USAF Cold War revolvers (pics)

[Slufstuff]

I posted this on AR15.Com, but thought it would be of interest here as well. I found the below pictures on the web and had never seen them before, thought they may be of interest. First is a picture of a gate guard at Offutt AFB SAC headquarters in June 1959. Note the revolver grips, plus it appears to be nickel plated, with a lanyard ring. I wish we could see more of it for positive ID. Hard to say if it is a tricked up Victory model, or some other S&W product. This one is definitely not your normal idea of USGI issue. The sad thing is, if it somehow survived in civilian hands, the experts would be the first to call it a Bubba-ized, refinished weapon, when it was in fact in USAF issued condition.

This one is interesting, depicting a scrambling B-47 crew in April 1960. It appears to be a round butt Colt or S&W Aircrewman revolver in a USGI issue tan holster usually used with 4 inch S&W victory models, or similar issue weapons.

This last photo, from early 1961, shows the interior of the SAC airborne command post. The NCO leaning on the seat appears to be wearing a S&W K-frame revolver in a non-USAF issue holster, worn in a cross draw on his left side.

If anybody has other USAF sidearm pictures, post away!

 

[dacoontz]

Cool pics, thanks for sharing these. That first pic looks like a larger N framed gun. Maybe a HD? I think I see a large S&W emblem on the side plate but maybe I am just seeing things or maybe the guard is smaller then he appears and it is a K frame. The trigger guard looks like a large round version as well which might help to ID it. Very cool.

 

[alaskavett]

Thanks for sharing these. They will be of interest to some of the SAC guy's I know. Where did you find these? Kyle

 

[S. Hammer]

The first pic should be a nickel Model 15. That's a Security Policeman assigned to the SAC Elite Gate Guard unit. Not sure why he's not wearing an SP badge. They did when I was in.

 

[ordnanceguy]

First is a picture of a gate guard at Offutt AFB SAC headquarters in June 1959. Note the revolver grips, plus it appears to be nickel plated, with a lanyard ring. I wish we could see more of it for positive ID.....

....It appears to be a round butt Colt or S&W Aircrewman revolver in a USGI issue tan holster usually used with 4 inch S&W victory models, or similar issue weapons....

....This last photo, from early 1961, shows the interior of the SAC airborne command post. The NCO leaning on the seat appears to be wearing a S&W K-frame revolver in a non-USAF issue holster, worn in a cross draw on his left side.

Sluf:

Thanks for the post. These and similar pics have been posted here before. Run a search on USAF and Air Force and that will likely bring up the old threads and additional pics.

The first photo you show is of an Air Policeman who is a member of the SAC Elite Guard, a very illustrious outfit. He is carrying a chromed Victory Model with Franzite plastic stag stocks, as ridiculous as that sounds. An Authorization for Special Uniform Items dated 31 January 1957 specified the chrome finish and plastic stocks.

On the second pic I agree that the airman is likely carrying a Colt or S&W Aircrewman.

On the third pic there is a fair chance that the revolver is a S&W Model 56. BTW, the holster is indeed a USGI holster. I have several examples, in both russet and black, for the 2 inch revolvers.

 

[kwill1911]

Here is one such thread:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-hand-ejectors-1896-1961/77275-nickel-plated-victories.html

Regards,
Kevin Williams

 

[Dragon88]

Nickel plated revolvers with plastic stag stocks in cross draw holsters...wow. Things sure have changed since the 1950s.