Pre-War 357 Magnum Appreciation Thread

[Hammerdown]

Originally Posted by 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.

Hello long colt frazier
That's a neat looking R.M. I have to wonder why it was the Third gun equipped with his sight design as it was he that submitted that design to S&W through sketch drawings that they still use today ? Regards, Hammerdown

[long colt frazier]

Originally Posted by Hammerdown

Hello long colt frazier
That's a neat looking R.M. I have to wonder why it was the Third gun equipped with his sight design as it was he that submitted that design to S&W through sketch drawings that they still use today ? Regards, Hammerdown

Hammerdown that info was according to Mr. Roys letter. This gun was in a shipment for two that Mr. Baughman ordered.
I'll dig out the letter and scan and post soon.
Mark

[Hammerdown]

Originally Posted by long colt frazier

Hammerdown that info was according to Mr. Roys letter. This gun was in a shipment for two that Mr. Baughman ordered.
I'll dig out the letter and scan and post soon.
Mark

Hello Mark
Now, that Makes Perfect sense. Evidently MR. Baughman ordered Three Registered Magnums all at the same time. I could not figure out why S&W would be shipping "a third gun" being equipped with a Sight MR Baughman had designed and submitted to them, to anyone else asking for one prior to him getting the First one. The Baughman designed sight has to be the most common sight blade S&W sold after it's release...

[long colt frazier]

Originally Posted by Hammerdown

Hello Mark
Now, that Makes Perfect sense. Evidently MR. Baughman ordered Three Registered Magnums all at the same time. I could not figure out why S&W would be shipping "a third gun" being equipped with a Sight MR Baughman had designed and submitted to them, to anyone else asking for one prior to him getting the First one. The Baughman designed sight has to be the most common sight blade S&W sold after it's release...

Yes that was the way I understood the letter.
Off topic : Due to your post on the k frame conversion to 327 mag. I have purchased a 16-4 and will send the cylinder to HB when it gets here.
Thanks,
Mark

[S.B.]

Darn, was hoping the owner of a certain Registered Magnum would have posted here? He had documented it as having belonged to a Col. belonging to the New York Explorers Club and having been taken all over the world on hunting trips. He did a great deal of documentation and had papers to prove it. It was a great post! Reread it many times.
Steve

[bettis1]

Steve,
I believe that the collector that you are referring to has moved on from collecting Registered Magnums to classic double rifles and elephant hunting. I think I recall seeing that particular Magnum on a dealers table some time ago but I have no knowledge of its current whereabouts.

You are correct; it was a very interesting and well documented piece.

Bob

[S.B.]

Thanks Bob. I've often done a search and wondered if I put in the right info to get results?
Steve

[Mack]

Any other Mississippi Highway Patrols out there?

[DWFAN]

Bob, he did go on his safari and I believe he brought the Coronals rifle with him. Thanks for reminding me to call him. We haven't had lunch in awhile.
DW

[bettis1]

Paul,

Invite him back to the Forum. We old timers miss his contributions. Hope he will return to the Tulsa show or others sometime.

Bob

[JSW]

I had forgot about this thread. Here is another 357 I picked up since my first post (page 4).



This one shipped in December 1939 to an investigator in the Virginia ABC. It has a 5-Inch barrel with gold Call front sight, plain square notch rear, standard hammer and Magna grips. It was also originally ordered with an extra pair of stag grips but they are long gone.

[RKmesa]

Pre-war 8.375" Non RM with HBH:



I posted this in the 61-80 section and thought that I should also post it here in the pre-war area of the forum for all of you ladies and gents that never venture into the more modern area of the forum...

Enjoy,

[Texas Star]

Originally Posted by bettis1

Michael,
Remember that Reg. # 10 was sent to Shasha A Siemel, a noted big game hunter from South America. I'd bet a bunch that is the "Sasha" that Wesson was referring to, especially since the comment about killing two "tigres" (the Spanish word for tiger).

