Super Rare Smith & Wesson Registered Magnum Revolver
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- čas přidán 4. 08. 2021
- In this video, we show you an extremely rare Smith and Wesson registered magnum revolver! This particular gun was one of only 15 shipped to the Post Office...
Worst packing materials:
• 10 Gauge Shotgun | Civ...
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I'm one of the fortunate ones to own an original Registered .357 Magnum #1705. It was shipped from the factory Dec. 1936. I've owned this fine gun for at least 40 years and have never shot it. It's nearly as perfect as the one shown. In my research I've found that if you ordered a Magnum, an order form was supplied as to your desired features, length of barrel, front and rear sight desired, trigger pull, and at what yardage you wanted the gun to be sighted in at, and with what ammunition you would be using. An optional Wesson grip adapter was available and a "hump back" hammer could also be had. You received a registration card upon delivery with all the particulars that you requested and that was returned to the factory registering the gun in your name. Some sources estimate that only about half of those cards were ever returned to S&W. No two Registered Magnums that I've ever seen were exactly alike even with identical barrel lengths. D. B. Wesson Jr. reportedly used the 3 best fitters in the factory to assemble these guns. This registration practice was discontinued in late 1939, to streamline production. A little more than 5,000 were made.
Registered Magnums are the holy grail of S&W collectors. Old world workmanship that has gone the way of the Dodo.
The registered magnums are highly revered among S&W fans. Ultimate expressions of handmade firearm artistry. Thank you for showing it. S&W sent serial number 001 to J. Edgar Hoover.
One of the iconic S&Ws. This was the 1st 357 mag. But it was developed from the earlier 38/44s. 38/44 Heavy Duty (1930) and 38/44 Outdoorsman (1931).
38/44 referred to caliber & frame size. 38 Special on a 44 frame size. This allowed loading 38 Special cartridges to pressure levels far beyond anything seen today.
The 38/44 Heavy Duty & 38/44 Outdoorsman were made more or less obsolete by the 357 Mag, especially after the 357 became regular production and less expensive. But both the Outdoorsman & Heavy Duty were still made in limited numbers clear up until 1966. (In 1957 the Heavy Duty became the model 20 and the Outdoorsman became the model 23)
Very interesting. Thank you for that information.
And for grips ?? I like badass look of these thin grips !! Now even K frame 357 (19/66) have enormous envellopping wood grips.... (here, we can read serial number withouth remove grips.
Combat magnum 6" (based on 19-3) had these grips (in choice of 2 model)
When I attended an early 70's police pistol qualification I got to see one of these. The old Irish beat cop from the next town over had been given one in 1936 by his mother who drove over to Springfield, sold her car, bought the gun new and took the bus home with it in her lap. When he stepped up to the line and drew the gun for the first time in 20+ years it was covered in sludge and dripping with slime and green verdigris. It got cleaned up and shot well with those same old rounds....
The first Smith & Wesson N frame revolvers were produced in 1908 and in the .44 special caliber. The N frames were manufactured in several different calibers before the .357 was introduced
Those 44 magnum N frames were heavy, no one handed shooting with those things unless you were Popeye.
Reminds me of John Deere collectors. Tractor arrives in a closed trailer, paint quality far beyond factory standards. No oil in the engine or transmission. Set up the canopy. Lay down carpet on the grass and roll the tractor out under the canopy. If you need to get up on the platform, you take your shoes off first. Rope fence to keep people from touching it. No, I am not exaggerating, seen it many times.
That always kinda bugged me about collectors and restorers like that: why would you increase the finish *beyond* what was applied at the factory? Three coats of colour, two of clear ultragloss - no. I doubt JD was doing that for a workin' plough-dragger or spud-lifter in 1954.
You know what they say: the best restoration is as little restoration as possible.
the .357 was made for law enforcement so they would be able to penetrate car doors.The .38 special they were mostly carrying would not.Bonnie and Clyde were as responsible for law enforcement wanting a more powerful handgun as anyone.Elmer Keith had a lot to do with it's developement just as he did the .44 magnum later.
