THE "holy grail" revolver!

[Riomouse911]

I have hit the Grail button a few times over the years, it appears that my idea of what is my Grail gun seems to be rather fluid.

Once I find it, the button gets reset and I look to satisfy the next one.

I really wanted a .41, and this Redhawk was priced to go home with me.

Then it was a 4” Model 57. This one was another “had to have it” gun that usually is out if my price range. Luckily I rescued it for a decent price. (Bottom) It had some pitting on the left side by the grip that is cosmetic, the rest of the gun is spotless.



Then a .44 Spl flattop Blackhawk like all my favorite writers seem to have. I bid on a couple with no luck, then a hardly-used one dropped into my lap.



Keeping the Ruger vibe going, the look and feel of a Bisley .32 called my name. I couldn’t resist this one.



Dan Wesson’s .22 to pair with my 15-2’s was another must-have. The extra barrel I picked up from CZ makes it more versatile.



Then it was S&W.38’s, all the beautiful Smiths THR members show finally got to me. I just had to have a K-frame revolver chambered in .38, but of course the 6” Model 14 multiplied into more K-frame .38’s before I knew it.



Finally, keeping with the “Special has got to be fired through a Special” theme, an N frame .44 Special became a must have. This very clean Model 624 was another gun that I came across that didn’t have an extravagant price on the tag.



Tomorrow, who knows. Another .45 Colt has currently piqued my interest, maybe it will be a S&W this time…or a .327 Federal… maybe another Bisley.

Stay safe.

 

[cfullgraf]

I have hit the Grail button a few times over the years, it appears that my idea of what is my Grail gun seems to be rather fluid.

I've purchased a number of revolvers similarly. I stumble into them, they have some interest to me, so I buy them.

The one I passed on but wish I had purchased was a S&W Model 544, the 44-40 N-Frame Texas Commemorative revolver.

It is funny how 38 Special K-frames are like Lays potato chips, no body has just one.

 

[Riomouse911]

I've purchased a number of revolvers similarly. I stumble into them, they have some interest to me, so I buy them.

The one I passed on but wish I had purchased was a S&W Model 544, the 44-40 N-Frame Texas Commemorative revolver.

It is funny how 38 Special K-frames are like Lays potato chips, no body has just one.

I remember seeing a couple of those years ago. The ones I saw had a walnut presentation box with the outline of Texas, inside was blue velvet lining. Awesome!

Stay safe.

 

[2ndtimer]

My grail gun:

 

[Targa]

Not sure about a Holy Grail gun but this SBH is the last one I would get rid of

 

[Smaug]

I'm simple too: I think my holy grail revolver would be a 90s Colt King Cobra with the 6" barrel. Since it's my Holy Grail, I would have a gunsmith tune up the trigger works and maybe polish the inside of the barrel properly.

Today's King Cobra with a 4" barrel is not quite long enough to extract the full performance from the 357 Magnum cartridge.

Shorter barrels DO have their place with this round, but I've already got them covered with:

• 4" S&W 19, gunsmithed. Awesome trigger, both DA and SA
• 3" Ruger SP-101, home trigger tune, CTC laser grips
• (honorable mention) just picked up an LCR in 38 +P. I'm sure it'll kick like a Magnum with +P loads. ;-)

 

[Onty]

For me that would be a 5 shot Korth .357 Magnum from 1971. I prefer it over the 6 round .357 Korths.

View attachment 1087375

You have the gem!!!

 

[J-Bar]

On October 9, 2021, I posted a topic about one of my grail guns, a Smith and Wesson 38/44 Heavy Duty:

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/i-scratched-an-old-itch-today-38-44-heavy-duty.896086/

It functioned perfectly. It shot a nice group just a bit farther from point of aim than I wanted. I am quite obsessive about point of impact matching point of aim, more than necessary for practical purposes I admit. As nice as that old Heavy Duty was I would get a twinge of disappointment when I shot it. So I told my pusher to watch for a 38/44 Outdoorsman, the model with adjustable sights. Dreams come true. He found a nice one and with some trading I took possession of an Outdoorsman on August 13, and I announced it here:

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/downsizing-upgrading.909200/

Safe queen status did not last long. I tested it today at the range with the old classic .38 Special target load; a 148 grain cast wadcutter over 2.7 grains of Bullseye. The revolver was certainly made for heavier stuff, but I may not be!

This is 12 shots at 10 yards, elbows rested on the table. With my current arthritis and vision conditions, I am sure most of the dispersion is me rather than the gun or ammunition. NIGHTLORD40K was generous and sent me a Pachmayr N frame grip that he no longer needed. It helped.

The main hole's maximum spread is 1 1/4"; overall spread between the obvious flyers is 2 1/4”. I will try a few heavier loads before adjusting the sights. I expect 158 grain bullets to move the group up a bit. But it's very satisfying to know I can dial this one in exactly.
This 5-screw 38/44 left the factory in 1950. This is my grail gun.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

On October 9, 2021, I posted a topic about one of my grail guns, a Smith and Wesson 38/44 Heavy Duty:

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/i-scratched-an-old-itch-today-38-44-heavy-duty.896086/

It functioned perfectly. It shot a nice group just a bit farther from point of aim than I wanted. I am quite obsessive about point of impact matching point of aim, more than necessary for practical purposes I admit. As nice as that old Heavy Duty was I would get a twinge of disappointment when I shot it. So I told my pusher to watch for a 38/44 Outdoorsman, the model with adjustable sights. Dreams come true. He found a nice one and with some trading I took possession of an Outdoorsman on August 13, and I announced it here:

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/downsizing-upgrading.909200/

Safe queen status did not last long. I tested it today at the range with the old classic .38 Special target load; a 148 grain cast wadcutter over 2.7 grains of Bullseye. The revolver was certainly made for heavier stuff, but I may not be!

This is 12 shots at 10 yards, elbows rested on the table. With my current arthritis and vision conditions, I am sure most of the dispersion is me rather than the gun or ammunition. NIGHTLORD40K was generous and sent me a Pachmayr N frame grip that he no longer needed. It helped.

The main hole's maximum spread is 1 1/4"; overall spread between the obvious flyers is 2 2/14". I will try a few heavier loads before adjusting the sights. I expect 158 grain bullets to move the group up a bit. But it's very satisfying to know I can dial this one in exactly.
This 5-screw 38/44 left the factory in 1950. This is my grail gun.

View attachment 1098566

Simply wonderful gun!