Skeletonized Russian

[Driftwood Johnson]

Howdy

I was just at the local Barnes and Noble and I spied this copy of Man at Arms for the Gun Collector. Normally I don't buy it, but the cover photo really grabbed me. Nothing more inside about the particular gun, so I spent $5.95 just for the front photo. I just thought I would share it here. The gun is a cutaway model of a 2nd Model Russian, showing the internal works. The gun companies used to make these up and hand them to their salesmen as promotional gimmicks. In the background of the photo is the old S&W factory in Springfield before it moved to its present location on Roosevelt Ave.

[Medicine Bear Charley]

I think I would have done the same thing if I saw that, thanks for sharing and heads up....

[Herbert]

These sort of skelonized guns were mainly yoused as training aids for armourers

[Shotgun Franklin]

They are collectable.

[Montana Slim]

I'm familiar with these devices. Often referred to as "training aids". They are generally produced in very limited numbers, pretty much by hand, and at a cost of 2x-3x of the base firearm produced from.

Sometimes, you'll see some sectioned or cutaway items for sale at auction or even garage sales.....I have bought a few small items at very modest cost. Generally very collectible (to the right person).

Slim