New Registered Magnum

[shawn mccarver]

With modern machining, it seems like they could do a new version of the original .357 Magnum. No lock, of course. Barrels would be standard lengths of 3 1/2, 4, 5, 6, 6 1/2 and 8 3/8, but each length would have the front sight base set back from the end of the barrel to look like the original. No flat sided PC type barrels. These would have the profiles of the originals as much as possible.

It would have the checkered top strap, and the customer-replaceable front sights with several included such as plain, red and yellow ramp, McGivern gold bead, etc., to allow the customer to experiment, like the selection they put in with the original classic 44 magnums. The rear sight would, of course, be the fully adjustable rear micrometer click sights.

Round butt frames on all (or at least on the 3 1/2 and 4 inch versions) to allow a wider variety of stock choices, and to facilitate carry in the shorter 3 1/2 or 4 inch versions. Traditional wood stocks, of course.

They would set a price, take orders direct from customers with down payments, etc., which facilitates the preparation of the registration certificate upon full payment, and the certificate would just be packed with the revolver at time of shipment. The customer would specify the name of the distributor/dealer to whom the revolver would be shipped. Details concerning logistics of shipping and payment could be set by the factory and its distributors.

Once the order period was closed, the revolvers would be built essentially to order by building all of each particular barrel length at one time. Thus, each would be made for a certain customer, yet, the Performance Center would not be too burdened in the sense that all in a certain length would be made at once. Naturally, they would be ordered in advance, be pricey and you would have to wait, which would make it even that much more fun.

 

[Rawhyde]

I'm game! Make mine 8-3/8" with a mirror polished blue finish.

 

[Shooting4life]

Would have to have a long action and be p&r

 

[Reevolvers]

Shawn,
Can you please quit your job move to Massachusetts and run Smith and Wesson? You have a brilliant, and well thought out plan! I think that this would be an absolute goldmine for Smith and Wesson. I fear however this will never happen as they don't seem to be interested in producing no lock wheel guns the OLD SCHOOL way! I am lucky enough to own and shoot a 3.5 inch model 27. Its a shooter and the Crown Jewel of my collection. I would love to see them produce these again. In the old days everything they made was "Their Best". Today the performance center is their best. I own a PC 627 5 inch, and love it. I paid quite a sum for it, and my production 27-2 from decades ago is far superior in both fit and finish. I dream of the day that happens again!

 

[shawn mccarver]

Shawn,
I fear however this will never happen as they don't seem to be interested in producing no lock wheel guns the OLD SCHOOL way!

Without trying to hijack my own thread into a discussion of whether the lock works or occasionally malfunctions, what I do not understand is why they cannot offer runs of revolvers without the lock, just as they offer the M&P pistol with the lock and without the lock. I know they offer the concealed hammer revolvers in "no-lock" versions, but I am talking about Classics or just no-lock versions of regular production revolvers.

I note that the consumer has chosen the no-lock version of the M&P pistol so much that distributors basically do not even offer the key lock version of the M&P pistol except in "compliant" versions for certain states.

If they can do that with the M&P pistol, I do not understand why they cannot do that with revolvers.

In any event, my fantasy 21st Century Registered Magnum would not have the key lock just because it is my fantasy!

And thanks for the compliment, but I think the gun laws are too restrictive for me to move to Massachusetts, although I might have to think through that again if I could run S&W!

 

[Reevolvers]

And thanks for the compliment, but I think the gun laws are too restrictive for me to move to Massachusetts, although I might have to think through that again if I could run S&W!



That was totally hilarious! As to the why they won't produce wheelguns without locks..... The answer is quite simple. Lawyers!!! I have a couple with locks, and some without locks. Perhaps Im the only one but in my view the biggest difference is quality! Love it or hate it the lock aint going away. Believe it or not a few years ago they used to produce guns daily that had barrels that were installed straight, and finishes that were flawless! That is why I wish your dream would come true. I sense that many here long for the day that they get back to the business of making guns the way they once did. Dont get me wrong I would buy a "NEW" Smith and Wesson Handgun I just prefer the old ones. I prefer the old ones because the folks that produced them did so with GREAT PRIDE! To them it weren't just a job and a pay check. It was who they were as a person! That is a dying breed not just in the gun biz, but everywhere we look. I miss the people who conducted themselves as our grandparents did! I honestly believe you should write a letter to S&W with your idea. I am 100 percent positive that there is unquestionably a decent market for the REAL McCoy old school built revolver. P.S. Thanks again for this thread! It has made me dream a bit!