New Member Introduction

[45wheelgun]

Hello all. I am new to this board, but not new to the net. Been around since the Fidonet Gun Echo. I am sure some of my friends from the Sigforum and the smith-wessonforum will recognize my user name from those fine forums.

I collect and use Smith & Wesson revolvers, with a passion for .45acp versions, Thompson Machine Guns and Browning shotguns. I also have general interest in all firearms.

I have been life member of the NRA as well as the OGCA for over 15 years.

I like many others I am sure found this place from a link to the thread about Bearcoat. Certainly an all consuming thread. Kind of like watching a train wreck.

Regardless of how I found it, I like it and thought I should join.

Looking forward to interaction on this board,
Dave

 

[pezo]

welcome, I am thinking of getting a .45 acp revolver one day I like that platform. Please post some pics of your weapons sometime.

 

[Smokey Joe]

Welcome!!

Welcome 45Wheelgun! You'll find a lot of good info in this forum!

Glad you like S&W's. Well made guns. Have a Smith myself, an 8" bbl 586 .357mag that I use for hunting & target. Her name is Smitty. Not very original but that's what she said.

Good to have you aboard!

 

[PATH]

Howdy and welcome! I think you'll find this place a a slice of gun owner heaven. No fooling!

 

[Itote]

45Wheelgun,
Welcome aboard. This is the place to be for all that is gun. I've been a member for a couple of years and I assure you, you wont find a better bunch.

 

[chetrogers]

Welcome to the boards.I only own one Smith & Wesson revolver but i love it..Have fun here.

 

[sm]

Welcome to THR !

 

[P95Carry]

I collect and use Smith & Wesson revolvers

Ok - that'll do!! Welcome dude!

I share with you considerable enjoyment of this genre in .45 mode, instance my M625 ... never knew till I added that just how much fun moon-clips can be. Enjoy.

 

[El Tejon]

Welcome to THR, new friend and neighbor.

Plenty of your fellow Buckeyes about. Do enjoy your time.

 

[LynnMassGuy]

Welcome from one of the commy states!

John
LMG

 

[45wheelgun]

Thank you all for the warm welcome.

P95, that is a sweet 625-3. That is the gun that started my love affair with 45 wheelguns. Mine is a 3" version:

Here is a picture of several of my 45's (Extra points if you can identify the engraved one):

Again, thank you all for the warm welcome, I am sure I am going to enjoy it here.

Dave

 

[keyhole]

Welcome! Sit back and enjoy the conversation. Oh yeah, btw, did anyone tell you the new guy buys the ammo?

 

[P95Carry]

Got me stymied on the engraved one Dave .. so - spill!!!

 

[Rexrider]

Welcome aboard.

I guess there is not much point in starting a 9mm vs. 45acp discussion with you, huh?

Nice collection you have there. Thanks for posting the pictures.

 

[45wheelgun]

P95, maybe some better pictures will help:

As far as 9mm vs .45, I did have a S&W 9MM, it was an Model 76, at 600rpm it certainly had stopping power. Was really an "ugly gun".

Dave

 

[jamz]

Welcome to THR!

-James

 

[P95Carry]

Dave - beaut' pics!!!

Well ... I have to confess to being other than brilliant at ID'ing the smaller Smiths ... and this is no exception ... just not sure. Hammer has been bobbed nicely by look of it. I love the ''1 of 1'' in the engraving ... lovely work.

As to exact model ... just not quite sure.... tho should.

 

[45wheelgun]

P95:"other than brilliant at ID'ing the smaller Smiths"

That might be the problem. It didn't start life as a "smaller" Smith. 5 screw, fixed sight, .45acp....does that help?

I'll hold out just a bit longer to see if anyone else has an idea.

 

[P95Carry]

I started thinking about the 1955 Heavy target model - precursor of the M25. But that's no good .. cos of the sights .. it had adjustables.

Hmmm ... it's the fixed sights that are confusing me now. So, it is cut down ''something'' .... I need Old Fuff in on this - or Jim Keenan.

 

[45wheelgun]

It is a M1917 that has been modified extensively.

 

[P95Carry]

Thx Dave - must be honest - just would not have recognized it.

On reflection tho perhaps I should have because way, way back I had a 1917 in .455 cal ... but that is so darned pretty I just never thought laterally enough.

 

[BluesBear]

Well I was going to guess it was a cut down Model 22.

Good thing I didn't 'cause I would'a been wrong.

 

[Braz]

Howdy 45W,

Holy Snubbie, Batman! You're gonna fit right in around here.

 

[BluesBear]

Duh!

I just realized that that's NOT a 1917 barrel.

Also the cylinder has been shortened.

 

[45wheelgun]

I just realized that that's NOT a 1917 barrel.

Wow, I have had this gun for years and never noticed that until you pointed it out.

OK, I will try to get a picture of this tomorrow, but what is weird is that the barrel is tapered in front of the frame, just as it should be for a 1917. Now obviously, regardless of barrel shape, the front sight has been changed/moved and the underlug has been added. The extractor rod is original.

But how did they set the barrel back 1/2" or so and maintain the barrel taper in front of the frame? There are 3" M29 barrels that follow the same lines, and have the underlug and similar sights, but where did they get the extra 1/2" to recess the barrel to the cut cylinder, while maintaining the taper? I had always assumed that it was the original barrel cut to fit. Now I don't know.

I love the cut cylinder, as it allows an apparent 2 1/2" barrel appearance, while maintaining a 3" barrel length.