Pre-War 357 Magnum Appreciation Thread

[tom32]

My one and only RM. It is unlikely that I will ever have another, and more unlikely that I would ever part with this one willingly.

[Candrews86]

Tom, Was that RM reblued??
Regardless, that thing is GORGEOUS!

[tom32]

Originally Posted by Candrews86

Tom, Was that RM reblued??
Regardless, that thing is GORGEOUS!

Candrews,
Nope, it is original and in nearly perfect condition. It was purchased by a police sgt armorer for an elected official in the northeast. My guess is it was a safe queen and not a duty weapon.
Thank you for the compliment.

[davegarage]

Here is one I found at the gun shop. Had a 1977 era letter with it that had it shipped to the City of Nashville, Tenn.
Before I took the grips off, I thought I had a real diamond. How many non-regs were made in nickle? 7-10? Maybe.
Was returned to S & W and refinished from blue to nickle in January of 1977. Has the marks to prove that. I don't think it has been fired since. I talked them down quite a bit from the price they were asking for it.
I found the correct stocks at a show in Portland Oregon last week-end, so the older gold emblem ones in the pictures are now replaced. It's a five inch. Serial # 61301. Shipped 7-25-1940.

I am a ****** photographer, but here she is.

[haveme1]

My Pops service weapon came home today !
1950's

[Brian in Oregon]

Registered Magnum from 1936. 6-1/2" barrel.

No registration letter or box. I need to order a factory letter for it.

Kings red disc front sight and white outline U-notch rear. Unfortunately the red disc is broken off and someone replaced it with a glued on small red bead, which has been crumbling over the years and finally fell off. Need to find dimensions of the insert so I can replicate the original red disc. There is a hole on top of the sight housing so I assume it was pinned in place. Someone dropped this gun at one point, as the corner of the rear leaf sight has some damage. Fortunately the sight and screws are fully functional and no other damage occured.

A previous owner wrote his name and address under the grips. Don't know if he was the original owner. I've left the paper in place.

I've owned this gun for somewhere around 25 years, and shot it in competition, plinking, packed it big game hunting and used it for small game. Going to take it varmint hunting this spring, and try to pop a coyote with it as well. It's a bit slow for combat style shooting due to the fine sights, but they are outstanding for precise shooting.

Accurate is excellent. The trigger pull is the second best of my N-frames, being beaten slightly by a bi-color Model 29.

BTW, this is my first post here. Used to collect N-frames, but the collection has been pared down over the years. Kept the cream of the crop.

[RKmesa]

Originally Posted by Brian in Oregon

...this is my first post here. Used to collect N-frames, but the collection has been pared down over the years. Kept the cream of the crop.

First of all - Welcome to the Forum! Second - what great 1st post and a beautiful RM that almost 80 years after it left the factory is still being used for what it was intended to be used for.

Thanks for sharing,

[410bore]

Originally Posted by Brian in Oregon

Registered Magnum from 1936. 6-1/2" barrel.

No registration letter or box. I need to order a factory letter for it.

Kings red disc front sight and white outline U-notch rear. Unfortunately the red disc is broken off and someone replaced it with a glued on small red bead, which has been crumbling over the years and finally fell off. Need to find dimensions of the insert so I can replicate the original red disc. There is a hole on top of the sight housing so I assume it was pinned in place. Someone dropped this gun at one point, as the corner of the rear leaf sight has some damage. Fortunately the sight and screws are fully functional and no other damage occured.

A previous owner wrote his name and address under the grips. Don't know if he was the original owner. I've left the paper in place.

I've owned this gun for somewhere around 25 years, and shot it in competition, plinking, packed it big game hunting and used it for small game. Going to take it varmint hunting this spring, and try to pop a coyote with it as well. It's a bit slow for combat style shooting due to the fine sights, but they are outstanding for precise shooting.

Accurate is excellent. The trigger pull is the second best of my N-frames, being beaten slightly by a bi-color Model 29.

BTW, this is my first post here. Used to collect N-frames, but the collection has been pared down over the years. Kept the cream of the crop.

