We have a decent selection of pre-1900 replica firearms to select from, but some designs have been ignored.
Which pre-1900 firearm design you like to see on the market?
My two choices:
1) A Merwin Hulbert revolver
2) A Burgess Shotgun
The 96 Mauser - it might help move me up from dead last in the working cowboy category :D ,
At least until the next guy got one.
Myself I'd like to see a nice lightweight upland type hammer double shotgun, maybe 26 inch barrels and real, chokes, not screw ins. Make the chokes tight so I can hone them to where I want. Proper forching cones for card wads would be nice, gauge unimportant as long as they get the weight to no more than 6 1/2 pounds. They made some, I've handled a couple and they are a joy to swing.
Did I mention I want it for bird hunting? ;)
I hope the A Merwin Hulbert revolver gets off the ground.
Brian
First model SW Russian and a correct 1st Model Richards.
Then Colt Lightning & Thunderer
I would like a smith and wesson model 2 and a cooper double action C&B revolver. Ideally I would love a Colt Root Revolving Carbine, not the full length one Palmetto made. I have held an original Root carbine, real nice natural pointer, hand naturally went under the trigger, no worries about flash from the cylinder. SWEET!!!
Heck, I never thought I would live to see a repro Spencer, '76 Winchester or SA S&W ever hit the market! Those three pretty much covered the objects of my lust and desire.....but, since you asked, I would like to see a deluxe version of the TTN 1878 Colt Double with color cased action and lock plates and a checkered stock and forend. And while you are at it, give it 30" barrels in 10 gauge. While we are dreaming, make it available in EIGHT gauge! ;D
Quote from: Dusty Tagalon on September 16, 2009, 07:47:05 PM
I hope the A Merwin Hulbert revolver gets off the ground.
Brian
I'll second that ! Jed
Every so often, these 'Wish Lists' pop up, and creating a fantasy list is all well and good - but before you get 'too' invested - look at what it takes to field a new weapon.
'Customer Desire' is but one factor - and even if every C&WAS shooter wanted one - that's nowhere nearly enough folks to go into design - much less production.
The 'perceived demand' is just too low...
For example - folks have long wanted Merwin, Hulberts - but the sad truth of the matter is that they were an incredibly difficult piece to produce, due to the convolutions involved in the machining.
A good, 'honest' reproduction would be more expensive than a new Colt, Smith & Wesson or USFA from the factory, and C&WAS shooters would just bitch that they were 'too expensive' and not buy them - though they were the ones who'd signed all the petitions begging them to be built...
S&W found this out with their Schofields of a few years back, and that USFA Remington's likely never getting built - even though it did appear in Remington's catalog.
The manufacturer needs to have a sales base - and C&WAS isn't it, since they want Colt Quality at Ruger prices.
Neither is the 'Average Joe', since these weapons don't have the adjustable sights and the capability for Magnum cartridges that they prefer for hunting - plus, they're not ergonomically 'friendly' in the least for personal protection - and a big Merwin, Hulbert firing a full-patch .44 is a handful.
Then, there's the thought of introducing a new, highly specialized firearm in an economy that's wobbling - and during a 'firearms un-friendly' administration.
It all boils down to the manufacturer's pragmatism - if there's no 'real' voiid to fill with a product beyond a select few, then that niche goes unfilled, because the associated costs involved with R&D, Design, Tooling, Advertising, and so on and so forth just aren't going to be re-couped - and in this market, that's a lose-lose proposition.
Vaya,
Scouts Out!
Hey pards, you that are interested in Merwin Hulberts might take a look at this site.
www.merwinhulbertco.com
This might satisfy your longing.
It may if it makes it into production. 20% non refundable on $1250 price is a risk.
Dusty
Way to go St. George!!! >:( That was like your Mom and Dad coming home early and discovering the party!!! >:( 8) >:(
Here we are proposing ideas that would meet the needs of the honest working man and woman, hard working Americans who make up this country, and you spout the selfish nay-saying capitalistic rhetoric that is bantered about amongst the likes of those elitist NCOWS Wall Street Regulators at their luxurious Hyannis Port range. Greedy men who have never done a day's labor and seek to deny the disenfranchised majority their right to have a piece of the CAS dream as they play with their cased set originals.
