Federal laws passed in 1934 created the FBI as we know it today giving agents powers to arrest and carry firearms. This was during the time S&W was creating the 357 magnum cartrige and the gun capable of firing it. This gun became known as the "Registered Magnum" as each gun was custom built for a particular customer.
S&w saw the new RM as the perfect match for the newly empowered FBI. J. Edgar Hoover was sent Reg. 1. The FBI subsequently purchase some 100 of the new magnums with5" barrels and blue finish. Individual agents wer allowed (encouraged by Frank Baughman?) to purchase their own magnums.
In 1984, S&W created the commemorative 27-3 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the FBI. These gus all had serial numbers beginning with FBI and were shippd to the Baltimaore Police Supply Co.
I was unaware of these commemoratives until I ran across one while browsing a large gun auction site. I decided it need to come live with me to compliment a pair of guns of which I am the current custodian: 2 FBI agent owned and carried RMs.
At the op of this group is the 50th anniversary commemorative in the form originally purchased by the FBI. Below that on the left wearing the FBI style modified "plain clothes" magna grips is the gun purchased by Special Agent Fred McGeary. From the FBI files this gun--among may other assignments--provided security for both the Manhattan Project (development of the A bomb) and the formation of the United Nations. This gun shipped blue and was factory nickeled in 1947.
On the right is the gun purchased by Frank Baughman and sent to SA Arlin Jones. During the war years Jones guarded against Nazi sabateurs around US munitions plants. At the end of the war Jones transfered to the Counter Intelligence Corps in Japan. There, an Associated Press photographer captured Jones arresting "Tokyo Rose". This gun was factury nickeled years later when Jones became mayor of his home town.
Note: While the RMs purchased by the FBI wore 5" tubes many agents who purchased their own magnums opted for shorter barrels.
The FBI Anniversary gun came in a custom wood display case. The FBI badge and coin are courtesy of the previous owner (unknow whether he/she was an FBI agent themselves.
S&w saw the new RM as the perfect match for the newly empowered FBI. J. Edgar Hoover was sent Reg. 1. The FBI subsequently purchase some 100 of the new magnums with5" barrels and blue finish. Individual agents wer allowed (encouraged by Frank Baughman?) to purchase their own magnums.
In 1984, S&W created the commemorative 27-3 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the FBI. These gus all had serial numbers beginning with FBI and were shippd to the Baltimaore Police Supply Co.
I was unaware of these commemoratives until I ran across one while browsing a large gun auction site. I decided it need to come live with me to compliment a pair of guns of which I am the current custodian: 2 FBI agent owned and carried RMs.
At the op of this group is the 50th anniversary commemorative in the form originally purchased by the FBI. Below that on the left wearing the FBI style modified "plain clothes" magna grips is the gun purchased by Special Agent Fred McGeary. From the FBI files this gun--among may other assignments--provided security for both the Manhattan Project (development of the A bomb) and the formation of the United Nations. This gun shipped blue and was factory nickeled in 1947.
On the right is the gun purchased by Frank Baughman and sent to SA Arlin Jones. During the war years Jones guarded against Nazi sabateurs around US munitions plants. At the end of the war Jones transfered to the Counter Intelligence Corps in Japan. There, an Associated Press photographer captured Jones arresting "Tokyo Rose". This gun was factury nickeled years later when Jones became mayor of his home town.
Note: While the RMs purchased by the FBI wore 5" tubes many agents who purchased their own magnums opted for shorter barrels.
The FBI Anniversary gun came in a custom wood display case. The FBI badge and coin are courtesy of the previous owner (unknow whether he/she was an FBI agent themselves.
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