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S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 3-Screw PINNED Barrel SWING-OUT Cylinder Hand Ejectors WITH Model Numbers


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  #51  
Old 01-04-2009, 09:16 PM
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Thanks fellas.I will visit both of these stores.I hope rmroyjr post some old pics for us of his grandads store. Great thread led me to you guys and better gunshops.Thanks Jack Roys gunshop.
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  #52  
Old 01-05-2009, 09:19 AM
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Quote:
Originally posted by Gun 4 Fun:
Nygma- where are you at in MI to know where GG is located?
...Last post here. We're hijacking a really cool thread. Let's take it to the lounge after this.

Orchard Lake. I've been dealing with GG since the early 80s. Amazing inventory. If you don't see what you're looking for, ask, they usually dig around in back & come up with it.
Have fun. Don't over-spend!
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  #53  
Old 01-08-2009, 01:09 PM
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Mr. Roy knew how to treat people. Note the discount given the captain, even though it's a sporting arm. This Featherlight is my favorite upland gun.

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  #54  
Old 01-08-2009, 02:41 PM
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Cool receipt. I notice that sales tax was 3%, back in 54 (half as much as today).
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Old 01-08-2009, 02:53 PM
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I remember Jack looking out for the little guy, young people, and people in need.

Anyone remember the inventory of cast pistol bullets that he keep for reloaders? They came in wooden boxes with cardboard divider inserts.
When ever someone would ask about them he would always mention that he bought from that company because the company employed handicapped workers to make the bullets. The company was in Ohio I believe. Really quality bullets, still have a few boxes.
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Old 02-08-2009, 12:32 PM
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Moosedog, I just re-read/ reviewed your pic's and stories...Once again, Thanks I appreciate your sharing...
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Old 03-03-2009, 06:42 PM
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Jack Roy at Main Lift Up Counter
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  #58  
Old 03-03-2009, 07:02 PM
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rmroyjr,
Nice picture, thanks!
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Old 03-04-2009, 08:12 PM
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THERE IS AN OLD TIME GUN SHOP IN WATERFORD,MI, CALLED WHITES GUN SHOP. ITS BEEN THERE FOR ABOUT 35 YRS. I BOUGHT SOME GREAT COLTS AND SMITHS OVER THE YEARS.
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Old 03-04-2009, 09:08 PM
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Mr. Roy. Thanks so much for the picture of your grandpa. I will add it to the box of the .45 Colt SAA that has lettered as being shipped to his shop in May 4th, 1959. This has been a wonderful posting as it describes a really Good man with a Great JOB!

ps. Who do you suppose is that little boy behind the counter on the far right? His face is barely visible but he resembles Jack!

