Collector's ####

3

358 BLR

Regular
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Location
North of Edmonton
Here's your chance to show off what you consider to be your most collectible handgun.:D

So I guess I'll start.

In 1970 S&W decided to produce their venerable old " 38 Special Military & Police" revolver in Stainless Steel and gave us the "S&W Model 64".
Now, to the best of my knowledge, they only produced the original Model 64 in 1970 and 1971, after which, starting in 1972, it was the S&W Model 64-1 (the heavy barreled version) and the rest, as they say, is history.
In the mid 80's I was getting tired of spending most of my time at the range looking for the brass spit out by my CZ-75 and resolved to get myself a revolver. I ventured into Klondike Arms (now known as P&d) and as soon as I got to the counter she caught my eye and I had to have her. The clerk at the time tried his best to get me to buy a new stainless 357 Mag Ruger for only about $100 more, but I wouldn't be persuaded and without even knowing it, I had just purchased my first collectible. Unfortunately, it didn't come with the original box and paperwork.:(

So Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to introduce you to the "Reigning Queen" of my safe.

SWModel64-a.jpg
 
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NAA said:
Beautiful. I've always thought that the fixed sites S&W "K" frame wheelguns had nice lines to them.

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NAA.
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Ya, she sure is a pretty little thing, but I always found the ergonomics of the stock grips to be a little awkward, so the first thing I did was to get a set of
Pachmyer Presentation grips and the original wood grips have lived in storage since I bought it. Which is probably a good thing. :D
 
Right now maybe not so collectible but I have no intention of selling it anyway. It is my first handgun.

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This one is collectible but there are still a lot out there. I hope to aquire the stock for it some day.

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stevebc said:
Agreed, but the sights themselves are less than ideal.
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Granted, but the shorter barreled models were meant for up close and personal work.

That said, I have seen some amazing 100 yard shots taken with snubbie and 4" S&W "K" frame models in .38 Spl over the years. You wouldn't want to put up gramma's heirloom china out there for those who can really shoot 'em to plink at... ;)

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NAA.
 
Hey Striker:
That's a grand old High Power you have there. Is she from the Inglis plant?
I know it's a big No-No, but don't you ever just want to take her in and get her re-blued and all gussied up? I know I'd be tempted, but I've always had a soft spot for
the Browning HP's.:D
 
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Collector #### eh

Any of you boys ever heard of Smith & Wesson 38-44 Heavy Duty?

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358 BLR said:
Hey Striker:
That's a grand old High Power you have there. Is she from the Inglis plant?
I know it's a big No-No, but don't you ever just want to take her in and get her re-blued and all gussied up? I know I'd be tempted, but I've always had a soft spot for
the Browning HP's.:D
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Yes it is a numbers matching Inglis. I've considered getting another slide and having some decent sights added but never bothered.
 
Striker said:
Yes it is a numbers matching Inglis. I've considered getting another slide and having some decent sights added but never bothered.
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I can't say that I've ever had the pleasure of shooting one of the old war vet's, but it sure looks like if you wanted to do any long range work (100 yds or so)
that those would be the sights (and the handgun) to do it with. If I ever come across a stock for her I'll keep you in mind. It sure would be a dandy rig then eh.
 
tobin said:
Great gun.

I am pretty sure the 38-44 was used by Billy "Green" Bush in Electra Glide in Blue movie.
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Not many of these, on this forum. Although I do not have pics of it to post, I have one of these nice N-frames as well.
Mine is like yours Slimbo, with the 5 inch barrel too.
It was once issued to the BCPP, and has a rack number on the butt.
Complete with a lanyard ring, and a black plastic tyler grip adapter.
It was made in 1940, from what I have found out.
The blueing displays regular holster wear, the grips are partly chipped. But the timing is very good & it prints very well @25 yards.
Funny thing, when one shoots it with target loads in 148 grain full wadcutters, the recoil feels like a .22 rimfire.
Slimbo, yours appears to be a post-war transition model. Very Nice!! Sadly, S&W stopped making the HD in 1966.

cheers.........
 
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guncollection030.jpg

Next in line, my S&W 25-2.

PS: The Heavy Duty came about, due to a request from US police officers who fought increased violent crime during the Depression Era.
The regular M&P .38 Special, was perceived as not powerful enough (158 lead RN @750 fps) for use against gangsters who wore body armour, and the police bullets could not pierce auto bodies, of getaway cars. (not my words, this is well known to be the stated cause) S&W and Remington teamed up to provide a better launch vehicle/fodder, for increased velocity/pressure. S&W merely used the 44 frame, chambered in 38 Special (38-44, 38 Super Police, 38 High Velocity) using the hotter 38-44 ammunition produced specifically for this early N-frame sixgun. 1150 fps IIRC, using 158 weight?? Dimentionally 38 Special & 38-44 cartridges look exactly the same from the outside. It goes without saying, that 38-44 ammunition, should never be used in a less sturdy revolver, not designed to fire this higher pressure round. It was introduced in 1930 or 31. One could say this 38-44 Heavy Duty, was the "first magnum."
The next logical step up in velocity, was the 357 Magnum introduced in 1935, chambered in the S&W Registered Magnum revolver.
As well as the Colt New Service & Single Action Army sixguns.
 
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Very Nice

Hey Brutus:
Very nice example. I found that the Model 25 was chambered in 45 ACP and
the Model 25-3 in 45 Colt, but I can't find a definitive answer for the Model 25-2. Should I assume it's a 45 ACP?
 
Thanks 358, yes it is in 45 ACP, you are right on the money.
Your Model 64 is a superb example as well buddy!

By the way according to my catalogue, some Model 25-3's were also in 45 ACP.
But they were really obvious, with a 3 inch barrel and round butt grip.
There are other Model 25-3's that were in 45 Colt, and other models in 45 Colt too.
A bit confusing without pics & details....

cheers!
 
This four inch 5 screw Pre 29 would be my most valuable collectible, especially to American collectors. I have had it factory lettered and it was shipped to Longueuil,Quebec in March,1957.Estimates are that less than 500 four inch, 5 screw Pre 29 guns left the factory before the changeover to the four screw Model 29 later that year. I was fortunate to purchase it several years ago from another forum member.Unfortunately the factory case, tools and papers are long gone.


ModelPre29.jpg
 
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