Perhaps it was D. B.'s way of sticking the needle in Smith and telling him that "this guy bets his life on these guns and you can't even punch a hole in paper without complaining".

Bob

Sasha Siemel was a Latvian (maybe Estonian; I think Latvia) who emigrated to Brazil. "Tigre" is indeed the Spanish word for tiger, usually misapplied to the jaguar. It is also the Portuguese word, that being the language of Brazil, a former Portuguese possession.

I've read a couple of books by Siemel and one about him by a British admirer. He was a remarkable man.

Besides the .357, he was presented a .44 Magnum when those came out. He additionally carried unidentified types of S&W .44's, probably Second Model Hand Ejectors. His holster in one photo suggests a 6.5-inch barrel.

[RKmesa]

We have not had many posting of RM's lately, so I thought that I'd update this thread.

Here is RM 2394 - 8.375" barrel (one of an estimated 38 in this barrel length), King Red Post Reflector Ramp Front Sight, with some KB custom stocks. I believe that this is the only barrel length that was not in 1/4th inch increments. It left the factory in May 1937 and was delivered to a Dr. A. A. Thomas in Indianapolis, IN. Obviously set up for target shooting, it was sighted in "at 20 yards with .38 Special mid-range ammunition using a 6 o'clock hold." The factory letter goes on to say that "when it was completed [it] was sent to Mr. Roper to fit a pair of Roper stocks to the revolver."





Enjoy,

[Shooting4life]

Here is my RM with 6.5 inch barrel. Reg #3671 shipped in 1938 with gold beed front sight. It also has roper grips. It is probably the most common configuration but it is mine.


And with a beat up piece of blue and red card board.

[28Shooter]

Beautiful guns guys! Congratulations to all who are fortunate enough to own one.

[bob1956]

When I see those small S&W logo's and those single line addresses. I start to drool. Sorry but its my only addiction i'm allowed to have!!

[jerry 1947]

Elmer keith and Ed McGivern could hit targets at 600 yards with both the 7 and 8 .75 inch barrels. i have McGiverns fast and fancy revolver shooting.its still in print.i got mine at barnes and noble.man does it go into detail about the amazing 357 magnum.great pics btw

[RKmesa]

Originally Posted by Marvin Gardens

Are you going to leave the current stocks on it or start a quest for an original set of period correct Ropers?



Regards.

Bob

Bob:

I have another set of Original thumb-rest N-Frame Ropers, like the ones on this 38/44 O/D:



They would look great on the 8.375" RM.

I also have several sets of KB thumb-rest Ropers that would also look great. BUT, in keeping with the beautiful grain on the magnas that I have on the 8.375" RM, I think that these are the KB Ropers that will be mated with the gun:







They are some of the finest stocks that I have ever seen. The craftsmanship is exceptional and the wood...what can I say - it is spectacular.

[OIF2]

I'll help out...this one has been in here before, but I took a few new pix. It's a non-reg from 1940, shipped to Seattle in March. 6.5" barrel, King mirrored front sight and a hump-backed hammer complete the package. It's fitted with a set of KB Ropers...the original magnas are long-gone. It was beautifully redone a few years back by Gene Williams, when he was still doing S&Ws.
Bob

[Chaosrob]

There are a lot of blessed people in these posts. It is nice to see people who have used the fruits of their labor to purchase and protect some beautiful firearms with great history.

[ditrina]

I'll add mine to the pile.. RM # 379 shipped August 27th 1935.

[boykinlp]

All of you folks are displaying some of the finest guns I have ever seen in this thread. One day I hope to be fortunate enough to own one. Thanks for sharing.

[bmg60]

Hi
Here is one of 29 made it was owned by John Nunn of the Texas HP was shipped to him in 1938. John was the longest seated Sheriff in Texas 22 Years. John was very Careful with
this Revolver as it is still in 98% condition he used this for special events.
Jim Fisher

[Chaosrob]

Originally Posted by ditrina

I'll add mine to the pile.. RM # 379 shipped August 27th 1935.

