Too beautiful to shoot?

[airborne_zim]

Patrick,

Not at all. Actually, the photos were taken by the fellow from whom I purchased the gun. I liked them so much I kept them.

Z

 

[YeshuaIsa53]

I have found it quite easy to not shoot a gun. My secret? Don't ask anyone here.

 

[pace40]

Originally posted by airborne_zim:
I don't know if this makes it pre-lock but the test fire case says that S&W tested it in Sept. of 2001. So I'm guessing that it was made right before the test firing.

Mike

Seems to me this indicates its already been shot. Why should the factory guys have all the fun.

 

[airborne_zim]

Finally got to the shoot --- alot!

Well it's taken almost six months but I finally got out to our land and brought the Model 22 with me, along with 20 loaded up full moon clips and a couple of boxes of ammo in reserve.

Here's my impressions:
1. For a big bore revolver it doesn't feel big, it is actually rather sleek and points well.
2. First shots: recoil is not too bad, it isn't sharp and doesn't interfere with a quick follow-up shot.
3. The S&W Custom shop action is smooth and the trigger break is crisp.
4. It shoots a bit low, some file work on the site will help.
5. Reloading is wicked-fast with the full moon clips.
6. Even though it is a pencil barrel, it doesn't seem to change its point of impact even after heating up from rapid fire strings and 5 or 6 reloads.

This revolver is really fun to shoot! It handles smaller than it is and points really nice, the barrel length helps out here. I snapped on a WWI reproduction of an officer's lanyard to complete my retro firings.

I'm glad I shot this revolver I can see that it will be a great self defense piece, only one round short of a M1911 magazine and reloads just as fast thanks to the full moon clips.

Zim

 

[DHENRY]

airborne_zim,
Don't switch barrels.
Shoot it (which will smooth out the action).
Clean it up real well every time you shoot it...
Then shoot it some more.
The 'Heritage' guns from that era didn't have the internal lock.
They're wonderful shooters, and you won't hurt the value.
Been there, done that.
Don

 

[deadin]

I don't know about the rest of you, but a retro S&W with a case-colored frame just looks weird.

Personally, I don't like it.

 

[calmex]

It is beautiful but it is yours and not for someone else to get the enjoyment from shooting it later. Shoot it....life is short.

Best advice I've seen given on this whole forum.

 

[mtb1bkr]

I wouldn't touch the front sight with a file. Try some different ammo or send it back to S&W and have them adjust the POA for you.

Bill

 

[GARMASTERS]

Aw, shoot! Shoot it!

On your deathbed will your last thoughts be "I'm sure glad I never shot that gun!"?

 

[airborne_zim]

Shot it again!

Well I was out again yesterday and put another 200 rounds through it, and man is it fun to shoot!!

The recoil is very, very manageable and as I said before reloading is FAST. Too fast, it's too easy to burn up ammo, that lately has just been trickling back onto store shelves.

mtb1bkr, I think I'll follow your advice and try other ammo and then ask S&W to adjust sights if I think it needs it.

Now, to clean and polish it up because I'm going to be carrying it in a "Right To Keep & Bear Arms" parade on the 4th. I'll post some pictures of the event and any other cool S&W's that might be there.

Zim

 

[RainDodger]

I've bought quite a number of unfired weapons in the last couple of decades... and one of the things I do with them is take them to a range to shoot them. Guns are made to shoot.

Many years ago I had a Colt single action .22 that had a color case hardened frame. I shot it all the time and there was no indication on the finish that it had ever been fired.

I say, "go shooting!"

 

[Andy Griffith]

Be careful cleaning it!!!

Do not use break cleaner, Gun scrubber or anything else similar on it!!!

It will remove the lacquer that is covering the case hardening that keeps it looking shiny and beautiful.

Also, on the front sight...Brownells sells/stocks one for the current Model 22's that are different heights. I would recommend changing it out or obtaining one to "whittle" on rather than the one that came on it.

Also try some cast lead through it, you may be pleasantly surprised.