We can not wait any longer. People must have access to their basic human right to shoot period correctly, this should not simply be the province of the rich - it is a matter of fairness. People like you St. George must put some skin in the game. As a famous lady once said, "Some need to do with less so that others can shoot have more!"
We need a firearms equity Czar! We need to recognize these old guns for what they truly are - art (that way we can get some of those National Endowment for the Arts dollars). We need to put more Italians Chinese Americans back to work! Investing in reproduction firearms just makes economic sense!!!
We need to demand our share of those stimulus dollars!!!!!!!
(For those whose cable channel does not leave ESPN: that was tongue in cheek ;D)
I know - it's just part of my nature...
As to the suggested website - he's trolling for enough dollars to set up production and do all the necessary work - they're 'not' being built any time soon - if ever.
There's also the chance that he's just trolling for dollars, and that 'non-refundable' comment gives credence to that...
Hell, James - even 'I' would like a truly shootable Merwin, Hulbert Pocket Army in .44 - but right now, you can spend the same amount and buy a decent original from time to time - and then you 'have' something that'll continue to appreciate in value and that has a real history.
There are a helluva lot of 'good' old weapons still out there - that haven't been swept up by dealers and collectors.
After all - this is 'America' and once we figured out manufacturing - we never made one of anything...
The trick is in getting the word out there that you'll pay fair prices and that you won't screw anyone over - so if you can do that - I think you'll be pretty surprised.
Good Luck!
Vaya,
Scouts Out!
Quote from: Delmonico on September 16, 2009, 07:28:51 PM
Myself I'd like to see a nice lightweight upland type hammer double shotgun, maybe 26 inch barrels and real, chokes, not screw ins. Make the chokes tight so I can hone them to where I want. Proper forching cones for card wads would be nice, gauge unimportant as long as they get the weight to no more than 6 1/2 pounds. They made some, I've handled a couple and they are a joy to swing.
Did I mention I want it for bird hunting? ;)
Del: Have you looked at a Huglu. TR Imports in Southlake, Texas is the US distributor (I think) I have looked at a 12 ga hammer gun at their shop. I think it has screw in chokes though.
Tascosa Joe
BTW: The eye of round turned out really good.
I will start this out with I own an unfired M&H 44-40 cal. with 2 barrels, skull crusher, folding hammer,in I think pristine condition. Some on here have seen it. I don't intend to shoot it. Just too nice. I would, however pay a considerable price for a new one or two. As long as it was accurate in design. The only reason I don't own a pair of S&W 's is they caved in to the lawyers, by changing the firing pin to the frame mounted design. IMHO ,that's why the new S&W failed. Those who know me will attest that I am willing to do what ever it takes to get the toys I need to portray the character I wish to Emulate. Jed
For those of you that have never seen a NIB M&H, you need to see Dave (Jed Cooper) Hollandsworth's M&H. I've held this beautiful piece and it looks as if it has never been fired. It is absolutely pristine. Maybe if we are real nice, Dave would be willing to post a photo of it here.
If I were looking for a revolver that I would like to see made, it would be the M&H, or a true Colt Walker, made completely by Colt in the Colt factory here in the USA.
I would gladly pay a fair price for either.......say in the under $1500.00 range for either of those firearms.
Bill
Quote from: Ottawa Creek Bill on September 17, 2009, 02:19:30 PM
For those of you that have never seen a NIB M&H, you need to see Dave (Jed Cooper) Hollandsworth's M&H. I've held this beautiful piece and it looks as if it has never been fired. It is absolutely pristine. Maybe if we are real nice, Dave would be willing to post a photo of it here.
If I were looking for a revolver that I would like to see made, it would be the M&H, or a true Colt Walker, made completely by Colt in the Colt factory here in the USA.
I would gladly pay a fair price for either.......say in the under $1500.00 range for either of those firearms.
Bill
I'll agree totally with Bill about Dave's M&H. Looks new.
