IDEA: Distributor-Like Revolver Group Buy???

[HarrishMasher]

OP Here:
I will give Talo and maybe another distributor a call today or tomorrow and see what they say.

I will also put up a few polls on Monday once some more folks have had a chance to read this thread and get informed so they can participate in the polls. Cool?

 

[qballwill]

I think multiple polls is the only way to go. Take the top votes for each and put them together to make our dream gun. That is unless of course you have a 500S&W K frame with an airweight alloy frame.

If you do call distributors, also ask about the speicalized serial numbers. SWF prefix or whatever.

 

[HarrishMasher]

Email to Distributor

I just composed the email below and sent it to reps Talo and Lew Horton. I will let you guys know what I hear back. Here's the email:

Hi Talo,
As you are probably aware the S&W Forum (http://smith-wessonforum.com/) is a pretty popular spot on the net for S&W enthusiasts. Especially S&W revolver fans. The idea has been floated that we would like to do a group buy of a S&W revolver that we design/choose. Obviously it would be based on the current S&W frames and parts bin. It might even be a discontinued model. It is just in the discussion phase at this point. However, we have no doubt that we can get 500 to 1,000 folks on board to purchase a "S&W Forum" Revolver.

That said, we think it might make the most sense to approach a distributor that currently works with S&W to do this project with. Obviously the distributor/partner would add a percent on to the cost of the gun so they can make their required profit on the deal. We are aware these revolvers would have to be paid for in advance. But these are all things that can be discussed as this project evolves.

Would Talo consider working with a liaison/member of the S&W forum to get this project together and place the order for the revolver we collectively decide on?

Best Regards,
Jason B
S&W Forum Member

 

[oldgranddad]

I'm in. One of the first things to find out from S&W is if all 500 units have to be the same. If S&W will do a RB K frame, 3" barrel, adj sights, no lock, wood combat grips and in either SST or steel (blue) and either 41 Mag, 44 Mag or 45 ACP, the door comes open for a lot more takers. Some folks for more than one. I know there can't be total flexibility but I'll bet there could be some.
At probably $800 a pop, 500 units works out to $400,000. That's a strong incentive.

 

[Usmc5811]

I would definitively get in on this. Sounds like a great idea, as long as the logistics aren't like wrestling a grizzly bear.

 

[Hapworth]

Love this idea. Love it.

Since I think about this all the time, and it periodically evolves, here's my (currently) ideal revolver vote:

- L-frame
- .357 Magnum
- round butt
- 3" lugged barrel
- fixed sights with a gold bead front
- cut for moon clips
- old style factory combat stocks
- no lock
- all forged
- old school blue
- PC tuned

Basically a 3" 581 with an improved front sight.

Alternately, revive the 3" fixed sight Model 19 and its near-perfect fighting revolver twin, the 65 LS.

 

[HarrishMasher]

Response From Talo

Below is the response I received from Bob Coyle at Talo, and my response to him.

As I said earlier, I will put up some polls on Monday once more folks here have had a chance to give this some thought.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

Fascinating. When you hang around a bar, pool hall, or any campfire long enough, you probably find that if you really like the place the other customers have a lot in common with you! Maybe not always.....

If I'm going to carry this dreamy little gun I'd opt first for a K-frame but I'd not shy away from an L.

K-frame
.357
recessed chambers (can I get a side of pinned barrel with that?)
lugged barrel
combat trigger
no lock - just because
firing pin on the hammer
non-tear drop cylinder release latch
round butt
combat stocks
forged (as long as we're getting around to all the details, as Hapworth did)
high polish blue with color case trigger and hammer
best trigger they can do under Mass. law

=========

My alternative would be an L-frame just like that but in .44 Special.

***GRJ***

 

[ISCS Yoda]

HarrishMasher - can you cut and paste the Talo reply? The picture doesn't appear for me on this computer (it's a work issue I have to live with).

***GRJ***

 

[HarrishMasher]

Heard Back From Lew Horton

I heard back from Lew Horton, and much to my surprise Lew Horton no longer works with S&W:

For those who can't see pictures:

Hi Jason,

Thanks for the interest in working with Lew Horton's, but unfortunately we no longer sell S&W products.


Good luck,


Don Drysdale

Lew Horton Dist. Co. Inc.

 

[HarrishMasher]

HarrishMasher - can you cut and paste the Talo reply? The picture doesn't appear for me on this computer (it's a work issue I have to live with).

***GRJ***

Jason, interesting concept. We would explore it with you. Please keep in mind that our success has been as a result of the support of our local stocking dealers without whom we would have no showcase.
Under any circumstance I am sure I can help you in the development.

Email [email protected]


Regards,

Bob Coyle


And my response:

Hi Bob,
Thanks for getting back to me so fast. I appreciate you interest and support. I will be in touch with you in a week or so once I get some more feedback from the group. Thanks again, talk soon.

 

[357-RevolverGuy]

Excited to hear Talo got back to you so quickly. We have over 148,000 members here. If word gets out I'm sure filling an order for 500 would not be an issue. Revolver threads/posts here rank at the top in terms of numbers.

I think something like this could wake up S&W and make them realize that having no locks on K/L/N frame revolvers would sell out. Keep us posted on what happens.

 

[80sgyrene]

I think a fixed sighted 3" model 19 would really appeal to the masses.
Or an L frame version of the above.
P&R with the old cylinder retainer stud and cylinder release.

Or a 4" Heavy Duty in .357 or .45acp/.45LC with humpback hammer.

Either of those and I'm in.

 

[qballwill]

I heard back from Lew Horton, and much to my surprise Lew Horton no longer works with S&W:

For those who can't see pictures:

Hi Jason,

Thanks for the interest in working with Lew Horton's, but unfortunately we no longer sell S&W products.


Good luck,


Don Drysdale

Lew Horton Dist. Co. Inc.

I thought I remembered reading on the forum last year that s&w and LH no longer did business with each other, but when I searched, I could not find anything about it.
what a shame.

 

[Shorty 45 MK2]

I heard back from Lew Horton, and much to my surprise Lew Horton no longer works with S&W:

For those who can't see pictures:

Hi Jason,

Thanks for the interest in working with Lew Horton's, but unfortunately we no longer sell S&W products.


Good luck,


Don Drysdale

Lew Horton Dist. Co. Inc.

Well, I learned something new today.

 

[HarrishMasher]

Lipsey's Called Me

Flint Virgets from Lipsey's just called me. My phone number was in the email I sent him. Really nice guy. He pointed out all the obvious obstacles we would face getting something like this together. I told him we would work on getting a model figured out and a way to collect money etc. and get back to him.

So we have Talo and Lipsey's to talk with about this project as it evolves. So far so good.

 

[JCS&W]

Please remember my screen name. I would definitely be interested. Would prefer a 3" barrel, but K, L, N frame all work for me as long as it is at least a 38/357 model.

 

[ridgewalker]

I am pretty sure near unanimous support for no lock. S&W is currently doing a pretty good job of creating NL J-frames. It would be nice to show them the way to starting in on NL larger frames.
Two possible candidates I would suggest is bring back a Mountain Gun or a Night Guard, either with NL. Caliber: 357 mag, 10mm, 41 mag, 44 spec, or 44 mag.

 

[wrangler5]

Hasn't S&W made it clear for years that they will NOT make a no-lock gun under any circumstances (except for the ones they want to make, all of which have been concealed hammer guns?)

I'd love to get another 3" round butt K frame, but will keep looking for a pre-lock used one rather than buy a lock. Just my preference, of course.

 

[r3captain]

Since I'm not in a Free State I'll have to bow out, but I'm rooting for you all to come up with a really cool piece!