`
BILL
GOODMAN, P. O. BOX 2002, BOZEMAN, MONTANA 59771
TEL. (406) 587-3131 FAX (406)
219-3415
EMAIL: montanaraven@hotmail.com
Bill Goodman has been a collector of
antique/collector firearms for well over 40 years and a full time dealer for
over 30 years. Traveling around the country constantly seeking good
quality collector arms at REALISTIC PRICES, Bill sells exclusively by mail order.
Until recently, he has advertised in
every issue of The Gun List (now Gun Digest the Magazine) since it's first small issues in the early 1980s (as
well as The Shotgun News before that).
All items are photographed. To view them
just click
the
text of the item you want to see. Be sure to scroll down as most items have more than one photo.
All guns are sold as collector's items, not shooters. If you wish to
shoot an item listed here, it is strongly recommended that you have the item
checked out by a competent gunsmith who specializes in antique/classic firearms. All
items are sold with the usual three (3) day inspection. If for any reason
you are not satisfied with your purchase, call to say you are returning the item
and you will receive an immediate refund when the item is received back in the
same condition it was originally shipped.
This list will be constantly updated
as new items become available. Use the above phone number or email to call to check
availability and for info on any item you wish to purchase. Prices do
not include shipping. All federal/state laws concerning the transfer of firearms are
strictly followed. Modern firearms must be shipped to an FFL dealer (or
"Curio & Relics" license holders where applicable). Pre-1899 antiques may
be shipped to non-FFL holders.
All Layaway sales are final. AND
PLEASE, MAKE CHECKS TO WILLIAM (OR BILL) GOODMAN AND
NOT GOODMANGUNS.
MORE GUNS WERE POSTED ON 11/23/20. WATCH FOR
FREQUENT POSTINGS THROUGH NOVEMBER/DECEMBER.
NOTES FROM THE
FIELD:
FINALLY, MY SECOND
NOVEL IS OUT! First, I'd like to thank everyone who read my
first novel, DESERT SUNDAYS, and kept after me to get the second one done
and published! So, after the usual delays and hitches, here it is. This one is
called AN OBVIOUS SLAM DUNK and if you like courtroom scenes and a story
that not only makes you think, but surprises you...well, this is a page turner I
know you'll like. And before anyone asks, yes, the third novel is almost done
and I hope to get that one out before too long. All three form a trilogy, but
each stands alone, so it doesn't matter which you read first. Both are available
on Amazon or Barnes and Noble (Kindle downloads too). If you want to save some money and have a signed
copy, I have books here that I can sell cheaper than online at $13 each
including shipping.
Click here to see both books front and back with a synopsis of each.
Don't bother to call to reserve a copy, just toss a check in the mail with
shipping instructions. Thanks, Bill Goodman
COLT FIRE ARMS (click text for
photo)
1) SUPERB MODEL 1862,
3 ½ INCH ROUND BARREL "CONVERSION” REVOLVER IN DESIRABLE .38 CENTER FIRE
CALIBER, #316XXX, C. LATE 1870s. These conversion revolvers made from frames
and parts of left over percussion guns are some of Colt’s earliest cartridge
arms. They are not only quite scarce because of very limited production, but
extremely interesting with many variations. Because of the high serial number on
this one, it was probably produced in the . last part of the 1870s. It has a full
bright nickel plated finish of which most remains. There is only a small amount
of limited peeling on the top of the barrel by the muzzle and a small spot an
inch or so back along with some extremely minor edge wear. All serial numbers
match and the cylinder shows a crisp and clear engraving scene. The frame,
hammer, butt, grip straps, trigger guard etc. retain bright nickel with only a
few very minor spots of peel. All excellent markings and screws. Tight action.
One-piece walnut grips are excellent and still show quite a bit of the original
finish. About ¾ of this model were made in .38 Rim Fire with only about a
quarter of production made in Center Fire configuration. These were made on the
1849 frame and have the original “.31 CAL” stamping on the rear of the trigger
guard over-stamped with an “8” to show “ .38 CAL.” There is extensive
information on this model (as well as others) in the detailed book by R. Bruce
McDowell A Study of Colt Conversions and Other Percussion Revolvers.
About 10,000 of these were made, of which approx. 6500 were made from 1849
revolvers. Made without ejectors, these conversion Colts are among the most
handsome firearms turned out. This is one of the finest examples I’ve seen. (4
photos) $2150.