Again, Thanks!
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  #61  
Old 03-07-2009, 05:37 PM
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Good eye Pre 64. I have looked at that photo several times since it's been posted and missed that, probably because my screen was set a little darker than it should be.
Looking at the G 96 and Remington ammo display I'm guessing that the picture was taken in the very early 70s.
Thanks for posting that Rmroyjr, sure brings back alot of memories.
I noticed the framed NRA membership above your Grandfathers head and to the right slightly. Anyone remember that large NRA circle with the Eagle in the middle that hung up there? Mrs Roy let me have that when they closed up and I still have it in my reloading room.
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Old 03-07-2009, 06:21 PM
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I took the liberty of tinkering a bit with the picture. The boy's face looks much clearer now.
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Old 03-07-2009, 07:16 PM
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Quote:
Originally posted by Pitdog02:
Wow! very cool thread. All I want to know is where can I go in this state to see a great collection of wheelguns for sale anymore. Is there anywhere to go that has a lot of wheelguns in the inventory.I get so discouraged when I walk in a shop and the revolver shelf is down low and off to the side. You tell em what your after and they just kinda shrug and look at ya like your weird or something. I will be checking this thread every day now for more to the story.I am very jealous of those that were there. Thankyou all for this account.Dale.
I was just at Guns Galore today. Don't know what type of wheel guns you're looking for but they had more than 30 of them in one display case. Most were big bore guns but nice to look at. They have another display case with the newer model revolvers in it. A good selection to look at. They had a used Taurus 85 SS, 2" with ported barrel & a very nicely done trigger job on it for $229 before tax. The action on it was one of the lightest & smoothest I've encountered on a revolver. I just had to buy it to add to my collection....Have fun shopping.
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Old 03-07-2009, 09:49 PM
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Quote:
I was just at Guns Galore today. Don't know what type of wheel guns you're looking for but they had more than 30 of them in one display case. Most were big bore guns but nice to look at. They have another display case with the newer model revolvers in it. A good selection to look at. They had a used Taurus 85 SS, 2" with ported barrel & a very nicely done trigger job on it for $229 before tax. The action on it was one of the lightest & smoothest I've encountered on a revolver. I just had to buy it to add to my collection....Have fun shopping.
They do have a lot of stuff. Too bad they are so rude to their customers, and seem to be proud of it.
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Old 03-08-2009, 03:05 AM
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There are two guys there that I avoid if I am buying something. They do have an attitude but the other sales staff is nice. The guy with the ponytail is either family or the manager. He is the worst of the two but I have caught him on a good day when the shop was empty. That store is so busy on Saturday's, that I imagine he gets tired of listening to people trying to reduce his prices which are pretty darn good already. I try to shop there during the week only & during the daytime when it's not crowded.
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Old 03-08-2009, 07:48 AM
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OK Then...Back on the Thread!

Thanks Mr. Roy!

Mr. Rob Roy Jr., has also provided these glimpes of his Grandfather's gun shop. I know if I spend enough time glaring at it, I'll see my Colt!


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Old 03-09-2009, 07:09 PM
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Wow, those are some interesting photos of a young Jack Roy and his shop. Late 40s or early 50s maybe?
Jacks probably taking an order for one of those new 1950 Targets in 44 spl. "Oh, can I get that in four inch with red ramp sight and full target accessories?" "I'll pay the extra $20 for a special order in nickel."
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Old 03-09-2009, 07:44 PM
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Mr/ Moosedog;
Following the link provided by Rob Roy Jr. are these photos of the now infamous, "Jack Roy"



ps. "Maybe I could get the 1950 Target, well engraved too? It might help hold the oil on a little better."
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Old 03-10-2009, 07:19 AM
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Yes they are.
Handsome fellow wasn't he? Always had that top button done and wore those string ties when I hung out there. A real character.

One thing that sticks out in my mind when I hear about the issue of "gun control" is when Jack told me that he used to bring a table and set up at various sporting, hunting events in the 50s and 60s and even then people would look at his guns and make comments about "instruments of death" and such.
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Old 10-25-2009, 04:42 PM
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One more time around for the "Hamtramck" post & its gunsmith, Mr. Jack Roy!. Time magazine is doing a year long series on Detroit's past & the struggles to regain its status as one of our foremost cities. Interesting read... about a time when men like Mr. Roy were mainstays of our communities.
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Old 10-25-2009, 05:56 PM
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Great thread and I've loved reading it. I never made it there and first I knew of it but S.E Michigan has had and still has some good shops.
As a kid I loved going to my cousin's shop in Lapeer, Mi., Roy's Sporting Goods in the '50s and '60s. Sadly he closed around 1970 and I have but a few items from there.

Guns Galore in Fenton was mentioned here. I went to H.S. with the second generation sons now running the business and I expect they're tired and not giving their best as far as customer service, weekdays are best.
I've dealt with Williams Gun Sight in Davison right down the road from me most of my life and the three generations since the 1930's. They've since sold to a good guy and gun nut/hunter. They have a good supply of older S&Ws and will deal.
Another in Flint is Bullock Guns, a smaller shop but fair and often have nice older S&Ws when they can get them.
Another north of Davison in Otisville is The Gun Barn, son of the Gun Barn owner in Highland, Mi. Some nice older pieces a little high but deal with cash money.

