Introducing Factory Nickel 4” REG 1802, 100% Original But…..

[DARE]

Terry. Is the gun in the database? If not I'm sure you will put it there. What % condition will you call it?

Also congrats on your latest piece of S&W history.

 

[lestert357]

Is the gun in the database? What % condition will you call it?

David,

Yes, I previously listed the gun from some records that Dr. Jinks recently sent to me. He had lettered this gun within this past year. Once I received the material from the Historical Foundation I added some additional information to the database.

The seller listed the gun at 85% in the auction which I thought was a little generous. The cylinder probably rates 95%+, the barrel and shroud maybe 85%, and frame maybe 75%. There is very little finish left on the trigger or hammer, so I dropped the condition down to 80% in the database, and that too may be overly generous. I did not really figure the grips into the condition estimate, but I can tell you that they DEFINITELY help the overall appearance of the gun. I doubt if I would have bid on the gun if it were wearing factory walnut Magna grips. Also, the action and mechanics truly do feel almost factory new.

 

[DARE]

Thanks Terry,
I am just trying to learn. I respect your opinion on these things. 80% is the number I was guessing at.

 

[Frieda's Boss]

Beautiful gun! I learned something from this thread too...lived in SC my whole life, and never knew there was a McColl here.

 

[SWSC]

Chief 1935

 

[SWSC]

Above article states Bullock as McColl Chief of Police in 1935. Earlier article states he is McColl Chief in 1937 also. Continuous service

 

[lestert357]

Above article states Bullock as McColl Chief of Police in 1935. Earlier article states he is McColl Chief in 1937 also. Continuous service

Outstanding sir! I would say that circumstantial evidence is pretty strong that Bullock was the original owner of REG 1802! I have also emailed the current McColl Chief of Police requesting any information they might have.

 

[PALADIN85020]

John:

Unlike the post war N-Frame .357 Magnums (pre-27 and 27's), the top of the rear sight leaf on pre-war .357 Magnums was not checkered. The rear sights were custom fitted to each gun prior to checkering, the top strap was then checkered and the smooth plain rear sight was installed. The custom fitting of rear sights to each individual frame was unfortunately discontinued when post war production of target sighted guns resumed. It was replaced with the standard micrometer rear sight (one sight fits all). Here is a photo of a factory nickel NRM (one of very few known) that I used to own...

Thanks, Richard - I learned something new today!

Best,
John

 

[jimmyj]

If I was custodian of this weapon, I would send it to "Fords" in Crystal River Florida and have it restored to its former glory. To my eyes the weapon displays neglect more than service use.

 

[bower]

With 158 nickel RM's made, how many original finished ones are out there?I'd leave this piece exactly as it is with all its originality and character intact.

 

[Thinnes]

Terry - outstanding! Very happy for you. That is 100 % beautiful. Well done. Dave
PS: no to refinish

 

[lestert357]

If I was custodian of this weapon, I would send it to "Fords" in Crystal River Florida and have it restored to its former glory. To my eyes the weapon displays neglect more than service use.

Jimmy, I respect your assessment regarding neglect versus service use. However, I have the gun looking somewhat presentable now - at least in some lighting conditions…..[emoji1] So while I'm the custodian of this gun it will remain with the original but previously marred finish that it has.

 

[SWSC]

Swamp

 

[SWSC]

McColl is in Marlboro County SC. Maybe spent too much time in the swamp?

 

[hkcavalier]

Very nice. There's a shop in Enumclaw, WA where the owner puts out a high condition nickel RM from time to time (no price tag and I'm afraid to ask). IIRC it's a 5".

 

[boykinlp]

lestert357, thanks for sharing your new acquisition. I like it a lot! Since I am from SC, upstate not lower where McColl is, it really hits high on the cool scale. What's not to like?

S&W Revolver - check
Registered Magnum - check
Kinda Rare Nickel - check
Sambar Stag Grips - check
Owned (and probably used) by Law Enforcement - check
Cool Sights - check
Great Provenance - check

That checks all the boxes for this revolver to me!
Larry

 

[SWSC]

Chief

 

[delcrossv]

..... To my eyes the weapon displays neglect more than service use.

Yes. "Carried much, shot little".

Great score. Leave it as it is.

 

[lestert357]

One final "glamour" shot…..

 

[LEO918]

Well done Sir.