I don't have any specific "wish list" of guns ... I simply don't KNOW (off the top of my head) what to wish for. ('Cept a Merwin & Hulbert like Dave's, only NOT a museum piece, rather one that could be shot.) I only wish that WHATEVER gun gets made is something that is totally different than what is available now. In other words, I don't wish for a "
4th Model So-&-So" when the 2nd model is out. JMHO and your mileage
may will probably vary. (I DO understand, 'tho! ;) )
Mostly, I'd
"wish" that I could simply afford whatever cool gun is available!
;D
OCB: There are still second generation Colt Walkers out there - they're as close to the real deal as we will ever get. Yes I know the history, but some of the gun was made in this country, it was all assembled in this country, and it was inspected at the Colt factory. It factory letters from Colt (unlike the signature series). All markings are correct, no de-farbing necessary. I just saw two Walkers at a gun show last weekend with box, $750 and $800. There was a real Walker there also but it was not being sold.
I have two 1860's and a 2nd model Dragoon 2nd gen, shooting the Dragoon is just the optimal experience. I once turned down a 2nd gen Walker for $500 from Dorsey's site :'( :'( :'(. These guns are probably as nice as anything that came out of the factory in the mid-1800's. I'd highly recommend their purchase investment! And of course you'll let me shoot it right?
Tell Dave not to leave that M&H laying around me, its unused status will end quickly. I once bought a NIB 2nd gen Colt with BP frame, the dealer was so proud of its status. I was decent about the whole deal but the moment I got into the car I was pulling that hammer back, and within the hour had put a few rounds thru it.
My choice, to be affordable might be out of the question and an unrealistic expectation to begin with, would be an Evans rifle. Now we're talkin'.
A 34 shot 26, 28, or 30 inch barrel Evans rifle was $34.00 in the 1882 J.H. Johnston Great Western Gun Works catalog, not exactly cheap back then.
Brass
Every time this topic came up in the past I would reply with "a S&W New Model Number 3" then Beretta made the Laramie, which was nice but in the wrong caliber. I have given up hope of ever seeing a proper one. :'( I still feel if they would have made it in 44 Russian instead of 45 Colt they would have sold many more and might still be making them. :)
Will Ketchum
I have a M&H in 44-40... the barrel has been cut and a field repair to the over cylinder strap. I sent it off to the Smith Shop, and had it rebuilt (at very reasonable rates) and now shoot it with black powder equivelant loads. There isn't any complex machining involved. With modern cdc programs, it should be as easy as a 1911 clone.
I too would like to see a M&H built. They are cool guns. Cabela's here in Fort Worth has a .32 with folding hammer, 4" barrel and a second 3" barrel, nickle NIB. Way cool but they are asking close to 5K for it.
The website for Merwin & Hurlbert is a little bit too phoney smelling for me. First of all, there is NO Address, second, NO Phone number, and the links for catalog and orders is not operable. There is nothing to show that there is anything but a Fishing expedition going on, fishing for YOUR Deposit. Non-refundable, yet. So, if you never hear or see from them, you still cannot request a refund!!!!!
NO THANKS
Quote from: French Jack on September 17, 2009, 09:17:41 PM
The website for Merwin & Hurlbert is a little bit too phoney smelling for me. First of all, there is NO Address, second, NO Phone number, and the links for catalog and orders is not operable. There is nothing to show that there is anything but a Fishing expedition going on, fishing for YOUR Deposit. Non-refundable, yet. So, if you never hear or see from them, you still cannot request a refund!!!!!
NO THANKS
Agree 100%.
I do hope a Merwin & Hulbert comes to be, but this type of business model does not add credibility to their operation.
Pancho
QuoteOCB: There are still second generation Colt Walkers out there - they're as close to the real deal as we will ever get. Yes I know the history, but some of the gun was made in this country, it was all assembled in this country, and it was inspected at the Colt factory. It factory letters from Colt (unlike the signature series). All markings are correct, no de-farbing necessary. I just saw two Walkers at a gun show last weekend with box, $750 and $800. There was a real Walker there also but it was not being sold.
James.....I know about the second generation colts, I own and shoot several........I would still love to have a walker built completely here in the colt factory and not just have one built under license by some one else with just the colt name on it.......
Bill
10guage TNN..upgraded. 30 in barrels at least.
USFA to produce the '73 winchester. I'd sell the grandkids to get money to buy one.