I'm not wanting to take away from this thread as I've found it most interesting but wanted to mention to some in the area there still are some good dealers around.
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  #72  
Old 10-25-2009, 07:17 PM
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thanks for the great reading on this post found it very intresting
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  #73  
Old 10-25-2009, 07:38 PM
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What a great thread! Wish I could'a seen Jack's shop, sounds exactly like what we're all into.
I lived for many years in and around the Detroit area and know well many of the places you all have spoken of.
I used to go to one of the very best Polish restaurants I've ever been to in Hamtramck. It was called "Under the Eagle" and it' was world renown.
The "Guy with the Ponytail", Randy, ( if memory serves me correctly) at Guns Galore is the second generation owner. If you think he's bad you shoulda' known his dad! He defined the word "Cantankerous"
Randy's actually a really nice guy and a helluva Bass player. I got the chance to jam with him once and know for a fact he's good bud's with Ted Nugent and Mark Farner.
Even before I became an FFL I bought tons of stuff from GG. Mostly really nice old Smiths, Colts, Walthers and Browning Hi Powers. Both Randy and his dad were always nice to me because they knew I knew what I was looking at, didn't waste their time, and always walked outta the place with at least two or three guns that I paid cash for. They were always willing to "deal" as well which is something I can't say for most all of the other shops mentioned in this thread, (except Jack's which I was never in)
I moved up here to Northern MI ten years ago and never go back down state for anything. I break out in hives if I get south of Gaylord. I really miss GG and the few stores left that are like it.
I would'a really liked to see Jacks store and know the guy. Hamtramck used to be a great old Detroit Blue Collar neighborhood and it was made by people of character just like just like Jack.
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Old 10-25-2009, 11:06 PM
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Thanks for the post. I was born in Detroit in 1966 and dont remember much but the riots. We escaped in 1968 and I havent been back since. Its nice to know there was some good stuff going on there
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  #75  
Old 10-29-2009, 07:22 PM
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Tjsguns,
Gaylord? You must mean Jays Sporting Goods. I've bought a few guns there myself and like the place although they lack many old S&Ws.
If you can manage the pain to go a little further south to Saginaw try Dick Williams Gun Shop as he's a shop akin to Jack Roy's and a good gunsmith too although his son is taking his place now but still good.

Unfortunately shops like Jack Roys and hardware stores are getting eaten up by Home depots and Cabelas type of stores with little personnal service and one price. Something about todays consumer's mental of bigger being better and thinking that means good prices.
I've seen too many of both close down and try and do my business with those that are left even if it means a buck more for a brick of .22s than Walmart sells them.
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Old 12-08-2009, 09:55 PM
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New member and first post here. After years of browsing online firearms forums (some of you may recognize my handle from elsewhere), I must say this is one of the most interesting and remarkable threads I've ever come across. A truly great thread not only because I find it interesting as a fellow metro Detroiter, but also how folks from all across the country came together to share information on Mr. Roy and then, as icing on the cake, to have his grandson chime in! This is great stuff.

A great-looking forum from the looks of it, too. I'm currently interested in my first wheelgun and decided on a Highway Patrolman. Found this forum to start doing some research and, well, here I am. Happy to be here and look forward to learning and sharing.
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Old 12-20-2009, 06:45 PM
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Default -db-! Welcome to the S&W Forum

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Originally Posted by -db- View Post
New member and first post here. After years of browsing online firearms forums (some of you may recognize my handle from elsewhere), I must say this is one of the most interesting and remarkable threads I've ever come across. A truly great thread not only because I find it interesting as a fellow metro Detroiter, but also how folks from all across the country came together to share information on Mr. Roy and then, as icing on the cake, to have his grandson chime in! This is great stuff.

