Lets Not Forget Those High Functioning Ugly Ducklings

This old beater, Phil Roettinger's N.R.M., with actual service on Guadalcanal and Bouganville should certainly count.

This revolver has a beautiful double-action and perhaps a bit of a heavy single-action pull for someone who was such a dedicated target shooter as Roettinger. Interestingly enough, using the 158 grain LSWC at either 820 fps or 1,350 fps it has a "dead on" impact in the center of the 4-inch black circle of an N.R.A. D-3 target if one takes a 6-o'clock hold on the bottom of the black from 25 yards. This with the rear sight all the way down flat with no further adjustment. The 1/10th inch front sight with the red bead on the King ramp seems to have been adjusted perfectly. Or was it just luck? Shipped in the spring of 1942 and undoubtedly made up from parts "just laying around", they couldn't have cut things any finer on that sight adjustment.


I am impressed with all of them, but the history on this NRM is killer.

I will add this old 1905 which is not so ugly but it went back to S&W twice in the 1930's for repairs and upgrades. It was carried for years by a Philly police officer, verified by letter and documents from S&WHF. Talk about well maintained over the years, by some one who carried it on the beat. Great old shooter.
 

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Alternatively you could relieve my distress by selling it to me. Just saying.

Here's something you probably didn't know. The photo that Lee uses as his Avatar was actually a real photo taken of him at a Smith & Wesson Collector's Association meeting when someone mentioned to him the possibility that I might dump the gun to someone other than him. Check it out, it's the truth, there were witnesses.

You just said that because, like Steinbach, you want me to incur the "Apes of wrath".
 
My favorite rescue, needed a good cleaning and lube, replaced the nub of a cylinder latch, shimmed the yoke and she was good to go.

Allegedly belong to a bank security guard. Shoots good for 90 years old.

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Paladin; I have a 22-32 Target of the same vintage as yours. Picked it up years ago in a swap. It's pitted & worn with little remaining finish but shoots like a dream. I've taken lots of camp meat with it. I also have a newer one that won't shoot as good. Don't ask me why.
 
High Functioning Ugly Ducklings?

I think my Registered Magnum counts

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Love that gun.

That is a fantastic "artistic" photo. The multihued grays and browns with the variegated textures really make this photo and it's subject stand out with character beyond description. That revolver is amazingly ruggedly handsome. It's easy to see why you "Love that gun."

John
Scoundrel and Ne'er-Do-Well in Training
 
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Here is my contribution to this thread, a Model 1902 HE. She's had a hard life and was the duty weapon for someone, but she still functions just fine! I wish I knew the story behind this one! I'm still trying to figure out what "MPAS" stands for.
 

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That is a fantastic "artistic" photo. The multihued grays and browns with the variegated textures really make this photo and it's subject stand out with character beyond description. That revolver is amazingly ruggedly handsome. It's easy to see why you "Love than gun."

John
Scoundrel and Ne'er-Do-Well in Training

Don't know what the heck variegated is, don't have a dictionary handy, but that photo almost looks painted...love it!
 
Don't know what the heck variegated is, don't have a dictionary handy, but that photo almost looks painted...love it!

Variegated - exhibiting different colors, especially as irregular patches or streaks.

I agree the picture almost looks painted.

John
Scoundrel and Ne'er-Do-Well in Training.
 
I think Delta's .44 HE 3 wins the UG prize.
 
Sigh . . . I love "ugly ducklings" . . . . this thread is one of the best gun porn threads I've seen in a long time! Nothing like a good old Smith with honest wear on it . . .
 

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