IDEA: Distributor-Like Revolver Group Buy???

[azlou66]

I'd guess that the company will NOT let a gun go out the door with a single-action cockable hammer and without a lock, no matter what you offer to pay 'em. I think that's just their corporate philosophy. (Remember the history - today, S&W is a gun lock company that bought a gun manufacturing company. WE may think of it as a gun company, like it used to be, but the reality is that it's a lock company that makes guns to put their locks in. THAT's the perspective that makes their corporate insistence on locks seem like "common sense.")

Anyway, as I recall from installing a PLUG in a 638 that came with a lock, producing a frame for an external hammer gun without a lock would require them NOT to cut the round hole for the lock itself, the slot next to the hammer where the "Loaded" flag moves, and the internal slot where the flag/lock actuating mechanism fits. I'm sure all of these are cut on CNC machinery. And while it's certainly possible to modify the computer code to keep the machines from making the cuts for a lock, I suspect that the reprogramming would be a nontrivial task, EVEN IF the company were willing to let an external hammer gun go out the door without a lock.

So I'd guess that, even if the company were willing to omit the locks, it would take a lot more than an order for 500 or 1000 guns to make it worth their while to do the reprogramming.

Cautionary note - this is from a retired tax lawyer, who has never seen even one line of actual CNC code, so take it for what it's worth. But are there any CNC programmers out there who can say for sure how much work it is likely to take to make those kinds of changes? Recognizing, of course, that without actual knowledge of the software and coding actually used by the S&W machines, it would just be a guess.

20 years of CNC programming tells me it wouldn't be very difficult at all to remove the code from a copied program that could be used for a limited production run.

 

[Tanner2297]

I like the idea. Would be willing to participate.

 

[Fishinfool]

I kind of have my doubts about the feasibility of actually bringing this to fruition for a number of reasons, but I will play....

How about a Scandium N frame for weight savings-
.44 special
3 1/2 and 5 inch tapered barrels available
Adjustable rear, with a ramped gold bead front
All forged lock work, with no lock
A deep, satin miracle coat type finish (I don't believe Scandium can be blued?)
Pretty wood "coke" type grips, as well as a second pair of rubbers
A matching quality leather pancake type holster

It would be a great, practical, light weight woods carry gun.

Larry

 

[BCDWYO]

I've read thru every post. I'd definitely be interested if you are gathering names, count me in!

First issue to find out (at least for me) is if S&W will produce a run without the IL. That would be a deal breaker and easy jumping off point for me and a lot of others.

If we can get no IL, then I'd be willing to make my deposit and go with the majority on the polls.

My wish gun would be a blued 3" Model 13 shrouded like the 65 Ladysmith. No ports please.

 

[nawilson]

My vote is for a 3" 625 in 45 Colt with fixed sights. In the end though, most any big bore snubby would get me reaching for my wallet. I just love the things.

I have a feeling that MIM parts, the internal lock, and the frame mounted firing pin will not be open to negotiation. They really aren't issues to me. The only way around them would probably require a time machine.

 

[revho]

I would throw in for this. Preferences would be a 3" K or L frame in .357 as well.

 

[firemanhank]

Put my name in the hat! Also +1 for unfluted cylinder.
Hank

 

[2ndAmendmentNut]

How about a scandium framed gun with a polished nickel finish rather than an ugly black one?

 

[turbo38gn]

If this pans out... I'm a player.. just one request.. 3"

 

[PA Guns & Ammo]

Couple of ideas:

Must be stainless, the new bluing S&W uses is weak. Hoppe's takes off the finish
L or N frame with full underlug
10 shot 22 Mag in the L frame
12 shot or whatever the can fit in the N frame either in 22LR or 22Mag

My main vote would be a 22 in the N frame. Did they ever make one on the N frame? Also, their are tons of models chambered in the 38/357 so I do not think I would bother with that caliber. S&W offers very few models in the 22LR and even less in the 22Mag.

James

 

[zelda]

Something unique would create instant collector value. Maybe a 686 in 40S&W with a 3'' barrel..

 

[Stukaman]

Something snubby in .44 special is my vote.

 

[H Richard]

You all do realize it will take an order for at least 5000 guns, payable up front to get a special order like this made up don't you? That's why only distributors only get a real occasional special order, and it has just a minimal change from the standard issue.

 

[Jim1392]

I thought this is a dead issue and the thread was closed.

 

[HarrishMasher]

Yes, the forum owner must have missed this thread when he closed them down.

This thread is closed.

 

[Engineer1911]

It's not closed yet, but what is the consensus for a Forum revolver?

 

[handejector]

To be clear-
I of course do not mind if members want to put together a group buy for themselves.

The Forum will not be involved in the logistics in any way.
No marks pertaining to the Forum can be on the guns or with the guns.

 

[hkcavalier]

3" or 5" 686+, fluted cylinder cut for moon clips.

I'd love to see a dark stainless bead-blast finish like Ruger does with some of their stainless guns.

I seriously doubt we're going to get a no-IL, forged part gun out of S&W. I would love it, but I also don't want to pay $1700 for this 1 of 500/1,000.