A great-looking forum from the looks of it, too. I'm currently interested in my first wheelgun and decided on a Highway Patrolman. Found this forum to start doing some research and, well, here I am. Happy to be here and look forward to learning and sharing.
Welcome to the Forum! There are many - many informative threads throughout the Forum....Glad you found this one - one of my favorites too!
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Old 06-02-2010, 01:46 AM
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Back to top for a cool Thread!
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Old 06-02-2010, 01:24 PM
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The story of Thor's hammer. (Really Jack Roy's old brass hammer)

As I stated before, I was lucky enough to meet Jack his family and many friends back in the early 70s.
I was also there after Jack passed on, helping liqudate the store.
It was totally mystifying to a punk 21, going on 22 year old kid, and I didn't even under stand most of what I was looking at back then. I just knew it was "cool as hell".
It probably would not have made much difference any way as the year Jack passed away, the economy was in a slump with the oil crisis and I only made a little more than $6,000 that year. I was installing floors and home remodeling had become a bit of a luxury. I had very little money to invest in guns at that point. Jack had always let me buy guns on layaway.
I did manage to buy a couple of used S&Ws out of Jacks parts gun drawers. With a little luck and a few trips to the S&W factory, these guns were put back into operation and I still have them. I'll have to dig them out and post a few photos.
So being on a tight budget, I focused on several items that others totally ignored. One of them was Jacks brass hammer.
Jack was a gunsmith. Not just a gun sales man but a true gunsmith. He did it all.
Being that kind of a "hands on guy", one can only imagine how many times Jack must have used a hammer in his business. Other than screw drivers, I can't think of another tool that is more useful in life.
I have no idea how many hammers Jack may have had over the years, but this was the one he was using when I met him.
It is not a pretty brass hammer, the one I bought after loosing Jacks original hammer is "pretty" by todays standards with it's perfect shape and synthetic handle.
Jack's old brass hammer is very spartin and plain. Handle was probbaly replaced at least once, and it is well seasoned as it was when his dear wife gave it to me when they closed the doors for good.
I said that I lost it. I did. It was one of those things where I didn't notice it missing for several days, possibly weeks. I remember using it on the right side of my reloading bench. Same side as my trash barrel.
I figured what had happened was that I had left it on the bench and it probably got knocked into the trash barrel and thrown out with out me even realizing it.
I was crushed. I felt stupid. I had kept and used that hammer for over about 35 years and now it's gone. Thats when I tore the house apart and finally ended up ordering my new "pretty brass hammer" from Northern Tool.
I got to use the new hammer a few times and it didn't feel right. Too heavy, awkward.
One day this spring after the weather broke and winter started leaving, I went out to start my 1939 Ford Tractor. There on the foot board was Jack's hammer!
I remembered that I had sent my son to get me a hammer while working on the tractor and he had brought out Jacks gunsmithing hammer. I had forgot it on the footboard for several months and now it was back.
It is back in use, and never goes out of my gun room or near my trash barrel side of the bench. I'll sell you one of my guns before I would sell this hammer.
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Old 06-02-2010, 01:56 PM
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This is why I have been lurking on this thread every day since I found it!!!!!
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Old 06-02-2010, 02:27 PM
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I guess that's what you would call a "Jack-Hammer"!
Excellent story.
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Old 07-02-2010, 01:42 AM
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Great story...I appreciate it!!! Thanks....
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Old 04-27-2011, 08:39 PM
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Thought I might share this one with you guys.