A more correct 'blue' on 'whatever' is being made. This jet black gives me a migraine if I stare at it long enough.
Win mega millions just as soon at it hits new record high.
Wild Bill Hickok
If cost was no object, and I had a reloader on retainer, a copy of a Gatling Gun would be nice ....
Okay, I can dream, alright? *L*
Quote from: Tascosa Joe on September 17, 2009, 01:15:52 PM
Del: Have you looked at a Huglu. TR Imports in Southlake, Texas is the US distributor (I think) I have looked at a 12 ga hammer gun at their shop. I think it has screw in chokes though.
Tascosa Joe
BTW: The eye of round turned out really good.
Yep, screw in's, I know today I'm in a minority but screw in chokes turn me off as bad a a pink camo stock. :P
(Anyone can rave all they want about how wonderful they are, but I won't fall for it, I hate the things and won't own a shotgun with them, esp a side by side, they make it look wrong and ugly and ain't needed.)
Quote from: Black River Smith on September 16, 2009, 10:01:10 PM
First model SW Russian
A few years back I was told by someone at EMF that they were working on a 1st Russian in .44 Russian with several barrel lengths.
Last I heard the economy stopped it cold. Get me a
pair in nickel with 8" barrels at a realistic price, and you'll have a customer.
I'd also like a sporting Whitney-Burgess-Morse .45-70 rifle like the one that was stolen from me about 18 years ago.
Quote from: WaddWatsonEllis on September 18, 2009, 11:51:40 AM
If cost was no object, and I had a reloader on retainer, a copy of a Gatling Gun would be nice ....
Okay, I can dream, alright? *L*
Do a web search. Someone was making an 1874 style Gatling in .45-70 and had a full wood carriage and a full limber available.
Now, about affordable...well that's relative, you know. Seems it was about as much as a new Ford pickup plus the limber which was another 50% on top of that.
Forty Rod,
Well, if I ever win the lottery, that would be affordable ... plus one would almost have to own his own ammo company to fire it ... *S*
QuoteYep, screw in's, I know today I'm in a minority but screw in chokes turn me off as bad a a pink camo stock. Tongue
(Anyone can rave all they want about how wonderful they are, but I won't fall for it, I hate the things and won't own a shotgun with them, esp a side by side, they make it look wrong and ugly and ain't needed.)
Del....
Me either!!
Bill
Quote from: Ottawa Creek Bill on September 18, 2009, 07:04:57 PM
Del....
Me either!!
Bill
It's funny how many folks screw them things in and out to change the pattern but never check the pattern on a pattern board with the ammo they are going to use of course, being important. But heck few folks know what their guns pattern like even with fixed chokes.
Quote from: WaddWatsonEllis on September 18, 2009, 06:58:04 PM
Forty Rod,
Well, if I ever win the lottery, that would be affordable ... plus one would almost have to own his own ammo company to fire it ... *S*
Use to have a couple of guys around here would bring Gatlings to Norco and let folks shoot 'em. Last i heard they were charging a buck a round and I figured with transportation, insurance, clean up, and ammo cost's they were losing money at about a buck a round.
Forty Rod,
I believe it ...even reloading, .45 Cal Colt is nearly .75/round ... and they must have to reload hundreds if not thousands of shells ... then there is the cost of replacing barrels as they wear out or overheat ...
Quote from: WaddWatsonEllis on September 19, 2009, 03:58:35 PM
Forty Rod,
I believe it ...even reloading, .45 Cal Colt is nearly .75/round ... and they must have to reload hundreds if not thousands of shells ... then there is the cost of replacing barrels as they wear out or overheat ...
Ya'll need to get away from that left coast ;D ;D ;D
It is only costing me about 40 cents to reload 45 Colt and that is with all new components, even less with used brass. Come to the Heartland and we'll fix you right up.
Cactus Rope,
Tis a true fact that things are costly out here ....
But when I moved out here from the left coast, I went from a pinko commie to a fairly conservative Democrat without changing a view on anything ... LOL
All I want is guns that certain companies say they are going to make, but never do.
It's purely market-driven, and no manufacturer will enter into any sort of production without expectation of a reasonable return in shareholders' profits.
