2004 A quick year in Revolvers....

[Peter M. Eick]

Well, I might as well rack up 04 to the revolver year, especially 38 special. I was looking over my shooting spreadsheet and noticed the following general facts. First off I did not take one rifle shot this year. Pretty amazing since I have a bunch of them. Oh well, maybe in 05.

I bought 7 handguns this year, all revolvers. The newest was made in 1972 the oldest in 1930. 4 of them were heavy duties (1930, 34, 39, 51), One Registered Magnum (1939), and 54 pre-25 (45acp) and finally a 38 special detective special (72). The most expensive was the Registered (>1500$) while the cheapest was the detective special (<400). Most of the rest were right at $500 give or take. All in all I have had a lot of fun remembering why the 38 special is such a great little round. It is certainly fun to plink with.

I will say I certainly enjoy the heavy duties. These are just fun guns to plink with. Accurate if needed, but in general just good ones to go to the range and punch holes in paper with. No one thinks they are some super modern hi-cap auto so they tend to leave me alone so I can just play with my old revolvers.

Looking over the shooting statistics, it has been a reasonably average year. 16,642 rounds fired. Down a bit from last year (19,660) but more then 00 (16,707), 01 (14,968), or 02 (14,671).

This year the ammo fired was spread around pretty evenly.
22 lr 5350 rnds fired
10mm 1875 rnds fired
357mag 2067 rnds fired
357sig 200 rnds fired
38 special 3665 rnds fired
45acp 2310 rnds fired
9mm 1175 rnds fired.

Current ammo on hand is 14,197 rnds (not including 22 lr) and brass available to reload is around 11,000 rnds tumbled and polished. (I really should do something about that, ie. get some primers ordered and get loading).

Looking forward to 05, I see a culling of the non S&W revolvers coming quickly. I see a 610 for fun and a black powder revolver for "kicks". Really though, I need to chase down another Registered Magnum, find some more "collectable" grade heavy duties and outdoorsman's and I really should pick up a Triple Lock Target and branch out into 44 special (unless I can find one in 38 special).

Anyway, It was fun to look back and see how 04 treated me. Good year all in all. By the way, here is the 9 n frames.

Clockwise starting at the top.
1939 heavy duty target
1954 Pre-28
1950 Outdoorsman
1951 heavy duty
1954 Pre-27
1934 Heavy duty
1939 Registered Magnum
1955 Pre-25
1930 Heavy Duty

Finally, a thanks to all of you who contributed to my hobby. You all know who you are....

 

[BigG]

Some dang nice hardware! Happy New Year, Peter!

 

[kennedy]

I also had a revolver year, but mine are colts, 2005 will see the selling of all non colts to raise cash, just received a call from a guy that wants my smith 337 Ti, one down many more to go.

 

[Old Fuff]

Peter:

The Triple Lock (New Cenury) was made in .44 Special and .455 Webley in some quantities, and suposedly a handful in .45 Colt and other large bore calibers. Unfortunately none that are known were originally in .38 Special. Also a lot of regular guns became target models when the were sent back to Smith & Wesson in later years and fitted with adjustable sights. Refinished guns, factory and otherwise are frequently encountered. This is one area where you have to be very careful before you lay down the long green. A factory letter from Roy Jinks is highly recommended before you close the deal. One last thing. The longer you wait the more you'll pay. The fine ones seem to keep going up on a weekly basis.

 

[Peter M. Eick]

Yeah I have been watching the prices for the triples go up steadily, almost daily. I know that 38 special would be extremely rare. The practical part of me says settle for a nice refinished 44 special or 45 acp target triple and that I can probably find for less then $2k right now. I am sort of grazing looking for a good one. When I see it, I will snatch it right up.

Thanks for the comments. I know how to get in touch with Roy quickly through the SWCA.

 

[Old Fuff]

Peter:

While I've handled many (in relative terms) .44 Special Triple Locks, and own one of the .455-to-.45 Colt's, I have only seen one .38 Special. I thought I'd really hit pay dirt until I descovered that a very good machinest had made it up using a modified Heavy Duty barrel and cylinder assembly. I think few of these revolvers remain as they left the factory. Over the years they have been sent back for rebuilding, refinishing, and often the addition of target sights. Given the prices these guns go for one should be very careful. I highly recommend Jim Supica (www.armchairgunshow.com) as a reliable dealer. In the unlikely event a mistake is made you'll get your money back.

In my view the New Century model represents the finest production revolver ever made. It is the benchmark to which all others are compared. Bcause of they're limited numbers - especially in fine condition - they command high prices, but "the best" usually does.