2) COLORFUL, FRONTIER USED BISLEY WITH HOLSTER, .32-20, 4 3/4" BARREL,
#310XXX, MADE 1909. This is a really great set that shows miles and miles of
real cowboy usage! The grips on this Bisley fit nicely and are worn almost
completely smooth on both sides. There are a couple of tiny chips on the
corners, but they are basically sound. The metal is an uncleaned gray/brown
patina showing no evidence of ever having been cleaned or scrubbed. All markings
are good including the correct two line barrel address used on 4 3/4" barrels (5
1/2" and 7 1/2" had a one line address), screws are generally fine to excellent
as is the cylinder pin. The front sight has not been filed or altered. matching
serial numbers. There is some aged blue in the cylinder flutes and along the
upper and lower flutes of the ejector housing. Tight action with four clicks to
the hammer. The bore is about excellent with any roughness being very slight and
surface. The double loop Mexican holster fits perfectly and looks like this
Bisley was at home in it for many decades. The holster is in remarkably fine
condition, but shows much wear- as does the revolver itself. A Colt factory
letter might prove interesting on this one. $2150.
3) SELDOM SEEN NICKEL FINISH
NEW SERVICE REVOLVER, .38-40 CALIBER, 5 1/2" BARREL, #308XXX, MADE 1920.
Almost the entire line of the big double action large caliber New Service
revolvers was made with blue finish. Very few special order nickel finished guns
were produced and are rarely encountered today. This one came out of Texas and
shows honest use, but is still in fine condition overall. There is nickel
peeling mainly on the front portion of the cylinder. The metal that is exposed
has turned dark- if this area is polished a bit to remove the dark color the
metal will blend better and give this example a better appearance. There is also
some thinning of the nickel on the left side of the barrel from holster carry.
The balance of the nickel has clouded a little from age, but is intact, even on
the grip straps and trigger guard etc. Fine markings including the rampant colt
stamping on the left side of the frame. The grips are numbered to the gun and
there is only one very small chip at the extreme bottom inside where the grip
aligning pin goes through the frame. The swivel has been removed and would be
easy to replace. When I found this one it had been in storage for years and
actually was a little clogged with grease. The action is tight with no cylinder
movement or end shake, bore is generally excellent. A really unusual Colt. You
can look for years and not find a nickel New Service. $1395.
4) EXTREMELY
EARLY PRODUCTION RARE SHOOTING MASTER NEW SERVICE REVOLVER, .38 SPECIAL,
#3283XX. According to Timothy Mullin's excellent book COLT'S NEW SERVICE
REVOLVER, "Accepted wisdom has it that the Shooting Master occupies the serial
number range 328000 to 348000." He further states, "The first Shooting Master, a
.38 Special with a 6" barrel was exhibited at the August, 1931 National Matches
at Camp Perry, Ohio..." It is known that #328185 was a presentation to
Colt's exhibition shooter J. M Fitzgerald ("Fitz") on April 27, 1931. A factory
letter might prove very interesting on this very early production example. This
one with checkered back strap, checkered front strap and checkered trigger is in
excellent condition overall. It retains nearly all the blue with only some
scattered freckling toward the rear of the cylinder which is minor. Correct and
original adjustable target sights, excellent blue on the hammer back and
trigger, excellent checkered walnut grips are both deeply stamped on the inside
with the matching serial number. This was Colt's top of the line revolver
introduced during the beginning of the Great Depression when only the finest
craftsmen were retained by Colt and production was very limited- especially on
their more expensive guns. The quality of these hand fit and finished revolvers
is second to none and could never be duplicated today. These have become very
difficult to find on the collector market today. $2850.
5) EXCEEDINGLY RARE PRE-WAR .32 NEW POLICE
(.32 S&W LONG) CALIBER OFFICERS MODEL HEAVY BARREL TARGET REVOLVER,
#635XXX, MADE NEAR THE END OF THE GREAT DEPRESSION IN 1939. The standard
calibers for all the Officers Models was either .38 Special or .22 Rim Fire.
Only toward the end of Pre-War production when Colt was turning out few
revolvers during the worst economic times this country had known for decades,
did Colt make a small run of these fine revolvers in .32 Caliber. It is thought
that only a few hundred were manufactured. This example shows most of the blue
intact with only some faint “spotting” to the blue on the right side of the
frame behind the recoil shield with- looks like either some drops of water or
sweat rested in this area and thinned the blue. The six inch barrel is clearly
marked with the usual Colt address on top with patent dates correctly ending
with the 1926 date. The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT OFFICERS MODEL
32 HEAVY BARREL.” The standard factory grips have been replaced with beautiful
thumb rest wrap around target stocks with a well executed checkering pattern
with a diamond at the screw hole on each side. Tight mechanically and excellent
inside, this is the highest quality turned out by Colt during the years when
only the best craftsmen remained employed to hand fit and finish these top of
the line handguns. $2250.