As a buying group - C&WAS is simply too small to matter - even to the Italians, who have much of the technology needed.
Forget an American firm taking it on as new production, since on an average, the C&WAS guys won't pay the prices needed, and manufacturers know this.
Vaya,
Scouts Out!
Actually, the gun I wish they made would have low tool up costs (they already make most of it). I would like a Colt "S" conversion, basically an 1849 pocket model in .38 short Colt and a 3 1/2 inch barrel. They already make the 49, they already make the 36 cylinder (off an 1862 pocket Navy). I think that there would even be a demand for it, no one makes a good historic pocket pistol. A pal had an original in nickel with Ivories and it was fantastic. It was like having a little SAA, very nice.
There are others that would be fun, a Merwin and Hulbert (I stupidly sold my original), maybe a Hall Carbine, but honestly, I think we are living in a golden age for western guns. I was tickled pink when I got my Uberti 1876, it was a wait but they came through.
Y'all Were speaking of pocket pistols ...
I just had to show off my little 1863 Remington Plcket pistol converted to .32 S&W ....
Very slick, WWE!
Seems to me someone did make an 1843 Hall carbine for a while. Check Dixie gun Works.
The only .32 S&W I could find was a Magtech Box .... and when I shot it, it was so hot a load that it would expand the casings so tight against the cylinder that I would have to push them out with a dowl ...
So I am waiting for a friend who does my reloading to bring me some .32 S&W 'Cowboy' loads .... I should get them about 3 October ... and I will tell you how it shoots then .... *S*
Okay, now look at what you did! I wasn't gonna look and then you had to go post more pictures of the dang thing an' now I want one.
Where did you get the conversion kit for it?
I would like to see an accurate reproduction of the Remington Beals Navy and the Whitney Navy.
Forty Rod,
To make yu feel better, I was extremely diappointed with it with modern ammo. ...
So, Church is out with it until I try it with cowboy loads ... I talked to the 'smith who did the conversion; he said that the conversion was built for black powder loads or the equivalent only
I don't like to make bad blood until I have shot it per instructed load .... if it is accuarate and appropriate, I will give out the 'smith's name then.
Just know it is not a Kirs or R&D Conversion ... i.e., one has to the cylinder to load it....
Quote from: Forty Rod on September 28, 2009, 02:22:29 PM
Seems to me someone did make an 1843 Hall carbine for a while. Check Dixie gun Works.
Yea, there were some made, but are no longer in production. You can buy most, if not all of the parts but it takes time and its a kit. I'm thinking about building an 1836 carbine. Very early, and you can use it all over.
Quote from: WaddWatsonEllis on September 28, 2009, 07:03:34 PM
Forty Rod,
To make yu feel better, I was extremely diappointed with it with modern ammo. ...
So, Church is out with it until I try it with cowboy loads ... I talked to the 'smith who did the conversion; he said that the conversion was built for black powder loads or the equivalent only
I don't like to make bad blood until I have shot it per instructed load .... if it is accuarate and appropriate, I will give out the 'smith's name then.
Just know it is not a Kirs or R&D Conversion ... i.e., one has to the cylinder to load it....
Wanna sell it? I need a wall hanger that size.
Forty Rod,
A friend is bringing me some .32 S&W reloads to the match on Sunday .....
So I am going to hold off making a decision until I shoot it with the suggested load...
How about somthing like the colt Lighting and Thunderer revolvers?
Wait, Cimmeron does offer these but just single action.
Too bad NCOWS doesn't accept them 'cause they'er really neet and other than the size of the trigger gaurd, I don't think most people could tell the difference form 10ft away.
If they were in double action . there is a good chance they would be legal
They'er as close as we are ever going to get in a modern rendition of the originals. Modern steel, safe action. affordable, not a colloctors item, in the "spirit" of the originals. Sound's like everything a CAS gun should be. LIie a vaquero to a SAA maybe?
Sorry,
I'll shut up now.
They just aren't reproductions of an original. For that I'm sorry also. jt
Quote from: Bow View Haymaker on September 29, 2009, 06:20:29 PM
How about somthing like the colt Lighting and Thunderer revolvers?
Wait, Cimmeron does offer these but just single action.
