JCS&W
US Veteran
I will agree with j38 and say thank you for the pics. A very unusual piece of history.
Final Update: I DID buy this rare Model 56
- Thread starter DCWilson
- Start date
By the early '80s, the rejection rate on the frames of USAF revolvers at depot level rebuild was something like 60%. They had to buy something or go unarmed. The USAF and Army did manage to buy some Ruger Service 6 pistols but I have no idea how many.
"You would think finding 6 previously unknown WWII Military Model 12's that are marked totally different than any known to exist before would be great news. Guess again, this messed up the Collectors Book. No interest in adding a new chapter covering the rarest WWII Model 12's known to exist"
Perhaps they're just being cautious, as good researchers in any field should be. Until things are verified, you may have a rare exception, or you may have one that someone bought a bunch of as surplus, and modified - or one of many other possibilities. Research, done by fellows like the ones here who have chimed in about the model 56 under discussion, nailing down the details as much as possible, are what defines a true collector; at least to me.
Perhaps they're just being cautious, as good researchers in any field should be. Until things are verified, you may have a rare exception, or you may have one that someone bought a bunch of as surplus, and modified - or one of many other possibilities. Research, done by fellows like the ones here who have chimed in about the model 56 under discussion, nailing down the details as much as possible, are what defines a true collector; at least to me.
dmc8163
Member
I reviewed this thread after being shown a Model 56 by the owner of a local gun shop. He knew it was a very rare revolver and would not put a price on it. This thread concluded in 2012. Does anyone know of a public sale of a Model 56 since 2012? This revolver was in remarkable condition but no box. Very light drag mark and few handling marks. It did have the incorrect grips. Being a "pistol" guy I did not inspect it for authenticity but would should I decide to make an offer. Thank you, D
flagman1776
Member
Actually, YES. If you scrolled further down this page you would see the thread where I found, researched & ultimately purchased a US marked S&W M56 last week. Between these 2 threads, you can see the different details.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-re...hting-lgs-military-model-56-w-us-marking.html
There are about known 50 survivors of 15,205 made, in the database. SN range is random between K500001 - K250800. They were made 1962-3.
(PM sent to dmc)
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-re...hting-lgs-military-model-56-w-us-marking.html
There are about known 50 survivors of 15,205 made, in the database. SN range is random between K500001 - K250800. They were made 1962-3.
(PM sent to dmc)
Last edited:
dmc8163
Member
Thank you flagman1776. I don't know how I missed it. I appreciate your response. D
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