One of 10 survivors of 5000 C-frame 2" Model 73 revolvers

[mikepriwer]

The C-frame was sized between a J frame, and a K-frame; something very close to a Colt Detective Special. In 1973, S&W had plans to produce a competitive revolver to the Detective Special. The patent took almost 2 years to acquire. The new gun was designated a Model 73, and the serial numbers began with P. Apparently parts for 5000 guns were made, but the assemblers ran into problems building the guns. A complete redesign was prepared, but apparently was too expensive to produce. Ultimately, in about 1978, a decision was made to terminate the project. 10 guns were produced; all the rest were scrapped.

Five of the ten survivors were released; P13 was given to Roy Jinks, The other four were given to friends of the factory. Some time later, the remaining five were sold in a Butterfield & Butterfield auction.

The first two pictures are the left and right sides of P13.





The last two pictures are the factory letter.







Regards, Mike Priwer

 

[toddimusnimski]

I'll take it. PM to follow.

AUGH! My bad, wrong section...

 

[45Smashemflat]

Amazing story, thanks!

 

[hoytx10]

Great post. I believe one sold recently on Amoskeag auctions if I remember correctly.

 

[ACORN]

Like the bananas.

 

[FishKepr]

I wonder how often Mr. Jinks dos a write up on a gun that he owned at some point.

 

[Abbotson]

I'll take it. PM to follow.

AUGH! My bad, wrong section...

Duuuude, im second.

 

[A10]

My day is complete. I have learned. Thanks for sharing your very interesting revolver Mike!

BTW when I saw Model 73 I was half expecting an experimental submachine gun

 

[robertrwalsh]

I confess I was totally unfamiliar with this particular model and the story. Thanks. Now I have another unicorn to look for (along with the Model 44 S&W and an original .45 ACP Luger.)

 

[Enzo Rules]

That is a nice looking revolver.

 

[demkofour]

Here are some pics of S/N P9 that Rick Nahas had on display last year at the SWCA symposium in Tulsa!

 

[demkofour]

I wonder how often Mr. Jinks dos a write up on a gun that he owned at some point.

I will be able to, in the not so distant future, accommodate you regarding this thought in a brand new thread.

 

[The Kid]

That front lockup makes so much sense. It eliminates the possibility of the inner rod peening and sticking as well as the ejector rod loosening up and tying the gun up, both rare but known to happen. Seems like a very good idea and a shame they didn’t put it to use.

It appears that it had a frame mounted firing pin as well, not necessarily an upgrade from the hammer nose IMO but something they didn’t use on centerfire revolvers until much later.

Appears that there was much innovation taking place with this project that ended up being shelved. Thanks for the history lesson.

 

[Hawg Rider]

Once again, I learned something new here on the Forum! I never knew there was a Model 73 or the history behind it. It actually looks like it would have been a fine revolver, and I assume since it was to compete with the Colt DS it was a 6-shot .38 Special. Shame it was so expensive to manufacture.

 

[Lt.Donn]

The C-frame was sized between a J frame, and a K-frame; something very close to a Colt Detective Special. In 1973, S&W had plans to produce a competitive revolver to the Detective Special. The patent took almost 2 years to acquire. The new gun was designated a Model 73, and the serial numbers began with P. Apparently parts for 5000 guns were made, but the assemblers ran into problems building the guns. A complete redesign was prepared, but apparently was too expensive to produce. Ultimately, in about 1978, a decision was made to terminate the project. 10 guns were produced; all the rest were scrapped.

Five of the ten survivors were released; P13 was given to Roy Jinks, The other four were given to friends of the factory. Some time later, the remaining five were sold in a Butterfield & Butterfield auction.

The first two pictures are the left and right sides of P13.

View attachment 762525

View attachment 762526

The last two pictures are the factory letter.

View attachment 762527


View attachment 762528


Regards, Mike Priwer

WOW she's a Stunner...I know it would be bad to suggest, but I'd love to shoot one

 

[sjmjax]

Seems like a great idea.
Wonder why it was so difficult to put into production?

 

[Bullet Bob]

I'm just guessing, but it seems that it would take some precision fitting for the ejector rod knob to precisely fit in the recess, on a production basis. Tight enough to provide lockup at the rear of the knob, but not impede opening and closing the cylinder.

 

[AJR337]

Very cool...thanks for sharing. Would love to see S&W introduce limited run "replica" models like this even if it was built on a K frame.

 

[flundertaker]

I like how Roy ended the letter to himself the same way he did letter to everyone else, “we hope this information is of interest to you.”

Also interesting, I wasn’t aware of legislation in the early 70’s to ban 2” handguns. Never heard that before. Thank God that stupidity never got traction.

 

[Truckman]

I wasn’t aware of legislation in the early 70’s to ban 2” handguns. Never heard that before.

Me either...More incrementalism looking for an opening......Ben