Too bad NCOWS doesn't accept them 'cause they'er really neet and other than the size of the trigger gaurd, I don't think most people could tell the difference form 10ft away.
Its not too bad at all, they aint historic so they anit legal. When you make an exception the next thing you know your shooting a henry big boy!
I'd like to see a repro Merwin Hulbert revolver.
And on the subject of producibility of this oft-described complex (too complex to manufacture?) firearm, I wonder...... how they did it at all back before CNC, investment casting, metal injection molding, and even electricity.
Trust me, metal injection molding can litterally spit small complex parts out in seconds. The "cost" is the investment in the mold. Each mold costs between $20,000 to $70,000 to make. The economics are simply "how many can we expect to sell" and "at what price break will folks actually buy them".
My other wish-list firearm is the S&W Model 3...yes, I know these have been made.....but I want mine in .44 Russian !
My "price-point" for a well made replica of either of these models is around $1,000 each. I'd take two each of the Merwin and the Smith. ;D
Regards,
Slim
Ah - but a customer's acceptable 'price point' and that which the manufacturer will demand are two different things.
Think 'retail Colt' or 'retail USFA' - and go up.
Those first guns would be what pays for the set-up and tooling.
How the Merwin, Hulberts were made (and all of the others) was because of 'skilled' labor - paid small wages, and 'that' was how those weapons were assembled and fitted - by hand, and by guys with skills in that trade.
Think about what that same labor would cost today - then figure what the American worker would demand.
Granted, a foreign worker may get less - but the manufacturer will be wanting what it'd cost for the weapon to be 'Made in America' - and that'll sound the death knell.
Better to find an original that'll rise in value, than a clone that has zero 'history' to its name.
Clones - once fired - are just 'used' guns, while well-kept originals are 'collectable', and will likely sell for more than what was originally paid, as available guns recede from the market as they sometimes do.
Vaya,
Scouts Out!
Quote from: Montana Slim on September 30, 2009, 08:56:04 AM
My other wish-list firearm is the S&W Model 3...yes, I know these have been made.....but I want mine in .44 Russian !
Regards,
Slim
Amen!
Books
[quote author=St. George link=topic=28406.msg377703#msg377703 date=1254321433
Better to find an original that'll rise in value, than a clone that has zero 'history' to its name.
Clones - once fired - are just 'used' guns, while well-kept originals are 'collectable', and will likely sell for more than what was originally paid, as available guns recede from the market as they sometimes do.
Vaya,
Scouts Out!
[/quote]
Bob, this is correct and as you know I do shoot orginal S&W NM 3s. But I would rather shoot them on occasion and let reproductions take the beating. Also it would be nice to have the option of shooting smokeless. Something I don't do with my Smiths.
Will Ketchum
Quote from: Montana Slim on September 30, 2009, 08:56:04 AM
My other wish-list firearm is the S&W Model 3...
Regards,
Slim
WHICH Model 3, Slim?
1st Mod. American
2nd Mod. American
1st Mod. Russian
2nd Mod. Russian
3rd Mod. Russian
New Mod. SA
New Mod. Target SA
New Mod. Turkish
New Mod. Frontier SA
3" to 8" barrels (depending on model)
Blued, nickel, or two-tone (available on some models)
Maybe a dozen calibers, including the one you want (available on some models)
All Model 3 Smiths. I prefer a 1st Russian, all nickel, 8", in .44 Russian. At your price range I'd take a pair in a heartbeat.
Quote from: Forty Rod on September 30, 2009, 03:20:02 PM
WHICH Model 3, Slim?
1st Mod. American
2nd Mod. American
1st Mod. Russian
2nd Mod. Russian
3rd Mod. Russian
New Mod. SA
New Mod. Target SA
New Mod. Turkish
New Mod. Frontier SA
3" to 8" barrels (depending on model)
Blued, nickel, or two-tone (available on some models)
Maybe a dozen calibers, including the one you want (available on some models)
All Model 3 Smiths. I prefer a 1st Russian, all nickel, 8", in .44 Russian. At your price range I'd take a pair in a heartbeat.
The New Model 3 SA or DA or either one with optional target sights. ( The eyes are geting tired.)