Very nice. We are going to need a pic of the "bi-color" 29 too

[Brian in Oregon]

Originally Posted by 410bore

Very nice. We are going to need a pic of the "bi-color" 29 too

In the process. Trying to get the lighting right. Bicolors have quite an extreme in contrast and brightness. Will also post a Triple Lock Target, too, and some other goodies.

[JSW]

I forgot about this thread – I will add my latest. Shipped in 1939 with an 8 ¾ barrel but was returned to the factory in Oct. 1946 and the barrel shortened to 3 ½. The red ramp was added later.

[JSW]

Originally Posted by Brian in Oregon

Registered Magnum from 1936. 6-1/2" barrel.

No registration letter or box. I need to order a factory letter for it.

Kings red disc front sight and white outline U-notch rear. Unfortunately the red disc is broken off and someone replaced it with a glued on small red bead, which has been crumbling over the years and finally fell off. Need to find dimensions of the insert so I can replicate the original red disc. There is a hole on top of the sight housing so I assume it was pinned in place. Someone dropped this gun at one point, as the corner of the rear leaf sight has some damage. Fortunately the sight and screws are fully functional and no other damage occured.

A previous owner wrote his name and address under the grips. Don't know if he was the original owner. I've left the paper in place.

I've owned this gun for somewhere around 25 years, and shot it in competition, plinking, packed it big game hunting and used it for small game. Going to take it varmint hunting this spring, and try to pop a coyote with it as well. It's a bit slow for combat style shooting due to the fine sights, but they are outstanding for precise shooting.

Accurate is excellent. The trigger pull is the second best of my N-frames, being beaten slightly by a bi-color Model 29.

BTW, this is my first post here. Used to collect N-frames, but the collection has been pared down over the years. Kept the cream of the crop.

I love to hear about old S&W revolvers that still get used. Welcome and congratulations!

[410bore]

I guess I'll add mine;

[boykinlp]

Kris,
Don't most letters include a little more information on the particular gun being lettered (especially Registered Magnums) such as barrel length, type of grips, type of sights, how it was sighted in, and which ammo was used?

[410bore]

Originally Posted by boykinlp

Kris,
Don't most letters include a little more information on the particular gun being lettered (especially Registered Magnums) such as barrel length, type of grips, type of sights, how it was sighted in, and which ammo was used?

Yes, this letter is from 1979. I believe at this time they were free and didn't include as much detail. I have all the specifics from the SWHF here;

May I present "357 Magnum" REG # 3344

[DevilDog72]

man-o-man.... these are amazing revolvers... just beautiful

[Modified]

Man, this thread is the stuff dreams are made of. I don't know how I missed it for so long. I was looking for a picture of a 7" barrel RM, and found this instead. Still haven't found a picture of a 7" RM, but this thread I thought might be could use a bump. I only have two additions to it.

My beater 6" RM that went to Mexico (or at least a Texas based exporter to Mexico):



and a 6.5" non-RM with some incorrect stocks on it that I have yet to letter (but was told came from a game warden in Maine):

[6GUNSONLY]

Originally Posted by DHENRY

One from 1935, two from 1936, and one from 1938.
Don


RM#3447, 1938

This just may be the handsomest, most desireable (to me, anyway) sixgun I've ever laid an eye on. Wow.

[boykinlp]

Originally Posted by SixgunStrumpet

Man, this thread is the stuff dreams are made of. I don't know how I missed it for so long.

and a 6.5" non-RM with some incorrect stocks on it that I have yet to letter (but was told came from a game warden in Maine):

SixgunStrumpet,
SWEET gun! Love the grips!! Are the grips original Kearsarge or Keith Brown recreations?

[Shark Bait]

So far, I have a 3.5 inch pre-27, and 8 3/8 inch 27 no dash, and a 3.5 inch and 5 inch 27-2. Still hoping for a pre-war .357

[Modified]

Originally Posted by boykinlp

SixgunStrumpet,
SWEET gun! Love the grips!! Are the grips original Kearsarge or Keith Brown recreations?

