Rather than post this with the original thread which has become somewhat mixed, I thought I would post these two documents from S&W's files that show some of the information about this elusive Registered Magnum.
Bill
Bill
RM, REG. #1591, .22 LR caliber
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Doc,
One of the many reasons I enjoy our fellowship here in the SWCA is learning about the history of our collections. The story of this particular revolver is fascinating and one can only imagine the hands this Magnum has passed through. May it be in possession of a caring and thoughtful curator.
One of the many reasons I enjoy our fellowship here in the SWCA is learning about the history of our collections. The story of this particular revolver is fascinating and one can only imagine the hands this Magnum has passed through. May it be in possession of a caring and thoughtful curator.
Thanks Bill, really appreciate the amazing information you share with us.
RM Vivas
US Veteran
That .22LR Registered Magnum stuck in the institutional memory of S&W for quite some time. I've seen numerous requests for some rather interesting custom mods and the factory will invariably reply with some variant of "...we tried that once, it was expensive, time consuming and never again..."
In this case, 8 years after the .22LR Registered Magnum, a fellow wanted one in .22 Hornet. Interesting concept.
S&W apparently got flashbacks reading the letter because as they point out:
"...the expense would be prohibitive even if we felt we could undertake a special job of this type. At one time we chambered a Magnum for .22 Long Rifle cartridge and charged $150. Even so, Smith & Wesson lost money, and actually our costs were more nearly in the neighborhood of $250 - and that was in the heart of the depression when labor costs were nowhere near what they are today...."
Some good detail here of the expenses involved in trying new things.
The irony is that in a few more years the .22 Jet would come out.
Best,
RM Vivas
In this case, 8 years after the .22LR Registered Magnum, a fellow wanted one in .22 Hornet. Interesting concept.
S&W apparently got flashbacks reading the letter because as they point out:
"...the expense would be prohibitive even if we felt we could undertake a special job of this type. At one time we chambered a Magnum for .22 Long Rifle cartridge and charged $150. Even so, Smith & Wesson lost money, and actually our costs were more nearly in the neighborhood of $250 - and that was in the heart of the depression when labor costs were nowhere near what they are today...."
Some good detail here of the expenses involved in trying new things.
The irony is that in a few more years the .22 Jet would come out.
Best,
RM Vivas
bigggbbruce
Member
If that gun surfaced for sale. It would go for a lot of money in today's market.
Unless someone didn't know what it is.
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RM Vivas
US Veteran
It was my understanding that the money for the gun was raised by "subscription"; that is to say, the funds were collected from a large number of people to be put towards a common purchase.
Still quite a chunk of dough though!
People much more knowledgeable than I have put a great eal of research into the .22LR Unicorn that is the Registered Rimfire.
Best,
RM Vivas
I assume they used the K22 Outdoorsman 22 long, roll mark on the bbl.
It would be crazy seeing that stamp on a pre WWII N frame bbl.
It would be crazy seeing that stamp on a pre WWII N frame bbl.
I would assume that several or many employees contributed to a gift for a retiring CEO or company president. The number of people and the inquiry originating at a mining company let me think that.
SGT ROCK 11B
Member
I'm thinking whoever has it today does not realize they have it. In a footlocker or such in the attic or the basement.If that gun surfaced for sale. It would go for a lot of money in today's market.
Unless someone didn't know what it is.
A sad thought but this gun could have been melted down or otherwise destroyed by the government.
45NUTT
Member
It's either been lost forever or it's in someone's attic/basement moldering away since its owner has no idea that great grandpa's 22 is worth a S-ton of money
Or a collector has it and does not want it known. Probably the same for Hoover's #1. Someone probably has it but don't want us to know.
Its lying under underwear or socks in some dead old guy's bureau, one day grandma will either decide it's time to unload grandpa's stuff, or she'll die and the kids will come in to clean it out or hire someone to come in and hand it over to Goodwill.
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