Smoke Wagon

Deadeye Don · August 07, 2007, 11:04:49 AM

Do you think the Taylor Smoke Wagon revolver is legal for NCOWS? How about the Deluxe Smoke Wagon?

http://www.taylorsfirearms.com/products/cfSmokeWagon.tpl

French Jack · August 07, 2007, 11:32:41 AM

From the pics in the ad, it would appear that the Smoke Wagon is nothing more than a cross-pin frame Colt SAA clone. The sights are not as narrow as the older black powder "Pinched Frame", but there is nothing wrong with them. The grip being a bit slimmer and checkered is not a problem either.
With what I looked at, there is nothing to prevent it's inclusion in the group of "Colt clones" made by the Italians already accepted. Remove the marketing "Name", and it's the generic cross pin frame Colt clone. No problem.

Irish Dave · August 07, 2007, 12:17:02 PM

I'm with FJ. Can't see why it wouldn't be OK.

Deadeye Don · August 07, 2007, 12:24:45 PM

Ok opinions from French Jack and Irish Dave are good enough for me!!

Dr. Bob · August 07, 2007, 06:15:21 PM

Gee, I think that I would wait for an opinion from the Judge, which would be Trap. In his job description! But, that is just me!

Your mileage may vary.

Deadeye Don · August 08, 2007, 06:23:40 AM

Trap.............are ya out there?

Lone Gunman · August 08, 2007, 08:00:57 AM

QuoteFrom the pics in the ad, it would appear...

Pictures are good, but words are important too.

Please read with me the words from the linked page:

Quote...with a low-profile hammer, allows for aiming without cocking the pistol so you can acquire sights faster.

The only 'low-profile" hammer I've seen on a SAA is on the Colt Bisley...and this ain't no Colt Bisley!

There are no standard SAA's that allow you to see the sights with the hammer down so I would tend to think this is a re-design that might not 'markedly resemble' a SAA. The pictures on the website aren't that clear about the hammer, the large picture has the hammer pretty much obscured by the title and I can't really say for sure due to the angle, but assuming this is with the hammer down it sure looks different than any SAA I own:

I would not base my personal opinion on the photos in an ad. This really needs a hands-on examination to see how it compares to the original Colt. It is for this very purpose that the Authenticity Committee exists.

French Jack · August 08, 2007, 09:27:16 AM

It would appear that there is not much truth in their advertising. Looking closely at the pics, there is no marked change in profile apparent on the hammer. The print does not obscure the profile to that extent. Also, the top view is definitely slanted so you are looking down on the top of the frame, and the hammer is down, with the tip of the hammer spur in view. It certainly would be in the line of sight if the pistol is viewed on an angle which would present the sights leveled. The wider sight notch and blade are readily visible, but I can get the identical sight picture on all my pistols, and none expose the sights to view with the hammer down.

As L.G. states, I would not base a decision with the hype of the ad in mind. Hands on would give a clear picture. What I see in those pics does not bear out the claims made in the ad.

Deadeye Don · August 08, 2007, 09:28:55 AM

Ok well it would appear there is some difference of opinion here. I do agree it would be best to have a sample from Taylors placed in the hands of the authenticity committee. I am not sure how to go about doing this. I certainly dont want to purchase this from Taylors just to have it turned down by the committe. This gun looks like it is Taylors verson of the Evil Roy offered by Cimarronl. Has the Evil Roy past the committee?

Wild Ben Raymond · August 08, 2007, 09:40:21 AM

Quote from: Lone Gunman on August 08, 2007, 08:00:57 AM
Pictures are good, but words are important too. Please read with me the words from the linked page:

The only 'low-profile" hammer I've seen on a SAA is on the Colt Bisley...and this ain't no Colt Bisley! There are no standard SAA's that allow you to see the sights with the hammer down so I would tend to think this is a re-design that might not 'markedly resemble' a SAA. The pictures on the website aren't that clear about the hammer, the large picture has the hammer pretty much obscured by the title and I can't really say for sure due to the angle, but assuming this is with the hammer down it sure looks different than any SAA I own:

I would not base my personal opinion on the photos in an ad. This really needs a hands-on examination to see how it compares to the original Colt. It is for this very purpose that the Authenticity Committee exists.

Quote;The only 'low-profile" hammer I've seen on a SAA is on the Colt Bisley... Evendently, you forget the original Ruger Vaquaro's which have a low profile hammer (you can see the sights without cocking the hammer) and the OMV is still legal, isn't it? WBR

Irish Dave · August 08, 2007, 10:10:36 AM

WBR:

You're correct about the OMRV's sight arrangement and yes, it's still legal.

Trap · August 08, 2007, 10:11:54 AM

I have seen one picture in an ad, from that I would guess that it MIGHT pass. But a hands on inspection and comparison would be needed by the Congress, as judge I could only guess. As always, If you really want one ,buy it, BUT if it is later decided to be unapproved don't cry foul. If you really want to shoot a gun in NCOWS be sure it is on the approved list. jt

Irish Dave · August 08, 2007, 12:11:14 PM

For those who would like a second photo, go here:

http://www.taylorsfirearms.com/index.tpl

and look at the profile of the revolver and the hammer. It appears obvious to me that this hammer is not significantly different than any other SAA clone currently on the Approved list -- despite what the ad might say.

Frenchie · August 08, 2007, 12:32:56 PM

Quote from: Wild Ben Raymond on August 08, 2007, 09:40:21 AMEvidently, you forget the original Ruger Vaqueros which have a low profile hammer (you can see the sights without cocking the hammer) and the OMV is still legal, isn't it? WBR

But the Ruger is "grandfathered" into the rules because back in the day there was a lack of more authentic revolvers, Rugers were easy to get, and so many shooters had them already. This is a new revolver and must be accepted or rejected according to the rules for new ones. On the other hand, to me the hammer looks like most other SAA hammers and appears to block the shooter's view of the sights when it's down. I see no problem with it.

Deadeye Don · August 08, 2007, 12:47:15 PM

I went ahead and called Taylors. I was told the Smoke Wagon is a clone of the 2nd Generation Colt. This may end the discussion. Here is another angle to look at. If you notice the hammer seems to be lower than other SAAs where it rests against the frame. The hammer spur seems to be consistent with a typical SAA. I am not sure this will help, but it does give another angle to look at.

http://www.taylorsfirearms.com/products/cfSmokeWagon.tpl

The person at Taylors also said that Rowdy Fulcher handled the Smoke Wagon at the NRA convention. Rowdy are you out there?