N-Frame Madness: Concept guns

[BillCa]

I do like N-Frames and I'm glad to see S&W bringing back some of the "classic" models, like the 1917. But I also think S&W "missed the boat" on some of their models.

So I used a little photo-editing to see what "might have been" if I'd had some input.

For instance, the 3-inch Models 24 & 25 are simply chopped versions of the target gun.

I think S&W might have garnered more interest making it a fixed sight gun, like this:

The Model 22 harkens back to the look of the 1930's, which I like. It's offered with a 4" barrel, not exactly easy to conceal.

Giving it a "nose job" (probably a 3.5") I think enhances the business-like look.

And if we do the same to the 1917 - which was popular when these were cheap "war suplus" models, we get a nifty looking .45 wheelgun.

I'm not expecting everyone to agree, but I think some of these might sell a bit better than the larger/longer versions. What do you think?

 

[Agent6-3/8]

I like the fixed sight idea. However, I persoanlly have never cared for N-frames with barrels less than 4".

 

[safdt17]

Great ideas. I'd buy one.
ben

 

[10-12]

Your version of the 1917 is exactly what I am looking for. Unfortunately, S&W doesn't offer it and I could not afford it if they did. But keep up the good work. Who knows, S&W may take the hint someday?

Thanks for sharing.

Bill

 

[Duke426]

All great ideas, Bill.

 

[Doug M.]

This sort of thing is why custom shops are able to stay in business. Myself, I prefer and need a good visible rear sight, so would probably use something like the rear sights from the Night Guard series, opened up to a good wide notch (like .160' or bigger) and the XS tritium standard size dot. Such a combo works great on two of my autopistols.

 

[gaucho1]

I agree about all your ideas,with the addition
of having a 31/2-31/4 inch barrels available.

The fixed sight 31/4 inch 29 posted recently
is the very best looking N frame to my eye.

Nice work on the photoshop.

 

[Joe Kent]

Billca, Great ideas, I hope they come to be, I know I'd be on the buy list,lock or not.

 

[Lionhound]

Bill,

Great renderings. I think a 5" N frame looks best proportionally, with 4" my second choice. As to concealability, 1/2"-1 1/2" doesn't matter as much as grip size and and cylinder diameter, and the right holster can make all the difference. I know many here have a great fondness for 3" and 3 1/2" bbls.

 

[TN RAT]

I love your ideas, but the price is the hurdle I just can't get over with the new classics.

I can buy a prelock, preMIM in numerous configurations, some like you mentioned, for sometimes only half as much, and they will only gain in value.

What is the point of the classics then?

 

[Wallace]

I like your ideas, and pretty handy Photoshop work, though I can still see the hole. ;-)

 

[dragonlady driver]

Agree 100%. (although I think the 4" barrel is the perfect length) I emailed S&W with very similar ideas. Their response: Stay tuned...

 

[29aholic]

Originally posted by dragonlady driver:
Agree 100%. (although I think the 4" barrel is the perfect length) I emailed S&W with very similar ideas. Their response: Stay tuned...

Welcome to the forum dragon

 

[squidsix]

Excellent! I love fixed-sight N-frames. I just bought Muley Gil's 3.5" 2nd Model HE in .44 Special. It is one version of my grail gun.
The ~3" Model 22-4 would be supremely awesome.
Steve

 

[panamajack310]

Hey, I like your pics. I would definately buy one of the 3" 1917's...you really should submit them to S&W to their R&D department.