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9mm Asp…got my grail gun!

Haven’t logged in for a long while, but had to find my password to say congratulations.
I too lusted after those as a young’un trying to figure out which first gun to buy.
I know it was based off the S&W 39 which I’d read everything about before the Asp came out, and know it took a long while but became that it became the ancestor for the 3913 (with help from Devel).
But the ASP was the real thing.
And I suspect (but don’t know details) figured a little in the conceptualization of the K9.
Enjoy it.
P.S. Where did you find it?
 
You don't see those everyday. :)

Paris Theodore had some interesting and novel ideas and techniques to go along with that too.

He's also the first I remember who taught where and why to shoot, for the "shutdown switch".
 
Very nice. When they came out, I wanted one. Then, I didn’t. Then I did, and Smith came out with the 3913 9mm. And I got that. But it wasn’t an ASP.

by then, the ASPs were collectors items and getting pricey.

That’s one of the few guns that would excite me.
 
In order to fully understand that gun and its use, you need to delve into Theodre's "QUELL System".

The gun and the system were kind of a package deal, although the system does work well with standard-type sights too, and would be interesting to try with a red dot.

Good luck finding anything on it these days though. Most of it seems to have been lost to the past. This is about the best you'll likely do in a search. Its an old Soldier of Fortune article from back in the day. Just click the " I white listed it" button, if it pops up and it should go away.

https://imgur.com/a/ENqH6

As they say, the technique does sound weird, and it does take a bit of getting used to, but it does work as advertised once you get used to shooting with it. Its also pretty amazing how the sights are just there and lined up, rock solid on target when you get it down.
 
Very cool! I tried to find one for sale in Canada for years with no luck (although weirdly I did get a holster for one) so I ended up with the next best thing—a S&W 469 which was obviously inspired by the ASP. I’ve been able to pick up most of my favourite unique semi-autos from the 1970s and 1980s but the ASP always eluded me. Congrats!
 
WOW! That is crazy. I have. always read about those, but never have had the opportunity to see one in flesh.

What a find and congratulations.
 
OP's pistol looks to be in fairly mint condition.

I'm pretty impressed. I've seen only one example in person, and it didn't look nearly as nice.

So, wow. Nice score!

Shoot it!
 
Great Scot said:
A smidge beyond $2,500.
Click to expand...
That's a good deal. It has long been on my list of guns to own/carry.

The first one I saw at a LGS was priced at $2500 back in the early 80s. Didn't run across another until the late 90s when the asking price was $4000...came with Null OWB and shoulder holsters, 2 mag carriers and 5 magazines

Did it come with a Null holster or the magnetic magazine carrier?

I was lucky enough to have shot one, many years ago, of the ones issued to CID officers . It was really slick with it's teflon finish and I had to get used to the idea that it was designed to slide in your hands into the proper grip. With a little practice, you can get pretty good with the Guttersnipe sights...you just have to learn to not "try" as hard. I also got a chance to handle one of Charlie Kelsey's Devel...it just wasn't as "pure". The closest pistol to the ASP that I ever owned was the S&W M-3914
 
trackskippy said:
you need to delve into Theodre's "QUELL System".

The gun and the system were kind of a package deal, although the system does work well with standard-type sights too, and would be interesting to try with a red dot.
Click to expand...
I gave the QUELL system a solid try for about 3 months before giving up on it.

It is an interesting concept and is based on solid bio-mechanical principles, but has the weakness of being built upon the Weaver/Chapman theories on recoil management. It's main drawback is that it restricts efficient movement and limits awareness of your surroundings...good for engaging a single target, but more static than dynamic
 
I sure remember the Asps and Devels. They were considered rare, exotic and expensive back in the day. I don't remember what the price range was for those pistols, but I never knew anyone who had one. Glad S&W took the hint though. I've had a 3913 for years..
 
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