6) THE 41ST
OFFICERS MODEL SPECIAL REVOLVER MADE! The Officers Model Special was only
made from 1949-1952 and only a total of 6210 were made in .22 LR and .38 Special
combined. Serial numbers began at 783001 and continued to 789211. This example
in .38 Special is serial number 783041 and was probably turned out in the first
day or two of production for this model! One of the more scarce of the
Post-World War II Colts, the Officers Model Special had a heavy 6” barrel and a
distinctive long ramped front sight. Rear sight was adjustable. At the time
Bullseye Shooting was the most popular form of pistol match shooting and the
Officers Model Special was the finest .38 Special target revolver in the Colt
line. The single and double action pull has to be felt to be believed. These
were all hand-honed and fitted by skilled craftsmen and will never be
duplicated. The Officers Model Special gave way to the Officers Model Match
which had quite a long run from 1953-1970. The Officers Model Special was fitted
with “Coltwood” plastic grips that just about everyone hated! Why Colt though
American shooters would accept plastic on such a fine revolver is baffling. Most
revolvers so fitted have had their grips changed and this example is no
exception. It now wears Pachmayr rubber grips, but the original style Coltwood
grips would be easy to replace. The blue finish shows some honest wear, but
overall there is no abuse or rust. There is the usual blue wear and dulling on
the barrel sides and edges of the cylinder etc., but overall this scarce Colt
has a fine look to it. All markings are sharp and clear including the “COLT
OFFICERS MODEL SPECIAL” marking on the left side of the barrel. Perfect bore,
tight action, amazing mechanics! These are not often encountered and this has
to be one of the lowest serial numbers extant. $1195.
7) GREAT OFFERING! WOOLY MAMMOTH
FOSSILIZED IVORY GRIPS FOR COLT (AND CLONES) 1911 AUTO PISTOLS! The Wooly
Mammoth pretty much became extinct about 10,000 years ago at the end of the
Pleistocene. A large number of the remains of these animals ended up in the
permafrost of Siberia and Alaska. Their bones and tusks have been
harvested for many years. the tusks typically take on minerals from the soil in
which they were entombed for thousands of years. this gives the ivory a rich and
very varied coloration. The ivory from the "bark" or outside of the tusk tends
to be darker and heavily pigmented, while the more inner portions can be as
light as creamy-white. Mammoth ivory can be separated from now-illegal elephant
ivory by the grain structures. Elephant ivory has an even-lined structure while
Mammoth has a "cross hatch" grain pattern (easily seen on the cross section cut
of the ivory)- this is important when dealing with legalities! This beautiful
grip set is probably from the mid-section of a tusk as it has both the rich
creamy color of aged ivory mixed with darker brown. With elephant ivory no
longer in the market place, Mammoth ivory is at a premium. It is very hard to
find now and prices have really escalated. This grip set has been "stabilized"
chemically so that it should not easily crack, chip or shrink. I've had a pair
of these on a 1911 .45ACP for a number of years and they truly look rich and
distinctive! $695.
MARLIN (click text for photos).
1) 1893 .38-55 26"
OCTAGON RIFLE, #187XXX, MADE 1899. This one shows fine deep barrel blue with
the mag tube ageing brown with no evidence of cleaning. The barrel markings are
sharp as is the tang marking and has the desirable "SPECIAL SMOKELESS STEEL"
barrel stamping. The receiver is also an uncleaned mottled gray with traces of
case color in the most protected areas and good blue on the loading gate. Screws
are excellent, fitted with original buckhorn rear sight with elevator bar and
Rocky Mountain blade front sight. Fine butt stock and forearm with the butt
stock having a neatly done copper rivet through the wrist for reinforcement. I
can only find one tiny hairline crack coming back from the lower tang for about
an inch that is hard to see- I guess this was enough for a past owner to
reinforce. Bore is a little dark only, but shows fine rifling throughout. An
attractive early 1893 with some frontier character! $1295.
