The Smith & Wesson Revolver Model No. 3

First seen in 1870, Smith & Wesson’s No. 3 revolver beat the arrival of the Colt Single Action Army revolver by three years. The No. 3 was a large single action revolver with a cylinder holding six cartridges, and its hammer could be cocked by the thumb of either hand. Continue reading “The Smith & Wesson Revolver Model No. 3”

The M13 Aircrewman Revolver, Part II

In Part I of this series, we discussed the U.S. Air Force’s early interest in aluminum-framed revolvers, and their experience with prototype/development test samples from Colt and Smith & Wesson. We pick up the story in this second part, with the delivery of Aircrewman operational test samples from the two companies, which would eventually lead to the procurement of the M13 Aircrewman revolver. Continue reading “The M13 Aircrewman Revolver, Part II”

The Journey to My Holy Grail Revolver–the S&W Registered Magnum

How many times have you said or heard, “If only this gun could talk about its past.”  Where has it been, who owned it and what has it done? Continue reading “The Journey to My Holy Grail Revolver–the S&W Registered Magnum”

Smith & Wesson Model 1 – Their First Firearm

My dad started taking me to gun shows when I was around ten years old.  I fondly remember ogling the endless tables at eye level displaying Lugers, Broomhandle Mausers, Walther PPK pistols, Colt Single Action Army revolvers, and Smith & Wesson double actions in gold-colored boxes.  Those were indeed the good old days, circa 1975.  Before the dark times, before the empire of black polymer. Continue reading “Smith & Wesson Model 1 – Their First Firearm”

Revisiting an Old Concept: A Common-Cartridge Long Gun and Revolver

Chambering a long gun and handgun for the same metallic centerfire cartridge is not a new inspiration. In fact, the concept took root roughly 150 years ago. Continue reading “Revisiting an Old Concept: A Common-Cartridge Long Gun and Revolver”

The Day that Two Men, Who Traveled Life’s Road on Both Sides of Good and Bad, Collided with Fatal Results

As folks travel down the road of life, it is an interesting journey with many experiences and emotions.  It also has many issues in the journey that force us to choose between right and wrong.  No one can claim a 100% journey on the side of good.  There is only one man who lived a perfect life.

In the early days of law enforcement in this country there were many examples of individuals who had both worn a badge and committed crimes.  Our two principal fellows in this story illustrate the old saying that sometimes it takes one, to catch one. Continue reading “The Day that Two Men, Who Traveled Life’s Road on Both Sides of Good and Bad, Collided with Fatal Results”