M-S Safari arms 3.5" .45 ACP

[66912]

Every since the early issue's of Gung Ho, SOF & New Breed magazine, I have alway's wanted a Safari Arms pistol. Usually out of my price range, Today was my lucky day and I won one on Auction Arms.
I have a few questions. First, I know that this is an original pistol and not an Oly Arms rendition. It was manufactured in AZ but I do not know what the "M-S" stands for. Can anyone tell me?
I used the search function and found 50/50 on what I read. Some say they are jamo-matics, Others say "No Worries". Can anyone tell me what I should look for when looking it over? If it is in need of gunsmith work, Then so be it. I have always wanted on and for $382.00, I will send it out if I have to. Thanks in advance. -66912

 

[bernie]

I too, have always wanted one, from those ads primarily. When I was a kid, I remember an ad for the "Enforcer" that had a guy standing hip deep in water shooting his sidearm at an unseen bad guy off camera.

 

[66912]

It was the Enforcer I really wanted, but I am not much into hooked trigger guards anymore, And I probably could not afford the price. It will be trading out carry time with my Colt CCO.......If it works!

 

[66912]

No feedback besides memory lane? Oh well, I will keep everyone posted on how things turned out. I am going to visit my FFL tommorrow!

 

[Flyingtiger172]

Better late then never

OK, The MS stands for McMillen & Son, the serial numbers started at #2000 and was first built in Tempe AZ in 1977, moved to Phonx AZ a year or so later. The company was sold to Olympic Arms in 1988.I acquired one a few years ago and tracked down McMillen by email and he gave me the history of the company. The guns were built on a modified Essex frame and the finger grips were molded onto the gun. The pistol is truly a hand finished custom made weapon. Mine is about 95% cond. and functions flawlessly with everything I put through it.
Value is about $750.00, on a standard pistol. McMillen tried different finishes on some weapons so they would be worth more. Mine has a black teflon finish he said he put on a few guns as an experiment. I've been offered $1200.00 for mine and refuse to sell it! So I guess they're worth whatever someone would be willing to pay. hope this helps.

 

[Flyingtiger172]

Correction; The MS stands for McNabb & Son