Harry Reeves material sought

moosedog

moosedog

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I don't know if this post should be in the want ads, but if so feel free to move.
Harry Reeves was one of the best pistol shots in the world during his time and many of his records still stand in Bullseye competition.
Reeves started shooting in 1935 while in the Marines and continued to shoot and break numerous records well into the 1950s.
He was an Inspector with the Detroit Police Department after leaving the Marines and shot on the US International Pistol Teams numerous times in his career.
I am seeking any information on Harry Reeves and would love to talk with anyone who has printed material or otherwise on this pistol Champion.
Fellow Forum member Mike Priwer has furnished me with some articles out of old shooting magazines from the 50s which has helped wet my appetite to research this man.
 
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Do a Google News Archive search. I found 20 articles in about 5 minutes. Most are from NY Times and the Chicago Trib and are pay per view though. But, if you want them, they're there.
 
I had inherited a couple crates of older American Rifleman from the 1950's, and
later, and recently finished going through them. I found 5 or 6 stories about
Harry Reeves. and sent them to Leonard.

If any members here have the magazine going back into the 1940's, and have the
time to go through them, that would be a big help.

Regards, Mike Priwer
 
Mr. Moosedog,
I'm assuming you have this picture of Harry Reeves? (the youngster on the left)
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HarryReeves.jpg
 
I second the Gil Hebard thing. I have an old catalog with an article about him in it.It was in catalog no.16.From the early 60's,I believe.
 
Thanks for reminding me about the Gil Hebard book, I've got a copy around here that I bought years ago.
I'll probably end up reading all my old Bullseye shooter's books.

Does anyone know if Reeve's guns are in a collection?
 
Mr. Moosedog;
"Who is the other fellow on the right? Don't tell us that it's you Pre 64."
No, this was a photo I found when doing a Google search for Harry Reeves...I believe he's in the current DPD. See this link. http://home.comcast.net/~cphil..._2/oldtimerpics2.htm
In Wyoming, we grow 'em a little uglier, a little shorter, just a little stockier....but with more hair!
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I believe he is mentioned in Col. Askin's biography "Unrepentent Sinner", in the post WW2 section.
 
Moosedog,
In that link Pre-64 posted were other pictures of Harry Reeves.

33epp3a.jpg
 
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My Dad must have been there with him in China. He was also a Marine team pistol shooter, but I never heard mention of Mr. Reeves being on the Marine team. No doubt though as to him being one of the greatest pistol shots of all time. Big Larry
 
Don't they have a Harry Reeves Memorial shoot at Camp Perry every year? I believe limited to revolvers. If this is still going on, someone with the NRA putting on this shoot should have some information.
 
A number of Harry's guns were sold off after he passed.

Not many folks knew that he was also an accomplished painter. I missed a painting of his at auction once; myself and one other bidder kept running it up and Ira gave me the 'look' that said he was going to own it no matter what. His pockets were deeper than mine that day. It was done in oils, taken from a sketch he had made at the Pan American games in Argentina. Gaucho breaking a horse. Sketch and other notes were included.

We got to talking at a Coors Regional one day and he mentioned he had a .22 HighWall built by Harry Pope. Just grinned when he saw my reaction. :)

Fine gentleman.


Regards,

Pat
 
I checked last week and found some really interesting pictures of Harry Reeves for sale on e-bay.
If you do a search for Detroit Police they will come up.

It's a shame, but Detroit PD really doesn't have much of a historian or archives section.
 
Photos and paintings

I have photos that no one else would have, but have not had them transferred digitally. They are very old and I am not sure if the intense light from a scanner would harm them. I also have a painting he did, it is of Harry and Missy (his black lab) pheasant hunting. When I find a suitable solution to creating a digital copy of these photos, I will be sure to post them online in a public gallery.

I just want to take the opportunity to thank everyone for the continued interest in my Grandfather. He was a remarkable person and a fantastic Grandpa.

I would also like to caution people that may be seeking out information on him. I have a cousin that has presented herself in the past as Harry's daughter. Harry had two daughters, Nancy and Judy. My Aunt Nancy died a long time ago, about 30 years now. Recently my cousin has been caught presenting herself to the NRA as my Mother. To be blunt, my Aunt's death messed my cousin up and she hasn't been right since.
 
harry reeves material

i have several items from harry, letters he wrote back to friend at dpd while he was in china during ww2.
i have just joing sw forum and having a hard time moving around the site . if you would like to talk to me about harry , send email . [email protected] i retired from dpd and was on the pistol team for a couple of years and have some stories


tom dowdy
 
A photo of Harry Reeves is on the dustjacket of "Pistol and Revolver Shooting" by Walter F. Roper, and the same photo with caption appears on p.198. My copy is the first edition published in 1945.

This is an interesting little book that contains illustrations of the handguns used through the 20's and 30's, plus of course, Roper sights and stocks. Roper also explains how the Magna stocks were named.

Frank S. SWCA2052.
 
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