Topic: Followup Of My Hand Guns, With Photos, As Requested.

[bill440cars]

    Okay Folks, I was asked to post up some photos of what I had, for guns that I had inherited from my Dad and so, here ya go. Starting with the Smith & Wesson 45 Automatic & then my Ruger 380 (that I bought myself), Then there is an old revolver No markings on either of these, that I can see. I think the old revolver is a 25 cal? Has no trigger guard and a totally different sort of trigger as well and a Derringer, also couldn't find any markings on it either. and a shot of them opened up as well. More to follow, as I can get them sorted. Feel free to offer up any comments or whatever.   

[bill440cars]

  And then, here is a couple of "Snubnose" models. The Larger one is an H&R model 733 32
S & W & the smaller one, is a Model 40 22 cal. Did not see any name on the smaller one either. I provided a close up of the info on it, so maybe someone out there, could help me figure out what it says. 

   Oops, also included a photo of a 22 Long Barrel model "High Standard Longhorn Double Nine 22 cal. revolver.  And my Dad's Old Service Revolver, Smith & Wesson D.A. 45 (He was a "Reserve Deputy Sheriff For Pulaski County & Later For Perry County, in Arkansas).   

[Stev-o]

For sale?!

[bill440cars]

For sale?!

      No Stev-o, hadn't planned on selling any. Trying to get some info on exactly what I have. some are no problem, but some don't have much for markings and some that do have markings, aren't very legible. I know a little about them, but I don't know about some of these.   

[bill440cars]

      So, I was hoping to hear some input on these, as to whether anyone had knowledge of the ones that weren't as common or well known, especially.

[ofreen]

So, I was hoping to hear some input on these, as to whether anyone had knowledge of the ones that weren't as common or well known, especially.

Obviously the S&Ws are the most valuable. The .45 revolver is the most interesting. There are different variants of those, some scarce and very valuable. Of course condition is a big part of it. The photo is pretty dark and fuzzy and I am looking at it on a 4" iphone, so can't tell much. The rest of them are basic workaday guns from the good ol days. I'll take a look at them again when I get by a computer.

[bill440cars]

Obviously the S&Ws are the most valuable. The .45 revolver is the most interesting. There are different variants of those, some scarce and very valuable. Of course condition is a big part of it. The photo is pretty dark and fuzzy and I am looking at it on a 4" iphone, so can't tell much. The rest of them are basic workaday guns from the good ol days. I'll take a look at them again when I get by a computer.

           Yeah Greg, I did figure the S&Ws were more valuable and I didn't expect much of what I have, to be really valuable, but, I kind of thought the one w/o the trigger guard, was kind of interesting, along with the derringer and the Long Barrel 22 too. I will try to get some better photos too, a little later. I do appreciate any input too. Thanks,  Bill

[jgger]

Bill I believe the .22 revolver (short barrel) is what they used to call a "companion" gun. It was made to mimic the snub nose .38's that detectives used to carry so they could use it for practice at a lesser cost for ammo. The weight and size matches the service revolvers they used to carry.........At least that the story I have been told. Cool gun!

[bill440cars]

Bill, for any more detailed feedback we'll need better photos of the revolvers to judge condition.
Generally, the old H&R .22's aren't worth much. Hi-standards are usually more valued but it depends on the model and condition. At first glance I don't see anything that's particularly uncommon.
Do you know the model of the old S&W service revolver? There should be numbers inside when you open the cylinder, it's probably a model 1917.

    Yeah, I see that the photos make it hard to tell much. Sorry bout that, I will try to do some better shots, a bit later on today. I didn't figure the 22s would be worth much, but thought the long barrel might be at least somewhat valuable though. I will check my Dad's Service Revolver closer, when I retake the photos. Just know that, no matter what the outcome, I appreciate any and all input here. I don't intend to sell any, just would be nice to have a general concensus on just what all I have, you know? That way, IF I should need to cut back, on what I have, for whatever reason, then I would have some idea of what to ask. Thanks guy. Bill       

[bill440cars]

Bill I believe the .22 revolver (short barrel) is what they used to call a "companion" gun. It was made to mimic the snub nose .38's that detectives used to carry so they could use it for practice at a lesser cost for ammo. The weight and size matches the service revolvers they used to carry.........At least that the story I have been told. Cool gun!

          Oh, okay. That is cool to know. Thank you, and it does seem to be in pretty good shape too. Appreciate the input. Bill

[bill440cars]

       Here are some (Not too good, I see) photos of the Vault, I also got from my Dad & some of the Ammo. And, yes I will need to retake these too, most likely.






Okay, I sure didn't realize just how bad these photos were! SMH, I really thought they looked better than this. Sorry folks, seems like I need to REALLY pay more attention to what I am doing and Prep better too. 

[toytuff]

The Ruger 380 is a nice piece, discountined. They offered this in a 9mm also. Worth more than this posted price.

http://www.sportsmansoutdoorsuperstore.com/products2.cfm/ID/152046/3740/ruger-lcp-custom-380-auto-pistol

Love the 45! Had a nice Colt semi auto but sold it many years ago. Shopping for another one now.