And then 10mm came out and then people complaining about overpenetration was a thing
beautiful gun, so well preserved. I understand not wanting to get it marked up, but it makes me sad that it will probably never be shot. To me, its like when people buy a car and never put any miles on it.
Buy it
The reason behind why the S&W 357 Magnum revolvers were made was because back in the 20s and 30s gangsters like Bonnie & Clyde, Baby Face Nelson, John Dillinger, and Machine gun Kelly were seriously dangerous bank robbers who would use bulletproof vests and drive V8 Fords which had heavy steel parts that made the cars pretty much bulletproof. So the FBI wanted a revolver that could shoot a hotter load than the standard 38 Special. Revolvers were the preferred handguns for police departments back than over automatic pistols. The Colt 1911 in 38 Super was a high velocity caliber that could defeat bulletproof vest and was commonly used by criminals during that time. Same with Thompson submachine guns and BAR rifles. The FBI wanted a handgun that could match the bad guys weapons but still was a revolver that most police officers already were trained in using. The old 357 Magnum could shoot through the cars and knock out the engines of getaway cars and was very successful in these gun fights with prohibition era gangsters.
The word Magnum was used by wine distributors who offered a larger bottle of spirits than the normal sized bottles you could get at the stores before the prohibition of alcohol came into law.
Exquisite!
If I ever got rich, I'd buy it, and take it out to the range.
Only hope is the lottery commission.
WOW....What a very beautiful old new S&W 357 mag. ......Thanks, l just might be the oldest guy watching you video's...l am in my late 80's.....!
SHOCKED you have never had a S&W of any type.
Love your channel and website, learn every time!
I handled this beauty when it was for sale in VA last year.
For how much?
@@joshuagibson2520 42K
@@HighCaliberHistoryLLC thank you.
@@markgman4157 The Model 28 is a N frame.
General Patton definitely owned a Registered .357 Magnum and had a holster for it so he COULD carry it on the left side along with the SAA he carried on the right side. There are few photos of him ever carrying both handguns. He normally carried the Colt which he had used in gunfights in Mexico and killed (reportedly) a Villista Bandit. The .357 is a gorgeous piece and I have seen it in a museum long ago. Both those handguns are on display along with his belt and holsters in the US Cavalry Museum. It is an engraved 3 1/2" with IVORY grips adorned with the GSP monogram like the Colt as well.
Patton carried a number of pistols, most popular the old pearl handles
But, he also kept an old colt detective special with square butt in a custom holster as well as his US army issued colt m1903
According to the Patton movie “ pearl handles are for pimps” . He carried ivory handles.
@@BOB-wx3fq Another lunatic talking about Patton's "pearl" handles !
Back in '37, Ya never knew when someone might go postal...
Smith & Wesson revolvers are awsome. That looks.like a King's refector gun sight.
By far the 357 Magnum revolver is my favorite gun out of my best gun collection. Just a great gun shoots great does exactly what it's supposed to do every time never had an issue with it ever. And I do recall growing up my friend's father was a Chicago police officer and at the time they were issued a 38 caliber pistol and for a sidearm he had a 357 Magnum but what he did was made his Magnum his go-to pistol in the 38 was his spare backup gun. As always another great video I've only been watching you now for the better part of six or seven months and for the last couple weeks I've been straight up just been watching all your videos back from the very beginning and always very informative and truly enjoy all the content you make for us. Thank you I appreciate it very much.
@@markgman4157 they are great revolvers. I'm not sure the exact year or anything on my revolver my uncle about 25 years ago maybe bought a package deal from Smith & Wesson it came with the 357 Magnum revolver 357 magnum lever action revolver and a 357 Magnum Derringer. Dale came a nice cases wood cases velvet lined. And it took a lot of balls to shoot the Derringer with a full powder charge bullet. And I will tell you what I will never do that again I was prepared for the pain cuz I knew it was going to hurt to shoot it I thought I broke my hand lol about 75% of my hand was bruised almost black in color all the way at my wrist and part of the way up my forearm was all a bruise. And that was the first and only time I would ever do that again but the fireball was impressive even during the daylight. You know this is way before everybody has cell phones and cameras on hand at any time man I would have wished to record that. I've been knowing when I'm brave enough to even attempt it and I'm a little guy 130 lb soaking wet. Would you shoot 38 specials out of it all the time it is a lot of fun.
