I’ve previously posted an ugly Colt prototype budget revolver, so now it is Smith & Wesson’s turn. During the late 1970s, the Director of Research and Development, Dwayne W. Charron, was tasked with examining new methods and materials. The goal was to produce parts to near finish configuration with a minimum of machining. Ideally, employeesContinue reading “Prototype Smith & Wesson XR-357 Budget Revolver”
Category Archives: Historical
Custom Colt Python .41 Magnum Comparison
In a previous comment, Shawn mentioned wanting a .41 Magnum Python. All of the known examples are custom aftermarket builds. Today, we are going to look at some side-by-side comparisons of a factory .357 Mag and a .41 Mag conversion. It won’t take much guessing to see why Colt never made the .41 Mag aContinue reading “Custom Colt Python .41 Magnum Comparison”
Browning Hi-Power Raceguns
Other than Dave Westerhout’s 1977 IPSC World Shoot win, the classic Browning Hi-Power hasn’t made much of a dent in the reign of the M1911 and CZ75-pattern pistols’ dominance of practical shooting competition. That said, this still hasn’t kept some gunsmiths and competitors from tilting at windmills. Today, we are going to show some classicContinue reading “Browning Hi-Power Raceguns”
Another Colt Prototype – A Pony Ready for the Glue Factory
Object Lesson for the Firearms Industry: If he didn’t start the company, don’t let your president think he can out-design the engineering staff. C. Edward Warner was Colt Industries Firearms Division’s president from August 1975 to June 1981. He had transferred over from his previous position as president of Colt Industries Elox Division, a manufacturerContinue reading “Another Colt Prototype – A Pony Ready for the Glue Factory”
Drama Llama – The Llama M87 Racegun
I always find it amusing to see firearm companies attempt to turn their basic staid service pistols into a competition-worthy configuration. Witness how Llama tried to turn the basic M82 into the M87 Comp Gun. At its heart, the M82/M87 was a Beretta 92 clone with an enclosed slide, steel frame, and configured frame tang.Continue reading “Drama Llama – The Llama M87 Racegun”
Classic Colt Promo Videos for the M16A2 and M4
Check out these classic Colt promo videos from the 1980s and early 1990s. Note that the M4 on display mostly have fixed carry handles, with the exception of the “new” M4A1.
Model 70 Bull Gun .300 H&H Magnum
From the fellas over at pre64win.com In 1948, this .300 H&H Magnum Bull rifle with its 28” extra heavy barrel was a world-class long range rig. Designed to compete at the Camp Perry National Match long range events – specifically the 1000-yard 1000-yd. Wimbledon Cup match – this is the most accurate model 70 WinchesterContinue reading “Model 70 Bull Gun .300 H&H Magnum”
Novak TRI 2011 for Ken Hackathorn
Most of you here should recognize the name of veteran firearms instructor Ken Hackathorn. His history is a bit off here as the first Strayer/Tripp 2011 modular frames were unveiled at the 1992 SHOT Show. Jerry Barnhart even used a Wilson Combat-modified 2011 to win the 1992 USPSA Nationals. The early Chip McCormick-marketed frames wereContinue reading “Novak TRI 2011 for Ken Hackathorn”
The Rifleman’s Rifle by Roger C. Rule
I have looooooong lusted for this book, and now finally have a copy. It is everything I hoped it would be. A very techincal and careful detailing of all pre-64 model 70s.A history of the model 54 and some post 64 models. A few pictures from the book below, I’d love to show you more,Continue reading “The Rifleman’s Rifle by Roger C. Rule”
Unertl, Lyman, Fecker, Redfield Estate Collection
A guy on the facebook vintage scope group shared these photos from an estate. The old fella had one hell of a collection.
Scattered Shots 