The break away guns are nostalgic but never shoot them. I have one myself, told not that safe.

HS were nice guns, Ruger ran them out of business. I have a 22 pistol, fun shooter. Long barrel 45 is great also.

There are several pricing guides in book stores. Maybe someone here has one.

Boy, love your 45. I said that already huh?

[bill440cars]

The Ruger 380 is a nice piece, discountined. They offered this in a 9mm also. Worth more than this posted price.

http://www.sportsmansoutdoorsuperstore.com/products2.cfm/ID/152046/3740/ruger-lcp-custom-380-auto-pistol

Love the 45! Had a nice Colt semi auto but sold it many years ago. Shopping for another one now.

The break away guns are nostalgic but never shoot them. I have one myself, told not that safe.

HS were nice guns, Ruger ran them out of business. I have a 22 pistol, fun shooter. Long barrel 45 is great also.

There are several pricing guides in book stores. Maybe someone here has one.

Boy, love your 45. I said that already huh?

           Had no idea that the 380 was already discontinued. Yeah, I like it because it is so small and yet, bigger than a 22, ammo wise. I hear ya, about the 45, I had always wanted one and so this one will be here and not going anywhere. Hoping you find Yourself one again too. My Wife likes this one too. Funny thing is, I bought her the Ruger, but seems like I am going with the Ruger and she will carry the 45. But, I have to get off of my backside and get us through the Concealed Carry class and get legal. She's never fired a gun before and so, after she fires the 45, she might have a different opinion. Just have to wait and see. She figures on carrying hers in her purse. Just have to wait and see how it goes, when it comes to actually doing it. I may have to get another small ion dimensions handgun, for Concealed Carry.    Thanks for your input here too. 

[toytuff]

Well, that 45 is a big gun to carry! Might shop around for a smaller firearm.

If you get a carry permit it doesn't matter the size you use to qualify. I would recommend a 22 caliper or your 380. Practicing on the range is always a good thing. I use the desert myself. 

You might look at the SCCY 9 mm, 15 ounces, 10 round clips. Very popular, great reviews, sell a lot of them. I'm buying one sometime this week, just can't seem to get down to the store. Available in several finishes.

http://www.sportsmansoutdoorsuperstore.com/products2.cfm/ID/124216/cpx2tt/sccy-cpx-2-tt-9mm-stainless-steel

The 45 is a look out for item but I might wait until the next Black Friday sale. Had some blowout prices this year. Will see.

[bill440cars]

       Appreciate the input here. Yeah, the 45, is a pretty good "Chunk" of a gun and that SCCY 9mm looks pretty good, actually. I think, the first time she shots the 45, she might want to rethink her decision and opt for a smaller, lighter handgun, like that one you showed me. Hope that you can find a 45, that you can get a good (or, at least decent) deal on. 

[toytuff]

Oh, finding one is not an issue. Getting $700 or so together is.

[bill440cars]

Oh, finding one is not an issue. Getting $700 or so together is.

       Yeah, I understand and that is what I meant, that I hope you can find one, that you can pick up on. I have seen that they command a hefty price, as I was looking, quite a few years ago and gave up, because they weren't cheap then either. I still wouldn't have one, if it weren't for my inheritance. Rather have my Dad here, but since I can't, at least I have what he left to me. 

[scottly]

I also think the break-action revolver with no trigger guard is interesting! My Dad had a break-action, 7 shot .22 revolver, but his had a trigger guard.
On a side note, I was told that the Ruger facility in Prescott was built in anticipation of Ruger being awarded the contract to build 9mm autos for the US military, when they replaced the .45 ACP as the standard side-arm. The contract was given to Barreta instead, leaving Ruger with more production capacity than product demand, so they began using the investment casting shop to produce golf club heads...
 

[toytuff]

-I'm a huge fan of the 1911, even for carry. But I see more women carry slim 9s or even 380s. A .22 would not be my recommendation at all. Perhaps a 5-shot, .38 revolver in a carry configuration (bobbed frame, hammerless) would be another option. Taurus makes a nice version based off the S&W revolver. Choose quality ammo to overcome caliber deficiencies.-

Completely agree. A revolver always fires.

Current carry firearm with +P load.

[bill440cars]

     

I also think the break-action revolver with no trigger guard is interesting! My Dad had a break-action, 7 shot .22 revolver, but his had a trigger guard.
On a side note, I was told that the Ruger facility in Prescott was built in anticipation of Ruger being awarded the contract to build 9mm autos for the US military, when they replaced the .45 ACP as the standard side-arm. The contract was given to Barreta instead, leaving Ruger with more production capacity than product demand, so they began using the investment casting shop to produce golf club heads...
 

           I can understand, trying to be prepared, like Ruger did, too bad they didn't get the contract, but at least they seem like they did back off, regroup and find another way to keep Something going on, to take up the slack, And that's good. 