Perfection. Wow!

[RKmesa]

I thought that this may be useful. Fun reading nonetheless.

















BTW: I'm still looking for an original Type I Brochure (it has the service grips and the grip adapter in the full gun photo on the first page). I have a scan, but I'm hopeful that someone has an extra one that they would not mind relocating to my collection in exchange for some "collectible/negotiable prints of dead presidents".

Enjoy,

[gunfish]

A well used KCPD magnum. The first one I bought. Note the post war rear sight. Some one also filed on the top of the hammer.


New Hampshire SP. refinished by S&W.


4.5 inch barrel. Bought at a gun show after lots of people looked at it and passed it by.

[rbswede]

Here is Reg. 1577 it was sent to Von Lengerke & Antoine Co. Chicago Il. 11-5-1936 it was shipped with a second Reg. 1578 both with 5" bbl. Call gold bead front and square notch rear, blue finish and magna grips. This is the way I bought it with the ivory grips and a re-blue job.I do shoot this from time to time and it is one of the smoothest actions I have shot. Some day it need to get a letter sent off to the Historical foundation and find out if any other info. is out there. I find it very interesting that back to back Reg. in the same configuration were sent to VL&A.

Thanks Rusty

[Nedroe]

Just got the cylinder back from David Chicoine Jr. It had the awful plum color applied to it by the dept. armorer at one time I think it looks pretty fine again now.





Ned

[Twogunnes]

Impressive!!!

[jjbrewst1]

Originally Posted by RKmesa

Reliving an Old thread..But this might be the nicest RM I have ever SEEN...Wow, Richard you have some amazing RM's

[WCCPHD]

Since this thread was started before I got my RM, I will re-post some photos of it. It is not perfect but it is unmolested and most importantly its mine.

[lowhog]

Here is my new one. Reg # 3763 Shipped May 24 1938 McGivern Front sight, King 111 rear, Humpback Hammer.user161818_pic10935_1385643061.jpg

user161818_pic10936_1385643061.jpg

[DGT]

KCRM #5004

[S.B.]

By chance, does anyone remember the Registered Magnum that was owned by a member of the N.Y. Explorers Club. The owner had done tons of research and posted all kinds of documentation with a lot of photos, years back?
Steve

[Wyo]

I had forgotten this thread but I'll join in. Here's No. 1070 shipped May 1936 to the Jackson Hole Hardware Co., Jackson, WY.



This is the original owner, W.C. "Slim" Lawrence, in a contemporary photo. He was a ranch hand, cowboy, dude wrangler and firearms fancier. I can't prove it, but I think the RM is hanging in the holster between the two rifles to his left.

[lowhog]

Originally Posted by Wyo

I had forgotten this thread but I'll join in. Here's No. 1070 shipped May 1936 to the Jackson Hole Hardware Co., Jackson, WY.



This is the original owner, W.C. "Slim" Lawrence, in a contemporary photo. He was a ranch hand, cowboy, dude wrangler and firearms fancier. I can't prove it, but I think the RM is hanging in the holster between the two rifles to his left.

Being a ranch hand he must of saved long and hard to buy a rm.

[Wyo]

Originally Posted by lowhog

Being a ranch hand he must of saved long and hard to buy a rm.

I wondered about that myself. I spent some time visiting with an old fella that had been friends with Slim back before the war. This guy had a RM too. He carried it during WWII and told me it still hangs on the wall in his living room. He was close to 90 at the time and the way he got his gun and what he did with it is a whole 'nother story. Anyway, I asked him how Slim could afford such a revolver back then. He told me the RM's were well known in the Jackson area at the time and that they "were sort of like the iPod - everyone had to have one." Bottom line, these were gun guys, and they would eat hardtack for a few months if that was what it took to get what they wanted. Kind of like some of us still do today!

[kwill1911]

Originally Posted by S.B.

