sight from the pics looks to be the standard height. Any idea what distance the gun was sighted in from the factory? There are a few RM's that where factory sighted in for long range.
Chad
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08-29-2013, 09:54 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gripper
Bill, A very nice and rare gun you have. It also looks to have a taller rear sight than normal. The front sight from the pics looks to be the standard height. Any idea what distance the gun was sighted in from the factory? There are a few RM's that where factory sighted in for long range.
Chad
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I take the above statement about the front sight back. After studying the pics and looking at a few of my guns, you actually have a set of extended sights. Just another cool feature of your already cool gun.
Chad
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08-29-2013, 10:00 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gripper
I take the above statement about the front sight back. After studying the pics and looking at a few of my guns, you actually have a set of extended sights. Just another cool feature of your already cool gun.
Chad
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Hi Chad,
Thanks, and you are correct, both front and rear sights are extended height, and the auction house description states that the gun was sighted in at 25 yds with magnum ammunition.
Bill
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"We deal in lead, friend."
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08-29-2013, 10:33 PM
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I agree with the "once in a lifetime" assessment. Fantastic piece and wonderful grips. I wonder how many pinto RMs were actually manufactured.
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Miss Buddies crsides & fat tom
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08-29-2013, 11:37 PM
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Sweet, very sweet congrats on a fine acquisition :-)
Mark
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08-30-2013, 12:10 AM
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Beautiful - Thanks for sharing.
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08-30-2013, 12:39 AM
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I was really hoping someone here got it, congratulations on your unique magnum, and thank you very much for sharing!
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Even older, even crankier....
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08-30-2013, 08:42 AM
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A once in a lifetime opportunity, indeed! I would be willing to bet there is no other like it. Absolutely stunning! It looks new and unfired. I can certainly understand why YOU wouldn't want to fire it, but I wonder why the original owner went to all of the trouble of having it made just so, then never firing it. I guess some people just like pretty things to look at, and that certainly qualifies!
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Peter
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08-30-2013, 09:29 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 66Park
It looks new and unfired. I can certainly understand why YOU wouldn't want to fire it, but I wonder why the original owner went to all of the trouble of having it made just so, then never firing it.
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Hi Peter,
It doesn't look to have been fired a lot, but all six chambers show evidence of firing, so at least someone had the pleasure. Right now I'm a little too nervous to do so, but maybe someday...
Bill
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"We deal in lead, friend."
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08-30-2013, 10:41 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wlp624
Hi Peter,
It doesn't look to have been fired a lot, but all six chambers show evidence of firing, so at least someone had the pleasure. Right now I'm a little too nervous to do so, but maybe someday...
Bill
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As all RM's were actually sighted in and not just test fired, any evidence of firing is normal. Even the highest condition guns are not without some sort of cylinder ring or powder burns on all six chambers. I would like to think of the factory sighting as merely a test drive. Once again, very nice!
Chad
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08-30-2013, 10:52 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wlp624
Hi Peter,
It doesn't look to have been fired a lot, but all six chambers show evidence of firing, so at least someone had the pleasure. Right now I'm a little too nervous to do so, but maybe someday...
Bill
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Let us know how it shoots. I love the additional checkering on that gun! Is it an 8 3/8 or an 8 3/4 barrel?
__________________
Peter
S&WCA #2620
Last edited by 66Park; 08-30-2013 at 10:55 AM.
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08-30-2013, 11:15 AM
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Member
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 66Park
Is it an 8 3/8 or an 8 3/4 barrel?
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It's 8 3/4"
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"We deal in lead, friend."
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08-30-2013, 12:05 PM
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One of the most beautiful firearms I have ever seen.
The nickel screws and pins really put it over the top. Congratulations on your purchase!
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08-30-2013, 09:21 AM
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HI
Great gun somewhere I have read that there were less than 5 Pinto,s made.
I have seen pictures of another pinto.
Some body will check in with the information.
Jim
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08-30-2013, 09:34 PM
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Amazing..love the Ropers, really sets it off.
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08-30-2013, 10:47 PM
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Best looking RM I've ever seen on here! I prefer the longer barrels and the pinto style is awesome.
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08-30-2013, 11:18 PM
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What a find. Beautiful gun you should be very proud to own. Brian
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08-31-2013, 12:07 AM
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How does it shoot? I bet the 8 3/4 inch barrel really helps to dampen those 1,510 fps 158 grain Magnum loads.