Jack Roy got robbed one time, and only once, loosing a knuckle to a would be hold up man who shot jack thru his hand with a 25 auto while Jack attempted to disarm the hold up guy. The bad guy got away.
After that Jack Roy bought a bunch of surplus military 45s and placed them behind the counter through out the store. If I remember right, he had about 5 or 6 stashed away in holsters that were nailed up behind the counter in various locations.
When the shop was closing after Jack passed away, I had the opportunity to purchase one of the 1911s that Jack had hanging there for his protection. It was the one that was nailed up behind the coffee maker on the north side of the counter. I paid $75 for it back then.
I have always been a fan of Skeeter Skelton and read several of his stories about his 45 autos with K-38 sights on them. I had to have one.
I did my own accurizing with a slide/frame peening and fitting, a 70 series barrel and bushing, over size link and I had Jerry Craft who worked for Magnaport in Mt Clemens put the K-38 sights on it along with their mock stainless finish, which is very durable.
I've carried it over the years in a Galco Miami Vice rig and still do when I go south to Detroit.
I believe that Mr. Jack Roy would have given me his approval.
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File Type: jpg Old Jack's 45 014 (Small).jpg (52.5 KB, 294 views)
File Type: jpg Old Jack's 45 011 (Small).jpg (49.0 KB, 248 views)
File Type: jpg Old Jack's 45 018 (Small).jpg (56.4 KB, 288 views)
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  #84  
Old 04-27-2011, 11:04 PM
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Thanks for the story moosedog.
It seems Jack Roy was a legend in his own time.
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Old 04-27-2011, 11:58 PM
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I'm simply amazed at this thread. As a young veteran at the ripe old age of 21 I used to frequent shops like this on Long Island new york. Sadly they are becoming extinct as the big box stores take over. I would like to thank all who posted on this thread. Sort of a trip down memory lane. Think this should be made a "sticky" as it is sort of a living history. Thanks again, Frank
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Old 04-30-2011, 07:37 PM
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Frank,
I believe your comments speak for the rest of us...It's been a good thread....
Thanks,
J.C.
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Old 05-01-2011, 02:47 AM
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That it has, Frank
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Old 12-21-2011, 02:28 PM
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I live in Michigan and have been in search of a good vintage S&W gunsmith. My attempts have cost me to say the least. So inlaw says he met this gunsmith and I would like him and he has nice stuff. We head over and get talkin, he tells me hes retired DPD, comp shooter, so on so on. In my mind I think DPD/ hamtramck pretty close and I ask him if he knew of the gunshop Jack Roy's. After a bit of an odd look, He says he walked in to Roys shop some 40+ years ago complaining he wore out his Model 28 and it needed rebuilt. Roy laughed and said those last 2 lifetimes cant be. After examining the worn out fairly new revolver Jack told him if your wearin them out that fast your gonna have to learn to fix em kid. So Jack taught him some tricks of the trade and hes been doin it ever since. I pulled up this thread on my phone and showed him the pics and it brought back alot of memories for him. He notices from the pics he has his basement shop set up almost identical to Jacks. He just finished tuning and cleaning my Model 38 and did a wonderful action job on my pre27. So not to bragg but I think I just got about as close as I'll ever get to the Jack Roy Gunshop. I cant tell ya what a high point this is for me to have commented in this thread back when it began, only to have it somehow find me in real life. Very cool and I would have never known any of it if not for this thread. Thanks to all that brought this to me. Dale
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Old 03-23-2012, 09:34 PM
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Mr. WhitCoyote, Mr. MooseDog, and others...you may find this current item interesting...Nice Vintage Mens Brown Property Of BOC Detroit Hamtramck Jail Prison Coat SZ M | eBay
J.C.
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Old 03-24-2012, 12:16 AM
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What a great thread.

