Retro N-Frame .357?

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Pork Fat

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I was a bit interested when the Thunder Ranch .44 special came out, but was put off a bit by the decorations on it.( And the princely price ) Then the .45 ACP Mod. 22 came out, and I really like that one a lot.

But I was wondering, does anyone think that a version of these, including half-moon front sight, same barrel length and profile, would fly in .357? Specifically, an 8 shot cylinder version. I realize the fluting spacing between chambers and the extra holes in the cylinder are not truly retro, but I think it would be cool and practical.

Of course, my old wish for versions of these in Parkerized finish, plainer grips, and lanyard rings a la 1917 still stands. :)
 
It wouldn't be retro because there was no fixed sighted, half moon front sight .357 magnum revolver.
 
I didn't think "Retro" and "Replica" were synonymous, I was after traditional styling cues in a practical package. Anyway, a latter-day .38-44 if you will.
 
I think there would indeed be a fair market for well made, service-type N frames in any caliber. If S&W had put half the effort into practical guns, fixed and adustable sighted, of the nature of the old Model 28s, I think they would have sold a boat load of them by now. I toured their exhibit at NRA Milwaukee about ten days ago, and the only gun I really would like to have taken home with me was the Model 22 .45 ACP.

As the old saying goes, " X" firm has dropped more good guns than most companies have ever made.

I recently picked up an awfully nice 4" Model 28 in the box for $375. *That* is where they need to be to get my business. Just how hard would it be to make a newer Model 520 N frame in .357 again???
 
I dont get the fixation of 8 shots in a N frame .357. Kind of negates the .357 idea to me.
 
If the original platform for the .357 Magnum was in the large .44 size, later called N-frame, how could 2 more rounds negate the original idea? That's like saying swing-out cylinders negate the original idea of revolvers.
 
But I was wondering, does anyone think that a version of these, including half-moon front sight, same barrel length and profile, would fly in .357?
Click to expand...

The current production, short-lug, fixed-sight 619 sort of achieves this effect, ableit in a stainless, L-frame gun. Even so, I think S&W would sell every blued, N-frame .357 they could make. After the success of the M22 (and even that recent batch of the 586+ revolvers for Jerry's Sports Center), I wouldn't be surprised if we see something like this in the near future.
 
I picked up this "retro" c. 1970 Highway Patrolman. Nothing in their current catalog interests me but this is a lot more appealing and about half the price. ;)

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The extra shots are a handy Idea but in a way a step back to me. But now that the .357 round is downloaded from the original load designed for the 6 shot N frame I guess its a bit of a moot point. Once .357 ment more than just the caliber stamped on the barrel.
 
Big Smiths

I was/am like the gentleman who didn't like the Thunder Ranch Special because of the gee-gaws. I did like the looks of the new Smith in .45ACP and had the dinero out ready to buy it Sunday when I looked one shelf over and fell in love. I have always had a soft spot in my heart...(wife says it's in the head)...for N frames in large calibers. And a double shot of that for factory nickeled revolvers. I spotted a nickeled Model 21-4. 4" in .44 S&W Spl. [You have to use your imagination...it's a round butt and the firing pin is in the frame rather than on the hammer nose]. But it is sweet. Some of the best looking Magna grip panels I've seen in a while, even if they are laminated. Now, if they'll put one out in .45 Colt? Maybe another M-58 in .41 Mag.?
Neighbor, that is a really nice Highway Patrolman you posted photos of. In 1975 a local shop got some new in the box M-28s in and, (my dad worked at the Sheriff's Office and I was at the city), I went down and bought dad one and me one. Tightened my wallet a little, but at $92.50 each they were worth the money.Thought for a while S&W lost the recipe for revolvers...I am happy to admit I was wrong. They're on the way back.
 
Highway Patrolman

Thanks, bud. This one is pristine. The color variation in the bluing is from the light.
 
Step Back?

"The extra shots are a handy Idea but in a way a step back to me. But now that the .357 round is downloaded from the original load designed for the 6 shot N frame I guess its a bit of a moot point. Once .357 ment more than just the caliber stamped "

I didn't know that the .357 of today was weaker than the 1930's version. I know that it got a reputation as a real fire-breather back then compared to the common .38 and .32 police service guns, but our perceptions have changed after 50 years of .44 and other big bore magnums.
I simply assumed that metallurgy improvements made since the Registered Magnums first hit the scene allowed a little less space between chambers. To me, a 6 shot N-frame is a very nice thing. I wouldn't mind having a Highway Patrolman myself, but an 8 shot capacity just seems to ice the cake.

Assuming, of course, that the modern ammo is not a neutered version of the original. Anyone able to compare the specs of the original LSWC load to today's 158 grain on up power levels, and show me that we live in an age of kinder, gentler .357 Magnum?
 
One drawback of 8-round cylinders is increased difficulty in using a speed loader. It's tough enough to perform smoothly with six rounds, but with eight, it's a real bear. Now, I know some will prefer the added two rounds in the first place, but give speedloading a try. It's not easy.
 
Well my idea is you can run hot .357 loads in a 6 shot 27 or 28 vs the idea of hot loads in a 29 or a 8 shot .357. Thats a 158 or 168 at 1500 fps too. Bet that will make the holes oval in the cylinders.
 
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