@@markgman4157 I believe you are correct sir I never looked much into it I've acquired a lot of firearms and my lifetime to do a lot of various trades and bartering. I actually live about 40 minutes from the Springfield Massachusetts where's the corporate headquarters are. One of my uncles is actually a GunBroker and I'm pretty sure but really looked into it I can find info on it just never have I don't really care about the value of most of my guns only for insurance reasons but with the amount guns that we have and how the government is and has and can be only the ones I hunt with more or less are the ones that know about. I trust politicians and the government about as far as I can throw a car LOL. But one of these days I'm definitely have to look into it but thank you I do appreciate it.
"I've never owned a Smith and Wesson" - famous last words :-)
Richard - He should get out of his vaust wheelhouse and tell us something we want to hear.
Wait, when dirty hairy came out, the 44mag wasn't the most powerful handgun in the world, that was the 454 cassul. Developed in 1957 if I remember correctly.
H R - Cassul had a larger diameter bullet[.454] but the smaller diameter bullet [.429] had a faster feet per second. [More Power]
@@rogertycholiz2218 that isn't correct actually, the bullet diameter is .452. Not 454. The 480 ruger took its place i believe in 2000. The 454 casull operates at almost twice the pressure of a 44 mag. Plus with the range of bullet weights, and their bullet sectional density, 44 mag can't touch the 454. 44 mag is a mean round, but 454 plays for keeps lol.
I think they he was talking about full production runs for the general public. Specialized handguns could always be made to be more powerful than production run guns.
@@lw7238 it was full production, it just didn't get much attention for a long time.
@@H.R.6688 "The first commercially available revolver chambered in .454 Casull was made by Freedom Arms in 1983 as a five-shot single action Model 83 revolver that is capable of firing .45 ACP, .45 Colt and .454 Casull with interchangeable cylinders."
I have a 44 Magnum Smith and Western 8 and 1/2 in I love it it's my favorite gun
S&W for years offered the model 19 and 29 with barrels in 8-3/8" length. It seems to be their standard long barrel length.
The 8-3/8" barrel was offered to meet the maximum sight distance allowed "I think" for NRA bullseye matches. I do not remember any 8-3/8" K frames. In the 1960's and 1970's most if not all N frames were in the catalog as being available with an 8-3/8" inch barrel. Barrel length choices probably changed when the side plate was changed from 4 screw to 3 screw but that date is no longer available in my memory bank.
Thanks for showing this rare and interesting revolver. I'm sorry that most people only comment about something when they have a disagreement with the content... BUT, a roll mark is the lettering and information rolled into the firearm frame, barrel, etc. and not the finish scratching between cylinder locking notches. AND, I realize that you MUST respect the owner's wishes on how it's handled but the scratching between cylinder notches is NOT caused by cocking the hammer or pulling the trigger. I'm currently looking at my S&W model 28 (no dash) using my OptiVISOR and it's clear that the locking tab is fully retracted into the frame before the cylinder begins to rotate. The scratches happen when people close the cylinder without indexing the chambers into position. I would expect that 99.999% of people will close the cylinder in that way and the scratches are just going to happen. But NOT from cocking the hammer.
Thanks for your comments. Interesting information.
I Bought a model 27-2 with my Stimulas Check! Lol.....no Joke! It was also the Prefered Revolver of General George C.Patton ,he carried on his Hip during World War II and refered to it as his "Killing" Gun!!! You should NOT let that one Go! Keep it !
I love S&W. Also, that gun is beautiful.
Thanks for sharing.
I bought a model 29 a few months back. I absolutely love it. I would love to have a register magnum but with how rare and expensive they are I'm looking into a model 27
Thanks Tom another super interesting episode. I wish you had been my history teacher as you always make it so interesting! Tod
5 inch is the perfect length. A shame that so few revolvers have 5" barrels.
I like it too. I think all revolvers should be offered in 2, 4, 5, 6, and 8 inches.