Original.

Sadly I have yet to get a set of Keith's fine recreations.

I have a sort of order in. I need to have a chat with him about them. The man sure is busy. Of course with the work he does it's no wonder.

[Toyman]

5 inch Registered Magnum #1677 that is shown on page 148/149 of Jink's and Neal's book on S&W. The best part of the gun is it is complete with box, certificate, mailing tube, bore brush, sight adjustment tool and literature.

[RKmesa]

Originally Posted by SixgunStrumpet

I was looking for a picture of a 7" barrel RM, and found this instead...

Caleb - Not my greatest photos, but here's your 7"er. I thought I posted this one... maybe not, but here you go:







REG 2329 - 7" with the box it shipped in. It also came with a brochure, the extra rear sight blade, and a swab and a brush... The most complete RM package I own.

[lestert357]

Guess I'll join the party albeit pretty late; please forgive the phone pictures:

8 3/4" Reg 108 shipped June 1935 to Army Captain KIA in WWII
All original including matching service grips, Ropers added, 97%


6" Reg 596 shipped November 1935 to Schenck Hardware
All original except Ropers, 98+%


4" Reg 5008 shipped September 1939 to KCPD
All original (HBH?) including matching Magna grips, 95%


6 1/2" NRM shipped March 1940 to Lou Eppinger
All original including matching Magna grips, 99+%


5 1/2" Reg 4215 shipped November 1938 to an individual that was the U.S. Mail Messenger at the Wanette, OK Railroad Station
All original including the Marble ivory bead front sight, HBH, and matching Magna grips, 97+%



Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[bower]

I believe Lou Eppinger was a fishing lure manufacturer.

[Walstib]

Not sure if it's acceptable to revive this thread, but it's one I have followed from its beginning. When I recently posted my thread "My Registered Magnums", handejector requested more pics of the engravings on my RM, and some detail of how the ivory grips are attached to the frame.

I note that Registered Magnums still appeal to many members, and I wish now that I had posted my input here rather than beginning a new thread. Seems redundant... I'll grant that I'm prejudiced, but I'm thinking this thread should be a 'sticky'.

Anyway, hope it's OK to post here. In case it is, here are some additional pictures of the RM I inherited:









Then, of course, comes that stamp we all love to see when we swing open the cylineder:



Some will like this RM, some not, depending on your views about engraved pistols, and your views about ivory. Personally, I love engraving, filled with respect for anyone who can actually do this. As far as my feelings about ivory, I have no sympathy for harvesting ivory in the present day, putting sustainable populations of ivory-bearing animals at risk. Poachers are basically small-time monsters, I think. Still, THIS ivory was harvested some number of years prior to 1946, when my father commissioned the creation of these grips, and I have no desire to just throw them away. Besides, I've always been attracted to dragons...

[Walstib]

Oh yeah, handejector also asked for some closeups of the grips and grip adapters:

[krsmith58]

WOW! WOW!! Beautiful. I've never seen a ivory grip adapter until now. it sets off the ivory grips. wonderfully engraved. i can't say enough. words escape me. your post has enhanced my blithering idiocy. thanks for sharing. krs/kenny

[lestert357]

Walstib, thanks for posting your beautiful RM, and thanks for resurrecting this terrific thread.

Going through this thread end to end yet again I was able to add much additional information to the new SWCA Pre-War .357 Magnum database. Unfortunately many of the beautiful Magnums posted in this thread are not identified and thus may or may not be listed in the database.

Since this thread has been resurrected, I will add several entries (that were not in my earlier post above) even though they have been posted elsewhere…..

First my 4.5” RM matched pair REG 447 & REG 448…..

With certificates…..


With boxes and contents…..


With William Brown holster and wearing Keith Brown Kearsarge grips…..



Next is 3 1/2” NRM serial number 61112 that is gone but not forgotten, shipped to Union Hardware, Los Angeles, with King Luminous Red Post front sight, King W/O rear sight, and Magna grips in the small size blue picture box…..



