I've been packing my Registered Magnum.

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SaxonPig

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I discussed this on the S&W forum and got mixed replies. Some folks thought I was crazy for carrying such a valuable gun while others applauded the panache in packing this classic revolver which was, after all, designed to be a fighting pistol.

I shot the gun at the range and it's one of my most accurate revolvers. The 4" barrel makes it barely usable for concealed carry (still too big and heavy, really) and I just like the feel of the gun. I admit to feeling a bit romantic about carrying a piece of history for personal defense.

A lot of guys are packing expensive pistols. I see custom 1911s offered at $2,000+ and I assume folks are packing some of these. Most of the other guns I routinely carry are worth considerable sums of money (although not as much as the RM) and while there's risks to any gun used for CCW (could be lost, stolen, damaged or confiscated after a shooting) I feel fairly comforatble packing a pricey pistol.

Do you actually carry a rare or expensive handgun? Would you?
 
I would carry a expensive pistol, but not a rare one. A expensive pistol can be replaced or reconditioned. But a rare one, if you reblue the value drops in half, if you replace any exteral parts the values drops, the more you carry it the value drops. But your choice.
 
I agree with the above posters. Packing an expensive piece is fine. Packing something I can't replace? No way.

Even if *it* happens, and you're cleared of all charges, I'll bet it doesn't get treated the way you'd want in the evidence locker.

Now at a THR get together or a barbecue affair, I'd say wear it proudly in a very nice rig. In the open, the hell with concealed.:D
 
expensive is in the eye of the beholder

I carry a Kimber Ultra Carry II and for me, that WAS expensive!

I would not carry a rare gun, no. If you have to use it, it will go into the property room at the police station and you (1) will not see it for forever, and (2) it is NOT going to be cared for as well as you would. You will not get back the gun in the value it has when you give it to them, I don't think.

I carry that Kimber because it is so blooming accurate and because, if I really had to, I could grit my teeth and buy a replacement. For yours, I'm not sure that's an option.

Springmom
 
Man, I'm sorry you guys live where you think the cops will keep or mistreat your guns. I've had several firearms that were taken into police custody for various reasons and all were returned without excessive delay and in fine shape.

I agree there is a difference between rare and simply expensive.
 
It was conceived as a weapon.
It was built as a weapon.
You're carrying it as a weapon.

Seems simple enough to me. All that pride and craftsmanship doesn't detract from this. Even the most priceless sword by today's measure was designed, in essence, to perform the same function as a sand-cast throwaway given to an illiterate, conscripted peasant. It's a weapon. It's being used within its design parameters.

I say good on ya. Unlike most collectors, you're at least honoring the spirit of what those artisans and craftsmen made. True poetry wrought in steel wasn't intended to sit in a vault.
 
I wouldn't carry one that was mint/like new, but I take it that yours has some mileage on it. I would take into consideration that it would be dificult to replace if it was confiscated, which is always a possibility. But if you are confortable with the situation that's all that matters.

As for myself, I have little interest in carrying such a big hogleg unless it was chambered in .44 Special... :) Or I'd find a 3 1/2 to 4 inch model 27 and tote that.
 
I would absolutely carry it! This gun was made to last 100s of years - and at the time it was being made they didn't imagine them sitting in safes as collector's items - they were made to be shooters, and the best shooters available, at that.

Aw, you might get a little holster wear in the blue. Boo hoo. It's a carry gun! When you sit in your garage for 90 minutes at a time just staring at the gun are you really going to be enjoying yourself less because, aw, there's maybe after time, some wear to the blue? NO.

Please post some photos. I missed this thread at the S&W forum, but would love to see some pics of the finest Smith ever made.
 
People respond to stimuli at different rates, for different reasons. Some people would rather risk their life than risk an expensive possession.

I would not carry a gun that I would not be willing to drop from shoulder height, on command.

Whether you would hesitate for one split second to drop that gun from that height when a LEO has his Glock pointed at your COM will answer your question.
 
I see no reason not to carry it, I dont have a reg magnum but if i ever do i will be used, i dont have any guns that i cant use , enjoy it thats what its for sax! csa
 
XB- I would never drop a gun in the manner you have described. Even at gun point. Massad Ayoob has discussed this situation in print and suggested that as a safety measure you tell the officer clearly that you will set the gun down gently on the ground to avoid any chance of an AD by dropping it. If he's going to shoot me while I hold the gun between thumb and forefinger at arm's length then he will probably shoot me no matter what.

Here's the gun with a target I shot with it. Not a good photo. Still can't get the hang of lighting for digital photography.

standard.jpg
 
Nice gun and excellent target...

Turn off the flash, and go outside. If it's a bright, sunny day find a spot thats shaded. If its a coudy day your good to go. Either will reduce harsh shadows. You won't get the hot spots and burned out reflections that the flash causes.
 
a no brainer...

Without a doubt...I'd carry it, not at all times probably, but I'd have to carry it some! The cool factor is too high not to do so. :cool:

After all, it is a handgun made for defensive purposes.
 
I too carry a Kimber Stainless Ultra Carry II~!:uhoh: Not my most expensive
(my new Les Baer Thunder Ranch Special 1911 holds that distinction), or rare
but one that I feel real comfortable with.:cool: Guess if it got caught up in
"police custody" is stainless properties would help preserve it; 'till I could get
it back.;) :D
 
Interesting reading. My two primary carry pieces are rare but replaceable (pre-27 and a factory engraved 66-1), so I understand the original poster's situation. It would be a major drag to lose one, but the thrill of ownership includes using them for their designed purpose.
 
That pretty much somes it up.

Shot it again today and damn that gun can shoot. Much better than I can. Tried some 125@1500 loads and the gun loves them. Like 1.5" groups at dead center at 10 yards.

Going back to my 659 now. Maybe I'll pack the RM on formal occasions.
 
My brother carries a P7M13

$1500, easy. I carry a homebuilt 1911 that cost me just a hair over $800, and my wife carries a $160 Mak. It's all relative.
 
I'm not sure how I'd feel about it, send it to me and I'll carry it for a few weeks and let you know. :D
 
I thought the pic was nice. Great gun! Those stocks look like they could really tell some stories. In fact, this gun screams "carry gun" to me.
 
I wouldn't CCW except fancy occasions ect. The problem stems from the amount of practice a CCW should really get to stay "qualified". I would NOT want to put that much wear on a fine old gun. Get a 27-2(or 3) with a 3.5" barrel, and use the same holster.;)
 
The first .357 Magnum was finished on April 8, 1935, and given to FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover. Jinks reports orders far exceeded the company's ability to produce guns, which was at a rate of about 120 per month. In 1938, the registration procedure was dropped after approximately 5,500 guns were made. The revolver continued in production until World War II converted S&W to war work. Total pre-war production was 6,642 guns. The magnum returned in late 1948. When S&W adopted model numbers in 1958, it became the Model 27.
Click to expand...

No, there are guns out there just as good to carry without the history. :eek:
 
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