@Brian Hess That barrel length has a perfect balance. I used to have an Enfield revolver.
perfect for the range maybe but most stated require a minimum 6 inch barrel for hunting and a 4 inch conceals a whole lot better!!
At one time bbls could be ordered in 1/2 inch increments. The first dirty harry gun was actually a 41 magnum according to stories.
I don't know, I have a 629 in 5" and man it isn't the most pleasant gun to shoot. I think a longer barrel would tame it down a bit, I've even contemplated sending it off for oirting because I dont like shooting it that much.
I was like #421. I didn't want to change the 420, but I knew someone else would anyway.
Many years ago I would visit the Patton Museum in Kentucky and they had Patton's two hand guns displayed in an upright walk around plexiglass case where you could get up close and look right down the sights of his .357 magnum with it's 3.5" barrel with front gold bead and rear u blade.
And yet again. Another great video. Thank you
I knew a older guy who had his dad’s S&W that was a 38/44. They were the forerunner of the 357 magnum, they used a 38 special case but loaded with magnum loads.
As always. Great content. Thanks for sharing.
I'm no expert, and I do love your videos, please take this criticism in a positive way. I lost it when you put that "$40k" gun on your lap at the end of the video!! You don't need to be an expert to know this!! If I was the owner watching my heart would have sank.
Each Registered magnum was essentially a one-off. You could have any length barrel in quarter inch increments from 3.5 to 8.75.” Multiple front and rear sight options and and grip choices.
I have 357 Magnum long barrel revolvers made in the 1930s when the 357 Magnum first debuted purchased by my grandfather directly from Smith & Wesson never used both are still sealed in the boxes my question is what are they worth I'm not looking to sell them I just want to know how much I need to insure them for the next generation of my family
@@markgman4157 100% Condition mint never used. Thanks for the information. Boxes are in excellent condition as well with all documents
What a beautiful firearm!
Great video
Much in appreciation of your channel
Like to mention the museum in Gettysburg PA where I saw great collectibles of WW2. Had to think of you right away
Hope you know them guys there. Great contribution to history and in particular WW2
And obviously there is the Dragon Man in Colorado Springs with everything anyone would or could be missing out on
Thank you!!
Amazingly pristine for where it came from and a box too nice.
My Model 29 is at S&W getting reblued. It's been gone for a month. I'm probably looking at another month if I'm lucky. I miss it a lot and watching this video and the Inspector Callahan clip makes me miss it even more. 😭😭
What do they charge for that service?
@@joshuagibson2520 It's under warranty so it cost me nothing.
@@WestCoastChicano that's awesome.
The comments are just as informative as the video. New subscriber 👍
What did S&W the registered magnum .357 Sell for new, back in the day?
The RM is an outstanding gun. However, the $40,000 value is pretty overblown. The only way to get close to that number would be a new-in-the-box one with all the papers, and it's Doug Wesson's personal RM. But the gun in the video is pretty dang nice.
There is someone who wants it more than their cash and he'll likely get it. Unfortunate as that may be.
Can't disagree on your pricing comment. Thanks
@@markgman4157 I don't know on that, but RM #3 popped up out of the blue back in May of this year. It was registered to a sheriff in Decatur, Illinois. The Smith & Wesson Collectors Association has a running document tracking as many of the RMs as they can find and document.
@@markgman4157 yeah Hoover got number one and the story i heard was he gifted it to an agent for bagging some scumbag in the later 30's early 40's!
Time will tell the worth.
It's funny, we are probably about the same age. You admit to not knowing much about S & W revolvers, which is 99% of what I collect, from 1902 to 1980, yet I know nothing about semi auto old historic war pistols. Still follow your website and make purchases on revolvers.
I have an Astra .45 Colt revolver that's nearly the same size and appearance as a Model 29 S&W, the famous "Dirty Harry" gun. It was a good double of the Model 29, and the bluing and general build quality is even a little better than a Model 29. They come in everything from a 4" .357 to an 8" .44 magnum. They are good shooters and well worth it if you can find a nice piece in the market.
Does it have a model number or is it just known as the Astra 45 colt?
@@joshuagibson2520 No, never seen a model number, just the Astra .45 Colt revolver.
