Arminius Titan Tiger .38 Special

[Yukon_Cola]

I'm half tempted to buy one now just for the cool name, history and logo.

 

[wcwhitey]

"They used their own name for the guns. The importers in America used a name more palatable for the American public."



You still have not explained why Weihrauch's Arminius line of revolvers is sold under a "different" name, while it is clearly marked H. Weihrauch, Mellrichstadt.

FWIW the Arminius line of revolvers is a direct copy of the High Standard Sentinel and as Monac had just explained, the gun is made to a price point, they work well and many .22 Arminius revolvers have survived decades of use in German gun clubs. The HW38 was called Titan Tiger by F.I.E., since their imported guns were branded Titan, as the Lollar Korths are imported, distributed, and serviced by Nighthawk or Savage Anschutz imported and distributed the Anschutz sporting rifles long ago with completely different model designations.

By the way, Ratzeburg Korths and Weihrauch guns use barrels from the same manufacturer and I have inspected a few barrels of HW9s with a Teslong bore scope and the rifling is crisp and smooth without tool marks.

Maybe just a bit of insight. There is this thing called the Gun Control Act of 1968 banning the import of certain specific imported firearms, mostly the small concealable type. In the 70’s foreign guns were not highly regarded. There was a big “Saturday Night Special” dialogue taking place. Spanish imported Ibar Region revolvers were looked down upon as well, some rightfully so, some not so much. For these reasons we have some mediocre guns that have cult collector status today like a Baby Browning (nothing wrong with the gun but they are very pricey for what they are). In this case F.I.E. was finding ways to import guns from all over the world presented in such a way to meet the new requirements and renamed them to more appeal to the American Markets sensibilities. It’s all marketing. Did any of the makers rework guns to meet a price point. I am sure they did. Anything that was not a Colt of Smith and Wesson was considered sub par by most and nobody was going to pay a competitive price. Does not mean that everything is garbage, quite a few gems were imported under strange names. Even Bill Ruger understood this and made an empire based on his low priced but quality arms (not anymore). The problem is now that everyone has figured out what was good and prices reflect that. Some things are just ridiculous. Look at the aforementioned Rohm revolvers on Gunbroker. $300 plus for a gun that is not worth the sales tax. The OP’s revolver was one of those inexpensive but functional revolvers renamed and priced for the American Market. If anyone that has one does not feel safe with theirs I will gladly pay the shipping, l will do full review at my expense using my ammo with the condition that if it works I get to keep it.

Side note not revolver related: The F.I.E Titan .25 was a gun that was imported by FIE from Tangfio in parts and assembled on US frames to negate the GCA of 1968. By far the best example of a $59 pistol one could find. Not $59 anymore but if one was handed down one or found one for $150 in a Pawn Shop most are outstanding. Like Taurus and Rossi’s of the time. Many guns from that era that were looked down upon are now commanding the bucks.

 

[Brubz]

Well I'm glad I got it.sounds like a keeper just for all the history behind it but I still wouldn't carry it for self-defense

 

[wcwhitey]

Well I'm glad I got it.sounds like a keeper just for all the history behind it but I still wouldn't carry it for self-defense

It would work great in the drawer, tool/tackle box or truck though. Guns like that have use!

 

[Brubz]

It would work great in the drawer, tool/tackle box or truck though. Guns like that have use!

I'm going try to get to the range this week to work out my new Taurus 856. I'll take the Titan Tiger with me since i'll have the .38 ammo with me anyway

 

[Brubz]

Well I got the Titan Tiger and my new Taurus 856 to the range. Both shot well. In fact the Tiger was less stressful on my hands. Just the different shaped grip. I'm happy with both pistols.

 

[tubeshooter]

Just wanted to say I meant no disrespect to the Arminius Titan .38 and it's fine(-ish) pedigree.

I had never shot one, and from the one or two I examined I just figured the gun was the RIA .38 Special of the day. And I guess I was basically right.


Anyway, hope you enjoy your new gun OP. Just trying to help, and don't regret doing so...