[bill440cars]

Judgement and tactics outperform any caliber in a "carry" situation. Caliber is mostly going to determine how many times someone fires, not if they fire. And if you ever have to fire, best to fire a 230 grain fast moving piece of lead to resolve the situation.

Practicing with a carry pistol is less important than practicing. Practicing drawing your carry piece from its regular place of concealment is crucial. A purse is not recommended as the most prudent place to carry. Its often cumbersome to draw from, a target in its own right for theft, and requires opening, fumbling, and rooting around through everything else to locate and withdraw the firearm from. Use a proper holster if she opts to carry.

Adrenaline and focus will make the firearm unnoticeable in its size, weight, recoil. Even the noise will be nearly imperceptible by the shooter until after the adrenaline and shock wears off. Then you will notice the ringing in your ears...

I'm a huge fan of the 1911, even for carry. But I see more women carry slim 9s or even 380s. A .22 would not be my recommendation at all. Perhaps a 5-shot, .38 revolver in a carry configuration (bobbed frame, hammerless) would be another option. Taurus makes a nice version based off the S&W revolver. Choose quality ammo to overcome caliber deficiencies.

Lastly, 8 shot or10 shot magazines are unimportant. If you need more than 3 its best to commence negotiations because you have much larger problems than a single firearm can solve.

           whew, lots of notable info here. Not sure just how or where the Wife would "carry", but, if it were in her purse, rest assured, it would be setup, for her to easily access. Again though, we haven't even gotten to the point of where she would "carry". She hasn't even fired a gun yet, so I imagine, when she dopes shot the 45, she will be looking at a different choice of weapon. LOL. We have a lot of practicing of everything involved with this, before we go any further. Again, I appreciate any and all input on whatever I post and this thread is no exception. I know there are a lot of folks with experience and knowledge on a lot of various things and great to be able to share that on this forum.     Thanks for Your input too, Cal.

[bill440cars]

-I'm a huge fan of the 1911, even for carry. But I see more women carry slim 9s or even 380s. A .22 would not be my recommendation at all. Perhaps a 5-shot, .38 revolver in a carry configuration (bobbed frame, hammerless) would be another option. Taurus makes a nice version based off the S&W revolver. Choose quality ammo to overcome caliber deficiencies.-

Completely agree. A revolver always fires.

Current carry firearm with +P load.

          Nice one, thanks for sharing. 

[ofreen]

Perhaps a 5-shot, .38 revolver in a carry configuration (bobbed frame, hammerless) would be another option.

A S&W J frame (442/642) is often recommended for women, especially those who are inexperienced with firearms, but it isn't that great of a solution.  They are difficult for the inexperienced to learn to shoot accurately.  The double-action pull is challenge enough to master, then there is the short sight radius to deal with.  Then throw stress into the mix and hits become tough.  J frame Smiths have heavy double action pulls compared to the larger frames because of the geometry of the smaller frame and the coil mainspring. People will try to lighten the pull by lightening springs but generally will end up with soft primer hits and misfires.  But if one can shoot them well, they are OK, though a .38 125 gr +P out of a 2" barrel doesn't hit very hard.  However, most people are more likely to get struck by lightning than need to fire a gun in self defense, so it doesn't matter much to most people.  The smart tactics and judgement you mentioned are a major part of that.

[ofreen]

So, I was hoping to hear some input on these, as to whether anyone had knowledge of the ones that weren't as common or well known, especially.

The photos aren't much better on a PC monitor.  The triggers on the derringer and the top break revolver are referred to as 'spur' triggers.  A lot of those were made in Spain and Italy by various manufacturers.  Some will be marked with a brand or maker's name, but many will not be.  If they are old enough, they may not even have serial numbers.  They were made to be inexpensive.  Quality can range from not too bad to hazardous to fire, even when they were new.

The snubby with the H&R is a S&W knock off.  Lots of those were imported from Spain, some of them were deceptively marked to make it appear to the uninitiated that they were Smith and Wessons, but the quality left much to be desired.

The .45 S&W revolver could be a 1917, either military or the commercial version.  It also may be a 1937 Brazilian model, as many of those made it back the the U.S.  Those are chambered for the .45 ACP to be used with 'half moon' clips to hold the cartridges.  The clips are necessary to enable ejection of the rimless .45 ACP case.  These days, 'full moon' clips and 'third moon' clips are available too. 


Another cartridge was developed called the .45 Auto Rim (AR) that will also work in these guns.  It has a rim so the clips aren't needed.

It could also be a .455 Hand Ejector made for the British.  A lot of those made it back to the U.S. as well and many were converted to fire the more common .45 ACP/Auto Rim.  If it is in .45 Colt, that would really be rare.  Very few of those were made in that configuration and would be worth a lot of money if in reasonable condition.

Those guns appear to be pretty rusty unless it is just an optical trick from the poor resolution.

[bill440cars]

I appreciate the input here, Greg. The poor photos I took, apparently make the guns look bad, but mostly are in good shape. I will try this weekend, to take some better photos. And I would be pretty nervous to attempt to fire the 2 older guns myself. My Dad's Service Revolver is a little rough, finish wise, but decent shape otherwise.