Gangster guns of 1934

[Wyatt Burp]

Here's handguns that were around that could have been used up to and including the big "Public Enemies" crime wave year of 1934 where John Dillinger, Bonnie & Clyde, Baby Face Nelson, and Pretty Boy Floyd were all killed. Mine just happen to be Colts, but lets see your handguns popular with gangsters and lawmen that could have been used in 1934. Please disregard the Tyler T-grips and Franzite style plastic grips. I didn't put this in "other brands" because lots of S&Ws will show up. Hope that's Ok.

 

[steveno]

the May issue of Firearms News had a lot of stuff about gangsters and their guns.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

Please disregard the Tyler T-grips and Franzite style plastic grips. I didn't put this in "other brands" because lots of S&Ws will show up. Hope that's Ok.

It is OK with me, but what do I know?

The Purple Gang from Detroit and Toledo ranged as far south as Galena, Ohio (about 30 miles north of the center of Columbus) And robbed the Bank. They hit my dad's hometown of Waterville, Ohio (west of Toledo) up to twice a year. I have no Idea of their exact guns, but at least one of the guns used against them was a Iver Johnson hammerless in 38 S&W (it is in my gun safe right now!)

Ivan

 

[ladder13]

From the mob museum in Vegas.

 

[Absalom]

From the mob museum in Vegas.
...

That gun has been discussed here in detail before. The thread below has additional links which may or may not work any more:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-ha...pones-s-w-revolver.html?494941=#post139315419

 

[S&W ucla]

Pic of some from Ma and Freddie.

 

[Absalom]

To contribute to the OP's goal, here are three that definitely were carried by someone during the 1920s and 1930s, the eras of Prohibition gangsters and then the "public enemies" of the early 1930s:

1. A Colt Pocket Hammerless 1903, shipped 1917. Dillinger had the 1908 version in his pocket when he was killed.

2. A Colt Police Positive, shipped 1915, with NYPD shield number and name William L. Kavanagh engraved, who was on duty until at least 1936 (last mention found).

3. M&P shipped 1923 to Minneapolis for MPD. Officer Paul B.Green, a WW I Navy veteran, had his name engraved on the gun. He was in service though the 1920s/30s. MPD had their hands full during those years. St. Paul next door had a tradition of corrupt chiefs who let gangsters use the city as a "sanctuary" if they didn't commit crimes within city limits; Minneapolis was fair game.

 

[Absalom]

An article worth reading:

American Rifleman | A Battle At Barrington: The Men & The Guns

 

[BARgunner]

Ship date of 1934.

 

[Alpo]

BARgunner, I could not figure a way to attach it to a PM, so I put it here.


It came with hard rubber on it, just like yours. I replaced that with the Uncle Mike's grips 'cause it made it so much more easy to shoot.



First Smith & Wesson I ever bought. '82, '83 maybe. I discovered they are addictive.


Thank you so much for the ship date.

 

[bigmtnman]

Colt 45 LC New Service (1924) Colt 1903 .32acp (1927) Colt Police Positive Special .38spl (1924) S&W M&P .38 spl (1931)