In wheelgun days the Royal Canadian Mounted Police carried S&W Mod. 10's with 5" barrels. Plain clothes got 2" Mod.10's. I carried both 5" and 4" versions on duty. Loved the 5" the best and I think that's the optimum length. Some other Canadian forces carried Mod. 13's but weren't allowed to load them with 357 Mag ammo only 38 Spl. I can't imagine having to carry a big chunk like this N framed monster all day, every day.
Back then S&W could get the deepest, darkest beautiful bluing. A closely guarded secret I've read but it's almost impossible to find that perfect of finish today. My mid 1970's Mod.19 is close but not close enough.
I have a registered SlingShot, custom made. It's a very unique and rare one since the tree it comes from has now burned into my fireplace. It comes with two sets of rubber bands, brand new! These are also very unique since the rubber tree they come from has been burned because of a lightning strike. You can have this Amazing piece of history for 35,000$ only!
Very Cool Smith & Wesson Revolver !!!!!!!!!!!! I would love to have one in my collection.
The .357 magnum was the most powerful centerfire pistol until the .44 magnum came along. S&W didn't use the model numbers until the late 50's. The postwar 357's were simply called the 357 until then.
Yes. My second handgun was a 3-1/2" 357 Magnum. It was not marked as a Model 27. The serial number was from 1956 production. 1956 may have been the last year the 357 Magnum N frame was not designated as the Model 27. Wish I still had all my Gil Hebard catalogs.
I have a 1951 pre model 20 38/44
4 inch fixed sights. Very smooth.
You contributed to the wear when you opened the cylinder
Probably why there was a jump cut when he was closing it too lol
@@miatafan that dirty jump cutter! We should give him a public lashing for contributing to that cylinder ring 😂
That is not Douglas Wesson in the picture, it's The last man standing, that is definitely Tim Allen.
44 mag will not blow a head clean off. Not even close. A 12ga slug does get very close though. Don't ask...
The hammer on the 1911 graphic in the intro doesn't move... Am I the only one that disturbs?
Nope. Count me in too.
The post office was no joke in old times .. Alot of money went thru the plain mail in the days of yore, and their was a requirement for postal workers to be armed . It was only done away with in recent years and there is talk of allowing workers to carry again.. Besides you dont know when someone might try to reuse an understamped stamp to send a package and you need to do a double-tap
Awesome!!!!
Beautiful revolver. Good history lesson. I can't believe you just laid that gun on your lap while showing off the box. I have done that only a time or two and sure enough they slip through your legs and BAM on to the floor. Made me nervous seeing that. Glad that did not happen (on camera at least).
I believe the barrel length went up to 8 1/2 inches. Such a model went to J. Edgar Hoover.
Man this guys hilarious! Funniest collector haha
I love grips !!! Very sad because its rarely grips installed on k/L frame with long barrel 😊
The pistol reminds me of one that I had a model #28 big frame small handle a great gun.
Love my Smith's model 65
thanks!
the cops got them because S+W gave J Edger Hoover the first one to try out and he directed his men to get one if they wanted! Patton had a .357 but that video was of his peacemaker Tom! and the .44 came from Elmer Keith hot rodding old 44-40 peacemakers and continually blowing up the cylinders! he finally convinced Smith to do the 44 magnum!!
Elmer Keith special 👌🏼
Great job my new friend
"...GO AHEAD..MAKE MORE VIDEOS !..."
_ a constant follower from the Far East
This gun is a masterpiece of work🇺🇸long live Smith& Wesson Long live the USA🙏
My best old firearms are not registered glad to pass them on to my grand children I will be at piece knowing they will never have to give those up
Not functioning the action of a revolver, however rare it is, is very sad.
Who says the action is 'not functioning?' Not Tom... He is not cocking the hammer because the owner of the revolver asked him not to.
@@beeleo You somewhat misunderstood my comment.
It is April 30, 2022 and I wondered if this gun has been auctioned off and if so how much did it sell for please?
Super Cool 😎
Sometimes I wish I lived in the stated simply because I would be able to own a firearm
Start the process. Come on over.