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08-31-2013, 08:54 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by shawn mccarver
How does it shoot? I bet the 8 3/4 inch barrel really helps to dampen those 1,510 fps 158 grain Magnum loads.
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Step 1. Take to range and zero sights
Step 2. Practice, practice, practice!
Step 3. Find good inside the waistband holster
A. Kydex if possible
B. Make sure barrel does not extend below knee (will make walking difficult)
C. If barrel extends below knee, consider appendix carry (knee will flex with gun in front and might help social life)
Step 4. Practice draw
Step 5. Get new stocks that work with speed loaders (sell Ropers to 66Park)
Step 6. Carry!
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Peter
S&WCA #2620
Last edited by 66Park; 08-31-2013 at 09:02 AM.
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09-02-2013, 03:31 PM
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Banned
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 66Park
Step 1. Take to range and zero sights
Step 2. Practice, practice, practice!
Step 3. Find good inside the waistband holster
A. Kydex if possible
B. Make sure barrel does not extend below knee (will make walking difficult)
C. If barrel extends below knee, consider appendix carry (knee will flex with gun in front and might help social life)
Step 4. Practice draw
Step 5. Get new stocks that work with speed loaders (sell Ropers to 66Park)
Step 6. Carry!
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I have a nice L/H Bianchi holster that would fit it perfectly!
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04-12-2017, 11:30 AM
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Awesome gun. What a treasure!
Quote:
Originally Posted by 66Park
Step 1. Take to range and zero sights
Step 2. Practice, practice, practice!
Etc.
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Joking aside, my Registered Magnum still goes afield with me for hunting from time to time. Have also shot it in some nostalgia events.
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08-31-2013, 09:56 AM
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Very,very neat revolver! I know it cost you a treasure , but it truly is a treasure and they aren't making any more. Thank you very much for sharing and letting the rest of us also enjoy your new addition to your collection. All my very best and thanks again, Joe.
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08-31-2013, 11:25 PM
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That is the nicest RM I have seen to this day. Fantastic.
Congradulations.
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09-01-2013, 05:33 PM
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Had to have my son see your baby.
He likes those Ropers too.
Can you picture the grin ?
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09-02-2013, 01:01 PM
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I just keep coming back to this thread and looking at the pictures again and again. Bill, I'm sure you are so incredibly proud and thrilled to have this RM. It is just amazing - everything about it is stunning. And I just LOVE those Ropers! What a magnificent package! I can only guess what you had to pay for it, but to be able to have that to appreciate and marvel at for the rest of your life has to be worth every penny.
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09-02-2013, 01:05 PM
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Well said Peter well said
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09-02-2013, 02:59 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 66Park
I just keep coming back to this thread and looking at the pictures again and again. Bill, I'm sure you are so incredibly proud and thrilled to have this RM. It is just amazing - everything about it is stunning. And I just LOVE those Ropers! What a magnificent package! I can only guess what you had to pay for it, but to be able to have that to appreciate and marvel at for the rest of your life has to be worth every penny.
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Thank you Peter, I added a few more pictures in a feeble attempt to upgrade my photography. Worth every penny indeed. I didn't go after this gun with any hope of future financial gain, but because it is such a beautiful piece of functioning history, and as most members here know and appreciate, the satisfaction that comes with that is enormous.
Btw, I'm going to do as much research as possible into the provenance of the gun, and since it came without any accessories, I'm searching for some period correct pieces to surround it with. I already have several items, and if anyone has, or knows where I can find, an original RM box (large, type II) that they are willing to sell, please let me know.
Bill
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09-02-2013, 04:22 PM
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Vendor
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Bill, I like this gun more every time I look at the photos, it's a great RM and the grips are just icing on the cake. If you don't mind I'd like to copy all of them for reference. The second to the last photo captures perfectly what I think is the single feature needed to prove a set to be original Ropers. The small rather delicate fingernail sliver of wood wrapped around the edge of the trigger guard is what I'm referring to, sometimes it's chipped or broken away but always there. I've never seen anything even close on any other makers grips. Looking forward to all that your research turns up.
Keith
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09-02-2013, 04:36 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Keith Brown
The second to the last photo captures perfectly what I think is the single feature needed to prove a set to be original Ropers. The small rather delicate fingernail sliver of wood wrapped around the edge of the trigger guard is what I'm referring to, sometimes it's chipped or broken away but always there. I've never seen anything even close on any other makers grips.Keith
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This is why you are the preeminent grip maker of today!! Seeing the small details. Have you attempted this feature on any of your grips?
