Heavy Duty gifted by a friend. Obviously, a TRUE friend.

[calmex]

An American friend who has decided to move back to the U.S. has sold off his rather ample collection of Model 19's, and a few other firearms as well. However, before leaving he "gifted" this Heavy Duty to me. I couldn't wait and leave it in idle hands and as quickly as possible flew down to Mexico with my wife to pick it up and leave it in one of my other "stashes" of firearms awaiting my fulltime return to Mexico. That's a couple of years away, but I wanted the new Heavy Duty to be safely stored -- and I wanted to look at it. I was there when he got it, and probably posted a photo or two of it in some forgotten thread, but I wanted to see it as it is today.

The Serial Number is S 66376. I'm sure we'll get a date of manufacture pretty quickly here with the local experts on the Heavy Duty.

She's really a beauty. I'm sure some will complain about persnickety small details, but when somebody just "gives" you a Heavy Duty out of the blue, it's imprudent to whine about the small stuff.

For those interested in such things, the action is super-smooth and the pre-timing is very nice. I believe this is a Pre-War Heavy Duty, but we'll know for sure soon enough.

The revolver has the 5-screws, and the finish is not too bad for a Calmex revolver.

This Heavy Duty currently sits quietly with my Model 49 Snubby that Phil Maher got me, and the Non-Registered Magnum that Phil Roettinger used in the Pacific War.

Some other shots or portions of shots of this revolver can be seen in my last post in the thread: Penultimate Pre Postwar Magnum is in Mexico!

I need a few more quality friends like this one I suppose since I'm too old now to strike it rich financially.

 

[X62503]

Outstanding.

 

[Bald1]

Forgetbstashing them. I'd find a way to get those home. Beautiful

 

[quinn]

Congratulations! From the S prefix serial number and the pre war hammer as well as the serial number I would say that it is a "transitional" dating from 1946-7. I would suggest getting a SWHF leter on it for sure.

 

[calmex]

Forgetbstashing them. I'd find a way to get those home. Beautiful

I'd be content to have Phil's gun in the U.S., either in Lee's collection or the C.I.A. Museum (if there is such a thing) or some other collection. I guess it's just a matter of getting it there and that's not going to be easy -- unless it is. It would sure be a nice revolver for an R.I.A. Auction, wouldn't it? It's safe where it is, but it would be nice to have it somewhere other people could enjoy it's history and subtle beauty.

Since I'm planning on moving back to Mexico for my retirement years, I'll hang onto the other two. I might need 'em unless there's a general clean-up around here that comes along in the meantime.

 

[calmex]

Congratulations! From the S prefix serial number and the pre war hammer as well as the serial number I would say that it is a "transitional" dating from 1946-7. I would suggest getting a SWHF leter on it for sure.

Yes, I was wondering about that "S" thingy. So that started up Post-War then, didn't it? See what you forget when you get distracted by events.

 

[ColbyBruce]

You did real well there. Congratulations.

 

[Keith Brown]

A long action, large knob and single line address, all you could ask for in a transition HD ! Probably only has about a hundred and fifty or so years left in it so take it easy. They're easy to get hooked on is the only downside.

 

[T44spl]

A fine gun from obviously a fine friend. It takes a great deal of confidence to give a gun like that to someone. He certainly wanted to make sure it went to a good home where it would be appreciated and someone he deemed worthy of this gift. I've Always believed in gifting within your lifetime so that you had control of what your wishes are and that they are carried out as you intended.
For legal, ethical and civil reasons when things are conducted in this manner you can go to your dirt nap with content. 'Nuff said...

 

[Oldengineer]

I'm just wondering how one can own firearms in Mexico? LEO?

 

[calmex]

I'm just wondering how one can own firearms in Mexico? LEO?

I am and always was a civilian competition shooter and experimenter. I owned an Ice Cream Store in San Miguel de Allende for 26 years.

Any civilian can own firearms in Mexico, with many restrictions as to caliber and power. In the 1990's I did many shooting clinics for several Mexican Police and Military units after being urged to do so by a certain Mexican Army General, and the former late US Consul Phil Maher.

It was me who trained the Mexican Rural Police sent to Chiapas after the EZLN uprising in 1995 or so. I am not sponsored by anyone, but there are still many people around Mexico who know about me. But anyone can own guns here, IF you speak fluent Spanish and jump through the many hoops. It is not for the faint hearted.

 

[19leben]

Great gun and a great friend! Your serial number fits between two post-war transition Heavy Dutys that I own. Both were shipped in 1946. One in March and the other in July. Yours most likely shipped in 1946 as well.

 

[cgt4570]

Very nice!
Like they say, a friend with help you move.
A TRUE friend will help you move a body.

 

[calmex]

Great gun and a great friend! Your serial number fits between two post-war transition Heavy Dutys that I own. Both were shipped in 1946. One in March and the other in July. Yours most likely shipped in 1946 as well.

Thank-you very much. One of the things that make this forum the best of firearms forums is that you can be in the middle of nowhere surrounded by Zulus, and still post a photo with a clear Serial Number and get pretty reliable results within 48 hours for free if you can just keep finding reliable free Internet and stay safe that long.