Medusa 47 and S&W, why not?

[Tarcante]

The Medusa 47 was a very unusual revolver produced by Phillips & Rodgers that had the ability to chamber multiple calibers in the same revolver.
I have always wonder why S&W, nor any other top firearm company, replicated this model. If there is a market for the .410/.45 lc revolver and I sure there is a market for a revolver that can fire - in the same cylinder -,.357 mag., 9 mm, .38 spl., .380 auto, etc.
IMHO it will be a shame if this model is reproduced by a small firearms company with a cheap imitation. If it needs to be done, it should be done by a top 3 revolver manufacturer. I´ll love to hear some ideas as to why it has never been done by S&W or anybody else, except Phillips & Rodgers.

 

[BubbaBlades]

This is a picture of my S&W 686 with a Medusa cylinder. The cylinder in the 686 is not quite as tight as my P&R Model 47's but it has all of the same pluses and minuses.
The minuses include it being almost impossible to find replacement Medusa cylinder parts.

Due to the replacement parts problem, I retired both the 686 and P&R 47 and was using my M547 and Ruger Speed Six for all of my 9mm revolver needs.
The 986 came out. I bought one and I stopped using all of my other 9mm revolvers.

Mark

 

[Georgia1911]

... I´ll love to hear some ideas as to why it has never been done by S&W or anybody else, except Phillips & Rodgers.

Because there is little to no demand for such a firearm. What problem does it solve?

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

Because there is little to no demand for such a firearm. What problem does it solve?

You sure know how to spoil a thread on an interesting gun. Anyway, what if you were shuttling between Spain and Mexico and could only take one gun that you brought from the States, and you could somehow get a .357-capable gun into Mexico, but had to make do with whatever ammo was around, from 9mm Corto to 9mm Largo, plus whatever .38 Spl and .357 you brought with you?

 

[Georgia1911]

You sure know how to spoil a thread on an interesting gun. Anyway, what if you were shuttling between Spain and Mexico and could only take one gun that you brought from the States, and you could somehow get a .357-capable gun into Mexico, but had to make do with whatever ammo was around, from 9mm Corto to 9mm Largo, plus whatever .38 Spl and .357 you brought with you?

I think you just proved my point. It may be technically interesting, but I interpreted the question as one of commercial viability. If you owned S&W would you believe that is enough demand to justify taking this to production?

 

[flundertaker]

Why sell 1 gun when you can sell 3 or 4?
lots of convertible single actions out there. Ruger makes a bunch.

 

[JeepinSoldier]

I think that like a lot of things, the Medusa was before its time.

Now the cylinder and parts would be very expensive to produce, further limiting sales to an already small market.

With the recent ammo shortages and interest in 'Prepping', I think that this concept would enjoy sustainable sales if the cost could be kept reasonable.

I myself just purchased a complete stainless 65/66 cylinder that will be sent off to be machined for moon clips and a .38 Super or 9mm conversion. It will then be paired with a 3" Model 65 which will retain its original cylinder as well.

Then I can have a modern stainless version of the unobtanium 547 that will fire 9mm as well as .38 Special and .357 Magnum.

Aside from preparedness, what's the point? If I am taking several 9mm's to the range that day, I can take a revolver and shoot that as well and use the same ammo - Just like I do with my .45 Autos and my 625.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

I think you just proved my point.

As was my intention.

It may be technically interesting, but I interpreted the question as one of commercial viability.

As did I.

If you owned S&W would you believe that is enough demand to justify taking this to production?

Well, if you consider all the folks who were shuttling between Spain and Mexico and could only take one gun . . .