By chance, does anyone remember the Registered Magnum that was owned by a member of the N.Y. Explorers Club. The owner had done tons of research and posted all kinds of documentation with a lot of photos, years back?
Steve

Yes, that was Capt. Morden's 3.5 inch RM. It wound up with Ray Cheely and David Carroll sold it a year or so ago.

Regards,
Kevin Williams

[S.B.]

Kwill1911, are you certain or could it of been Marden? Anyway, original poster of this did great research work and had a ton of information both about the gun and the man.
Steve

[1blindref]

After the last couples of days, I'm sure everyone is sick of seeing these two. At least I haven't posted this picture yet

RM #3270 with a 4.5" barrel on the left. RM #274 with a 4" barrel on the right.

[calmex]

I can't top that, but I have this photo -- previously posted sometime ago -- of an R.M. that came to visit my N.R.M. one nice Saturday afternoon last year.



It's a 4-incher as opposed to my 5 incher. It's the only time I've had two Pre-war's together here in the house. There is another 3.5 incher out there we are trolling for, but it's not a sure thing.

[lowhog]

Originally Posted by 1blindref

After the last couples of days, I'm sure everyone is sick of seeing these two. At least I haven't posted this picture yet

RM #3270 with a 4.5" barrel on the left. RM #274 with a 4" barrel on the right.

I never get sick looking at pre war n frames.

[Hammerdown]

Originally Posted by ditrina

I'll add mine to the pile.. RM # 379 shipped August 27th 1935.

Hello ditrina
Was your RM retured to S&W for that Baughman sight or was it sent to King for it ? If I am Not Mistaken they did not have the Baughman sight offering until Federal Agen Frank Baughman sent in his mechainical drawing for it a Year or Two after they came out with the R.M. Have you checked the S&WHF for any record's on this Gun ? The reason I ask is my Gun shipped in December 1935 and there was discussion between the Buyer and S&W back then through a latter that Charles Bowen wrote to them at what sight they would recommend ? Their response was a Partidge sight and that is what mine got that has a 3-1/2" Barrel. I kind of like the Patridge sight blade it show's up well when shooting Targets for me. Regards, Hammerdown

[keith44spl]

Well now Boys,












.

[Pre-29Smith]

My first two RM's. These two are out of the Ray Cheely collection, so I am sure many of you have seen them recently. I apologize in advance for the bad photos. I'm both a bit nervous and giddy with these, so please excuse!

RM 648 - 6 1/2" barrel, white outline, King reflector, box
RM 2937 - 6" barrel, grip adapter, certificate

[tombstonegunsmith]

My one and only............. RM #220

[lowhog]

Call bead front sight. Serial number 58425. Registration number 4559.Sent in a request for Factory letter.DSCN0596.jpg

DSCN0598.jpg

DSCN0599.jpg

[410bore]

This thread is so awesome it makes me sad.......It makes me realize just how mundane my collection is without one of these guns

Bump this baby to the top so we can see some more

[sbacpa]

I'll add my contribution to the thread.

Reg. Magnum 48341 (Reg# 1060) with 6 1/2 inch barrel, shipped in May 1936 to Andrew Palmer. Set includes a separate cylinder chambered for .38 Special cartridges. Mr. Palmer was a close friend of Ed McGivern as indicated in one of the letters between Mr. Palmer and D.B Wesson.

URL=http://s103.photobucket.com/user/Sbacpa/media/imagejpg2_zps1b637c6b.jpg.html][/URL]

Next is a Reg. Magnum 58933 (Reg# 4953) with 8 3/4 inch barrel, Roper Stocks, shipped in July 1939 to The Barstow Store in Massena NY.

URL=http://s103.photobucket.com/user/Sbacpa/media/imagejpg1_zps15945d33.jpg.html][/URL]

Finally, a non registered magnum 61436 with 6 1/2 inch barrel shipped in April 1940 to Paul S. Linforth Co. in San Francisco Ca.

[URL=http://s103.photobucket.com/user/Sbacpa/media/imagejpg1_zps41c223f7.jpg.html][/]