AUSTIN PD MOD 20-2 HEAVY DUTY ARRIVES IN TEXAS

[wheelgun610]

I had one of those Austin PD guns from the original shipment. It sorta dropped into my lap out of the clear blue sky from a non forum member in Georgia. Guess that was at lest five years ago - maybe more. I ended up letting it go back to Texas to one of our friends that doesn't seem to post here much anymore. (Anyone know how Lyle is doin'?)

I often wonder where that gun is now? Probably still in the forum family. Can't recall the APD #, but the S/N was S89898. Seems like I recall reading something here about that S/N once upon a time, but I can't remember the context of what I read.

Anyone here have S89898? I'd just like to know who's guarding it now. If someone here has it, and would prefer not to post about it on the open forum, feel free to email me at the addy in my profile.

In case anyone is feeling sorry for me for letting that HD go -don't! I ended up with a pretty decent (4") pre-war Model of '26 for being such a good guy....

Mark

 

[bettis1]

Wheelgun610,

I don't have that gun but sn S89898 was marked "Austin P.D. 97" and, as you said, it was shipped in the first shipment on June 3, 1952. BTW, that is an interesting serial number.

Bob

 

[BruceHMX]

Hi Mark & Bob;

I am still the caretaker of Austin 97. Tried to take some pics and got disgusted.

It has the slickest action of any N frame I own. I just shot it last weekend.

It really likes the +P+ Federal stuff. Then again that's what they were made for

Hope you guys are doing well.

 

[eleventseven]

Mark, Bob & Bruce...I own Austin PD 45 S89255. I got it from Lyle Larkworthy several years ago. As I recal he had three for sale. Two were consecutively numbered...Regards, Jim

 

[624 Fan]

Originally posted by bettis1:
Good idea, Ed.

As I look back over the thread, I see that the pictures from 624Fan and Sonny Crocket have been removed (probably not still on the hosting site that they were using). That's too bad and it diminishes the value of the thread. If they are still around perhaps they can re-post their pictures.

Bob

After a marathon editing and uploading session (56K dialup here, nothing but the best!) pics are back up. Deleted them from Photobucket and forgot I had linked them here. Love this thread!

 

[wheelgun610]

Originally posted by bettis1:
...BTW, that is an interesting serial number.

Yeah Bob, that S/N just seems to have a 'ring' to it. The only place I actually had that number stored was in my head. Funny how things like that get tucked away in the back of our minds.... Also funny that I couldn't recall the two digit Austin PD number, but didn't have to think twice about the five-digit S/N. I prob'ly need therapy, er sumthin'....

__________

And to Bruce: Nothing could make me happier than to learn that <u>you</u> are the current guardian of that particular gun. I also happen to know that you have a weakness for old trains, so I'd say it's actually "Poetic Justice" that the Austin PD "Old 97" ended up in your hands, don't ya think?

And I agree 100% with your observation about the action on that gun. That was one reason I was actually a bit hesitant about letting it go. But I really never regretted it (much) And now that I know where it is - all the better for both of us. Like I said in my earlier post, I got a damned good shootin' iron out of the deal, so how could I possibly complain? Email me, and maybe we can even get together on the phone again like we use to.... Remember way back then?

__________

I also gotta send a special "Thank You" to Ed (aka: smith17) for keeping this thread from fading into the sunset. Hope it brings more of the Austin PD Heavy Duty owners out of the woodwork.... Thanks Ed!

Mark

 

[BruceHMX]

Hi Mark;

Good to hear from you. I'll shoot you some mail over the weekend. Been kind of way out of the S&W stuff for some time now. Funny how divorce, work etc will do that too you.

I did find a nice spot in the country where I can enjoy some of the stuff I have left.

Take Care
Bruce