I’ve been wanting a .45 ACP revolver for some time, and having some cash set aside, think I’m going to do it. Prior to leaving NJ (beginning of April), there are two Oaks, PA gun shows scheduled that I can make; one the second weekend of February and one the fourth weekend of March (March is bigger, and likely going to both... unless I buy one next Friday). Just to clear up any mention of Federal law with buying handguns, I am a FFL-03.
So, I’m looking for a .45 ACP revolver, C&R eligible, and preferably US military history. Will likely be something I’ll shoot periodically, and possibly carry on certain holidays (Independence Day, Memorial Day, etc). If I find a S&W Brazilian model in good condition/decent price, I’d consider it. Commercial guns, as long as C&R eligible and in my price range... maybe. I do have to be honest, seeing Fury and that older TV movie The Lost Battalion, I sort of want a revolver with historical value (and likely would get a letter along with it).
Not really looking for anything cut down or in crappy condition. Obviously, I’m looking at most about 100 year old revolvers, so obviously going to see some wear. For reference, I have $1,100 sitting in my safe... set aside for this purchase. Will likely put $200 or $300 more in the pot, but seeing the BIN prices of some guns sitting on Gunbroker, I can’t see paying more than $1,250 for something I’d be happy with.
Reading the title, I do want to point out that I’m not asking on what to look for in regards to checking the mechanics of a revolver. Likely not going to be able to pull the side plate... but will check the crane, rod, barrel/finish condition, and lockup/alignment of the cylinder before buying. But after looking into the Victory revolvers when I picked up my “Oswald” Victory, didn’t know if there were any modifications commonly made to S&W M1917s when they were surplused. Figure .45 ACP being somewhat common here wouldn’t be a big desire to convert these over to something else... unless .45 Colt. Any markings to look for or shouldn’t be present on US guns (asking in case someone is trying to pass off something that isn’t what they portray it as)?
I am aware of Colt doing a similar M1917 pattern with their design... but more of a S&W guy. Anything specific to look at, if I get one of those in my sights? I did read into it a little, and service numbers below 30451 may have cylinders that don’t headspace the ACP without moonclips (some cylinders were swapped out, so just something to look for). Personally, I’ll likely just run them with moonclips... but prefer the ability to just shove in a cartridge and be ready to fire.
Thanks for any help in this.
So, I’m looking for a .45 ACP revolver, C&R eligible, and preferably US military history. Will likely be something I’ll shoot periodically, and possibly carry on certain holidays (Independence Day, Memorial Day, etc). If I find a S&W Brazilian model in good condition/decent price, I’d consider it. Commercial guns, as long as C&R eligible and in my price range... maybe. I do have to be honest, seeing Fury and that older TV movie The Lost Battalion, I sort of want a revolver with historical value (and likely would get a letter along with it).
Not really looking for anything cut down or in crappy condition. Obviously, I’m looking at most about 100 year old revolvers, so obviously going to see some wear. For reference, I have $1,100 sitting in my safe... set aside for this purchase. Will likely put $200 or $300 more in the pot, but seeing the BIN prices of some guns sitting on Gunbroker, I can’t see paying more than $1,250 for something I’d be happy with.
Reading the title, I do want to point out that I’m not asking on what to look for in regards to checking the mechanics of a revolver. Likely not going to be able to pull the side plate... but will check the crane, rod, barrel/finish condition, and lockup/alignment of the cylinder before buying. But after looking into the Victory revolvers when I picked up my “Oswald” Victory, didn’t know if there were any modifications commonly made to S&W M1917s when they were surplused. Figure .45 ACP being somewhat common here wouldn’t be a big desire to convert these over to something else... unless .45 Colt. Any markings to look for or shouldn’t be present on US guns (asking in case someone is trying to pass off something that isn’t what they portray it as)?
I am aware of Colt doing a similar M1917 pattern with their design... but more of a S&W guy. Anything specific to look at, if I get one of those in my sights? I did read into it a little, and service numbers below 30451 may have cylinders that don’t headspace the ACP without moonclips (some cylinders were swapped out, so just something to look for). Personally, I’ll likely just run them with moonclips... but prefer the ability to just shove in a cartridge and be ready to fire.
Thanks for any help in this.