Some barrel length options would be nice. (31/2, 4, & 5)
Books
http://www.spanamwar.com/hotchkis165.htm
I'll bet you could manage a "clean stage" with one whiff of cannister from that l'il Hotchkiss! 30 musket balls from 200 yards should clean out the whole bay! Better make sure the Posse is well back of the gun when you pull the lanyard.
UBIQUE!
Quote from: Forty Rod on September 30, 2009, 03:20:02 PM
WHICH Model 3, Slim?
1st Mod. American
2nd Mod. American
1st Mod. Russian
2nd Mod. Russian
3rd Mod. Russian
New Mod. SA
New Mod. Target SA
New Mod. Turkish
New Mod. Frontier SA
3" to 8" barrels (depending on model)
Blued, nickel, or two-tone (available on some models)
Maybe a dozen calibers, including the one you want (available on some models)
All Model 3 Smiths. I prefer a 1st Russian, all nickel, 8", in .44 Russian. At your price range I'd take a pair in a heartbeat.
I'd draw to 'bout any of these....Similar tastes here I reckon....an "American" model, with 8", in .44 Russian would be a good one for me.
Proper engineering of a new replica can reduce a lot of the hand fitting. Also note Colt & USFA are located in a high labor cost part of the country. Signifacantly lower production costs elsewhere including southern regions and even Chicago (of all places).
Regards,
Slim
Forty Rod got me thinking, a S&W American would be pretty great.
Quote from: Roscoe Coles on October 01, 2009, 10:34:23 PM
Forty Rod got me thinking, a S&W American would be pretty great.
The problem is that to be correct it would use a heeled bullet. How many would want to deal with that? ??? That's whuy I would prefer a New Model number 3 in 44 Russian. ;D
Will Ketchum
2nd American and 1st Russian are the same gun except for caliber. I can buy .44 Russian ammo pretty easily and fairly reasonable, but I have never seen commercial .44 American at less than collector prices and it's as scarce as eyebrows on eggs.
In my not-so-humble opinion, the most elegant of all cartridge single actions. (Like the 1860 Colt for percussion revolvers.) I can close my eyes and see the one I described with ivory grips and fairly plain black gun belt and slim-jim holsters with one of Will Ghormley's oval buckles. Lawdy, Miss Claudy, that would look great.
Quote from: Forty Rod on October 02, 2009, 10:55:57 AM
2nd American and 1st Russian are the same gun except for caliber. I can buy .44 Russian ammo pretty easily and fairly reasonable, but I have never seen commercial .44 American at less than collector prices and it's as scarce as eyebrows on eggs.
In my not-so-humble opinion, the most elegant of all cartridge single actions. (Like the 1860 Colt for percussion revolvers.) I can close my eyes and see the one I described with ivory grips and fairly plain black gun belt and slim-jim holsters with one of Will Ghormley's oval buckles. Lawdy, Miss Claudy, that would look great.
I like the way you think...Forty Rod......and I can do the heeled bullets too!
Bill
I suppose I could be too, but I have this highly developed laziness reflex..... ::)
Quote from: Forty Rod on October 02, 2009, 10:55:57 AM
2nd American and 1st Russian are the same gun except for caliber. I can buy .44 Russian ammo pretty easily and fairly reasonable, but I have never seen commercial .44 American at less than collector prices and it's as scarce as eyebrows on eggs.
Yep, hence my prior remark of "American" Model in .44 Russian. Officially, this may be a 1st model Russian revolver (no trigger-hook gizzie).
On the commercial ammo for the Heel-based bullet .44 American...my Pa had a box of "Gads custom cartridges" in this calibre..but I think he shot some/all of it up in one of his other .44s. Turns out the extra bullets he had with them to re-load works marvelously in his .44 Rimfire reloads (using the .22 RF primed cartridges)) for a Wesson C.W. Carbine.
Gads "44 American" brass is simply trimmed .41 magnum brass...a bit sloppy trim job at that, but it did go "bang".
If anyone would be interested in the fired brass, shoot me a PM with offer & I'll forward along.
The .44 American cartridges were to be used as substitute for .44 M-H. I think they're all fired now, but never know, some may be left.
Regards,
Slim