Had another oddity out today as reference for a pal writing a book and thought I'd throw it up.
MS Safari Arms from back in the day prior to Olympic buying the concern out and *mass-producing* them.
This one's a "Match Master" and Don McNabb (the *M* of MS and father to the *S*) really put a sweet piece together with these.
He had been on a safari and noted the preponderance of Wilson Combat guns among the guides and outfitters. Impressed with those guns, he had a dream of offering it as a more-or-less standard gun. At the time WC was building true customs and the lead time could be staggering.
He came up with a Defender/Commander, a rather standard with upgrades and the Matchmaster.
Highlighted on these were;
-Beavertails of a very contemporary flair
-S&W revolver rear sights
-Aluminum frames with exceptionally well thought out middle finger *grooves*. A single groove offering exceptional control without alienating individual hands with a second or even third groove in addition to the trigger-guard protrusion and front strap checkering
-Adjustable match trigger
-Premium barrels matched to a threaded bushing/slide
-Very pleasing extended controls
Add to that some nice hand-fitting of parts and it's a hell of a gun.
I wanted one of these since they made a splash in the gun-rags in the 80's and one finally fell into my lap a few years ago. Now, the search is on for one of his Defenders. His and not an Olympic. I guess it's nice to have goals.
Sadly, my photos do not do this fine pistol full justice but the shooting of it is undeniable.
Todd.