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09-02-2013, 07:21 PM
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Nice revolver and grips.
I'd like to have a pair of grips like those made for my 586 square butt.
They look to be very comfortable.
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04-11-2017, 11:02 AM
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Just throwing this one back to the top - because it is so nice - the gun and the grips...
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Richard
Engraved S&W fan
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04-11-2017, 07:12 PM
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Thanks Richard
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04-11-2017, 07:34 PM
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How could the owner of a 1938 pinto RM "not" get it
lettered? I am glad you have decided to do so.
It can only add to the beautiful package.
Very cool gun.
Thanks for sharing.
Chuck
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04-12-2017, 10:52 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wlp624
...Notice that in addition to the cylinder, the ejector rod, thumb latch, and all pins and screws are also nickel. Also the special checkering on the trigger, hammer and backstrap...
Bill
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Bill:
I once again have spent some time looking at your photos and I've got to ask - is the nickeled trigger stud that protrudes on the left side under the cylinder domed or smooth with the frame surface? It looks domed to me - very cool. In addition to the pinto-ing I love all of the other special touches - checkered trigger and back strap, but the over the top touches are the nickeled pins and the nickeled small screws in the rear sight - now that is attention to detail.
Did you ever get the historical docs from the SWHF? If so, does it indicate who it went to and what the cost was for the gun?
Thanks again,
__________________
Richard
Engraved S&W fan
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04-18-2017, 04:38 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RKmesa
Bill:
I once again have spent some time looking at your photos and I've got to ask - is the nickeled trigger stud that protrudes on the left side under the cylinder domed or smooth with the frame surface? It looks domed to me - very cool. In addition to the pinto-ing I love all of the other special touches - checkered trigger and back strap, but the over the top touches are the nickeled pins and the nickeled small screws in the rear sight - now that is attention to detail.
Did you ever get the historical docs from the SWHF? If so, does it indicate who it went to and what the cost was for the gun?
Thanks again,
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Hello Richard,
Many thanks for the renewed interest in this very special gun. I proudly exhibited it at last year's SWCA Symposium in Baton Rouge and have posted two photos of the display below.
In addition to the Roy Jinks letter of authenticity, I have received all available documentation from the S&W Historical foundation, including the hand written order form taken over the phone, a hand written memo directly from Col. D.B. Wesson concerning custom sights, and shipping/receiving paperwork from Iver Johnson Sporting Goods in Boston. As you can see from these papers, the gun was initially ordered on Dec. 10th, 1937 by Fred B. Collins of Wayland, Mass., and shipped on Jan. 28th, 1938. It sold for $60 and was highly customized, including not only the nickeled cylinder, ejector rod, thumb piece and pins, studs and screws, but also a fine, custom checkering pattern, provided by the purchaser, on both front and back straps, hammer, trigger and top of barrel and rear sight mount. The extra height McGivern sights and test firing criteria are described in several of the documents below. I was able to obtain an original advertising flyer for the new S. & W. "357" Magnum Revolver, also pictured below.
In researching the original owner, Fred B. Collins of Wayland, Mass., I found that he was married and owned a small clothing store in 1937. Shortly before WWII, however, he and his wife apparently moved to Canada, where I could find no further information about him or the gun. I am given to understand that it surfaced at auction a half century later and was in the hands of private collector(s) until I purchased it at auction several years ago.
According to Mr. Jinks' letter, it left the factory wearing magna stocks, otherwise exactly as it shows today. I paired the display with a period correct box and S.A.T. along with two boxes of correct ammunition from 1937/38. I sent the gun and a pair of original grip medallions to world renowned custom stock maker Keith Brown and had a set of magnas fitted which give the gun its original look. The photo also shows the hand carved stocks which came with the gun when I bought it.
I hope this proves to be interesting reading, and please let me know if I can answer any more questions.
Almost forgot. Yes Richard, the nickle plated trigger stud you asked about is indeed domed.
Bill
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"We deal in lead, friend."
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04-19-2017, 09:18 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wlp624
...I hope this proves to be interesting reading...
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Very interesting! Thanks for taking the time to share the story of that beauty with the rest of us.
All the best,
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Richard
Engraved S&W fan
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04-12-2017, 11:12 AM
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Totally missed this thread first time around..........................
Not my taste.... never understood Pinto's....... but congrats to the OP a great find!!!
I would never have guessed there were Pinto RMs...... I saw a reference in a post above to only 5 made ........is that confirmed ???????
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