And finally one of the eight 3 3/4” Pre-War .357 Magnums, REG 1495, serial number 49606, shipped to Belles-Brendamour Co. in Cincinnati on October 13, 1936 with King Luminous Red Post front sight and King 112 W/O rear sight (now with some after factory modifications)…..

[RKmesa]

Adding REG 5359 to this thread:

[DARE]

Thanks Richard for bringing this back to the top. Somehow I have never looked at it.
I see it is a notable thread. Think I had better read all of those under the the Pre-War .357 Magnum heading.
Notice in the first post you said that you owned two Registered Magnums. Of course that was in 2009.
What is the current count? Registered and Non-Registered please.
What a great thread! I am in Pre-War .357 Magnum overload.

Here is my 5 inch that shipped December 1935. McGivern Gold Bead front, square notch rear. Grips are un-numbered.

[paplinker]

Originally Posted by RKmesa

Adding REG 5359 to this thread:

I was pretty excited for you when you decided to acquire it.
What a great companion piece for your like engraved K22 Outdoorsman!

[mchom]

Shipped May of 1937 then evidently back to factory 4 times.
46, 48, 52 and 59

The K.Brown grips are gorgeous. Im no expert on KB and this would be my first set of target style. They are marked KB in yellow on left panel. The rear sight is marked King
Barrel, cylinder and frame #s matching
Did ship to a PD
Trigger almost looks like freshly CCH compared to hammer.
Also looks like ejector rod changed to post war version

#51363
Reg 2330

It may not appeal to many but I love the LE provenance

[mchom]

[Keith Brown]

That’s a very early set of my grips, is there a number inside ?

[RKmesa]

Originally Posted by Keith Brown

That’s a very early set of my grips...

... and a very beautiful set... with the larger checkering.

[mchom]

Thanks Keith! No I don't see any numbers

Originally Posted by Keith Brown

That’s a very early set of my grips, is there a number inside ?

http://smith-wessonforum.com/members...6-kb-grips.jpg

[mchom]

[RKmesa]

Originally Posted by DARE

Thanks Richard for bringing this back to the top. Notice in the first post you said that you owned two Registered Magnums. Of course that was in 2009. What is the current count? Registered and Non-Registered please.
What a great thread! I am in Pre-War .357 Magnum overload.

David:

Over the last 15 years, I've run down a few handfuls. Here is a 2013 poor pic of some of them...

[mchom]

This forum got me hooked on pre-war 357's. Here are a few RMs in top pic and NRMs in bottom pic...

Most have LE provenance


Reg Mags



Non Reg Mags

[DARE]

Wow, mchom! I'm impressed.
That would certainly make a great display at the Symposium in Tulsa this year.
Hope you will consider it. Would be awesome to see that many of the guns at once.

[brendonjames65]

Wow Mchom, that’s an impressive collection! I’ve not seen that many NRM’s together either! Thanks for sharing.

[Keith Brown]

Great to see the grips again, especially the inside. I carved my initials in the circle and filled with white paint the first dozen or so that I made. Also carved a number in the earliest ones, at least to the best of my recollection! Wrote it down somewhere, the kids will maybe find it when I’m gone !
This is a great thread and fun to be a part of.

[RKmesa]

Over the last 15 years since this thread was started, I've gotten better at photographing my guns... Here are a few of my favorite photos of some of my RMs:

REG 649 - a December 1935 First Year Magnum:









REG 2329, a 7" barreled Magnum, and my most complete package, shipped in June 1937:









REG 1530, my highest condition Magnum, shipped with 6" barrel and a grip adapter in October 1936:





... just a few fun ones.

[mchom]

RK
Amazing guns! And gorgeous presentation .
Thanks for sharing!

[Keith Brown]

I only have one to add but it’s pretty darn nice, Thanks again Richard.

[mchom]

Gorgeous !!! Beautiful RM!!!

[6GUNSONLY]

This is such an educational thread as well as enjoyable with all the great pics of marvelous S&Ws. Closest I'll come will be my pre-model number .357 from 1954, but I'm grateful to have it.