I’ve met some very interesting folks in gun shops.
Frank
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Old 11-13-2012, 05:03 PM
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This is a great thread on Jack's shop. My family lived a few blocks away from his place until late 1959. My father, Henry Dziewit, and he were good friends. One of my recurring childhood memories were what seem like weekly, if not more often, visits to his shop. I wonder if anyone remembers my dad?
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Old 11-17-2012, 01:43 AM
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Thanks for the trip down memory lane, I was born in Detroit and raised in Royal Oak. My Dad and Grandparents lived near Greenfield and Fenkel. I was with my Grandmother during the 67 riots, and heard gunshots from three blocks away. We kept Grandpa's Colt 38 "Dick" Special handy. He at one point was a county cop and shot for years at Camp Perry and local shoots. I'm wondering if they crossed paths with Mr. Roy. A nice touch of Amercana.
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Old 11-19-2012, 11:01 PM
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this is withought a doubt the best thread i have ever read here, don't know anyone involved but he reminds me of a local auto parts dealer back home, his store was a total mess, but ask for a part for most any car or truck made and he would walk right to it A
nd pull it off the shelf brand new in the box and then either give it to me or charge double either way I had the correct part, and next time he would sonny boy what you need now and the same process all over again I think he kept it in his head and everything worked out just fine for both of us. DO MISS HIM VERY MUCH!!!
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Old 07-22-2013, 10:08 AM
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and one more time for "old & thriving" Detroit...
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Old 07-22-2013, 10:48 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Pre-64 View Post
and one more time for "old & thriving" Detroit...
......Bankrupt Detroit.
Still one of the best threads ever.
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Old 05-21-2016, 09:58 AM
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Wonderful thread----my first gun, as well as (IIRC) my second and third guns, came from Jack Roy's Gun Shop and I would go down to Jack's shop and "hang out" whenever I got the chance. Remember distinctly being there in the early 60s and Jack had finally made enough money to buy a brand new Cadillac---and had to close-up his shop early that day to go pick it up....suffice it to say, he had "arrived!" Thanks for all the memories!
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Old 12-15-2016, 09:29 PM
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I picked up this Winchester 1892 today at a friend's shop. It was refinished at some point and rechambered from 44/40 to 44 Magnum. The previous owner, a older fellow, (listen to me) said that the rechambering was done by Jack Roy.
For those unfamiliar with Jack Roy's, he was a Detroit area gunsmith and a friend of mine in the 1970's. Long gone, Jack was the reason I got into collecting S&W's.
I just couldn't wait to try it out. Even with the wind chill down to below zero and a quick couple of supported shots, it shot point of aim, point of impact and digested lead SWC's to jacketed hollow points without a hitch. Grouping was respectable enough for hunting accuracy with open sights and 64 year old eyes at 50 yards.
Nice way to close out the year and remember an old friend.
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File Type: jpg Winchester 1892 44Mag Jack Roy 006.JPG (217.3 KB, 69 views)
File Type: jpg Winchester 1892 44Mag Jack Roy 008.JPG (272.4 KB, 67 views)
File Type: jpg Winchester 1892 44Mag Jack Roy 010.JPG (205.2 KB, 68 views)
File Type: jpg Winchester 1892 44Mag Jack Roy 004.JPG (163.3 KB, 64 views)
File Type: jpg Winchester 1892 44Mag Jack Roy 014.jpg (147.3 KB, 71 views)
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Old 12-16-2016, 07:21 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by moosedog View Post
I picked up this Winchester 1892 today at a friend's shop. It was refinished at some point and rechambered from 44/40 to 44 Magnum. The previous owner, a older fellow, (listen to me) said that the rechambering was done by Jack Roy.
For those unfamiliar with Jack Roy's, he was a Detroit area gunsmith and a friend of mine in the 1970's. Long gone, Jack was the reason I got into collecting S&W's.
I just couldn't wait to try it out. Even with the wind chill down to below zero and a quick couple of supported shots, it shot point of aim, point of impact and digested lead SWC's to jacketed hollow points without a hitch. Grouping was respectable enough for hunting accuracy with open sights and 64 year old eyes at 50 yards.
Nice way to close out the year and remember an old friend.
Two thumbs up for the octagonal barrel.
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Old 10-25-2018, 08:25 PM
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It’s been almost 2 years....I can’t help myself....I have to Bump this thread to the top...
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Old 10-25-2018, 09:19 PM
jhnttrpp jhnttrpp is offline
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I do appreciate you bumping it up or I would have never seen it.
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