This was the very first "Gun Registration" in the US LOL
The Smith & Wesson Python
Did Legacy Collectibles stop responding to questions about items for sale on the website?
Shame the gun is treated like it’s made of glass. To me, it’s almost as bad as doing torture test on a new gun.
Agreed. I see keeping it nice, but the whole thing about the roll mark is way overboard.
Agreed. I felt her crying to be free of this 'value' spell.
You left out there were 3 people that were instrumental to the 357mag. One of witch was Elmer Keith that later developed the 44 magnum. And that was solely his brain child. 😎
I have a 54' N frame .357 " highway patrol" almost
I only carry S&W wheel guns.
Amazing that there was once somebody employed by the postal service with good sense. Today, most agents are stuck with angry Tupperware with all the grace, power and appeal of a staple gun, and about as much effectiveness in the most popular caliber for the thing... :(
And Harry's was not, in I believe the 2nd movie he reveals he uses light specials instead of full power magnums.
So really Harry Callahans model 29 was not the most powerful handgun in the world.
I would have hoped he used blanks to shoot the other actors in the films just out of courtesy.
was magnum force the second movie? and that load is still a magnum just optimized for velocity over stopping power! in reality any handgun with a velocity over 1200 FPS is considered a magnum!
@@keithmoore5306 yes magnum force ( 1973 ) was the 2nd movie.
They may still be a magnum cartridge but the .44 magnum is what makes model 29 " the most powerful handgun in the world ", feed it a light .44 special target load and it's not " the most powerful handgun in the world " at that point.
Still that's a lot more than a standard .357 magnum and I'm not taking anything away from officer Callahan, but just something to note.
@@TylerSnyder305 the gun still is though he didn't claim the load was! detail but! and i was thinking that movie with Sondra Locke was a dirty harry but it wasn't!
@@keithmoore5306
Which one tightrope?
Or any which way you can and every which way but loose ?
Of course that would be tightrope, but she was in the other two as well because I think they were once married or something.
I could be wrong though, I don't pay attention to celebrity marriages because that worthless tabloid nonsense is a waste of brain space.
I still think his pistol is only the most powerful when used to it's full potential since all the power is in the cartridge not the gun itself ( barrel length too of course) but it doesn't really matter I guess.
I'm just splitting hairs here.
Careful with that cylinder, you might accidentally open it! Is that permitted?
My Dad bought one with a 3.5 inch barrel, new , when they came out.
It was stolen in 94. I would love to still have it. I'd still be shootin it.
Actually, he had two. The other one was still in the box, unfired. Also stolen in 94.
Love your videos. You should really use a display table instead of your lap. I cringe when you set down priceless guns that could easily slip off of your knee. Just use a table. :) Better production value too.
Gawdddamnn one can dream Pattons gun was called a 357 magnum that's what s&w actually calls the gun in-between a registered magnum and a model 27 its weird but it's all the same gun really but different lol
Have a similar 44 special 😃
its not a "roll mark" its a turn line!
"Wait, are we sure it's a good idea to ship guns to postal workers?"
whats its value?
Almost no roll marks just a little holster wear on end of barrel. It was a highway patolmens out of the k.c. mo. Area. Not for sale ever but I love it. Also have his holster. One of my better finds.
Ha Ha Ha I used my gun stimulus checks to buy a Smith and Wesson in .357 Mag and one in .44 Mag
That is one gorgeous revolver. What do you appraise it at?
Best guess is between 30k and 40k.
Prior to the handgun ban I owned a mod. 28 highway patrolman and a mod. 29 they were destroyed by the police in 1997.so sad 🙁
Where is that
@@paulmallery6719 United Kingdom.
Terrible.
@@theanxious that was a sad time all round.
Is that a lock on it?
👍
Whilst visually beautiful, pristine, unfired, collectible guns look like they're in need of being used as they were designed and built to be!
I consider wear on a gun to be its life marks, as we humans often acquire.
Clearly, these thoughts go against keeping a gun in pristine, collectible condition, but fiscal value apart, surely the greater pleasure would be in actually firing them sometimes.
I'll stick with my Model 57. It and I have been around the block.