2) SELDOM SEEN MODEL ’93 SPORTING CARBINE IN .32 SPECIAL CALIBER, #8XXX
WITH SHORT-LIVED MARLIN FIREARMS CORPORATION BARREL MARKING FOUND ON GUNS
ONLY FROM 1922-1924. The Sporting Carbine M-93 was introduced in 1923, so
with this barrel address stamping only used for the first full year of
production, makes this quite a rare variation and can be dated to that specific
time. The Sporting Carbine was last produced by Marlin in 1935 with final
shipment made in 1936- no doubt another casualty of the Great Depression. This
model came standard with a 20” barrel, 2/3 magazine, straight stock and hard
rubber shotgun butt plate. The rear sight was a buckhorn with carbine style
front sight. It was produced in .30-30 and .32 Special calibers only, with the
.30-30 more common. This example shows fine deep barrel blue, mag tube shows
fine blue also with some wear to the sides only. The receiver case colors have
faded to a nice mottled gray with some very light color remaining in the most
protected areas. The receiver also shows fine blue on the loading gate and has
excellent screw heads. Fine butt stock and forend showing only normal handling.
Tight action, excellent bore, solid Marlin embossed butt plate. A not often
encountered Marlin made in limited numbers and doubly scarce with the "Marlin
Firearms Corporation” barrel stamping that was only used until 1924!
$1495.
A NOTE ABOUT "MODERN
MARLINS": Marlin has closed its doors for good in North
Haven, Connecticut and been bought out by the folks who own Remington. It looks
like some models have been put back into production with the barrels marked
"Utica, New York." I did see one of the new ones with the old North Haven
barrel address so I assume they had left over barrels they were using up.
Quality in wood to metal fit was fair at best and trigger pulls were off
the scale heavy! I don't know if any of the octagon barrel "cowboy models" will be
produced again, although their online catalogue does show a model 1894
cowboy-type with octagon barrel in .45 Colt.
1) MODEL 1894CS .357 MAGNUM &
SPECIAL CALIBER, #03038XXX, MADE 1997. This one is in about new condition
(no box) and has the fancy traditional large diamond checkering pattern Marlin
has been using since the 1890s. 18 1/2" barrel makes these quick handling
and a joy to shoot. Has the folding buckhorn rear sight and sling swivel studs.
These are getting hard to find. $995.
ANTIQUE & CLASSIC RIFLES, SHOTGUNS AND PISTOLS (click
text for photos)
1) SCARCE WHITNEY-KENNEDY SADDLE RING CARBINE IN .44-40 CALIBER, # I
137, MADE 1879-1886. This is a later production example as it has the
desirable loop lever where the earlier guns had the more common "S"
shaped levers. Quoting Flayderman's Guide to Antique American
Firearms: Carbine production estimated 1,000. Small frame calibers .44-40
and .38-40 with 20" barrel and 12 shot magazines; large frame calibers .40-60
and .45-60 with 22" round barrel and 9 shot magazine. Carbine style forend
with single barrel band; singe leaf rear sight. Most of production
apparently sent to South and Central America." Obviously, carbines
are scarce as are all Whitney-Kennedy firearms, of which a total production is
estimated at 15,000. Most of the carbines I've seen over the last years have
been in very hard used condition. This one shows use, but is basically solid.
the metal is mainly gray. It has the correct "Whitneyville Armory, CT,
U.S.A." barrel marking with patent markings on the upper tang. The forend
shows some wear, but is solid. The butt stock shows where a sliver of wood
came out of the right side upper wrist area along the upper tang/receiver
juncture and the original wood was put back with a couple of tacks.
There is also a crack coming back from the receiver at the wrist for an inch
or so that goes nowhere. Correct butt plate with trap for cleaning rods.
Mechanically fine with only the half cock weak. The bore shows good rifling
all the way through with some light roughness. Good screws with the center
left screw head made into a "cross" with an interesting "sun burst" like
markings around it. Lots of character in this one. Needs a rear sight. Front
sight blade made of bone or ivory. Winchester bought out the Whitney company
in 1888 and ceased production of all firearms! The quality of these lever
action rifles is amazing and it seems Winchester didn't want the competition!
A seldom seen carbine with lots of character. (3 photos) $1850.
2) SAVAGE 1899A .30-30
CALIBER RIFLE WITH CODY FIREARMS LETTER, #230XXX, MADE 1920. This is the
classic early style rifle with straight stock, crescent butt plate, 26" round
barrel and schnable forend. The Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody,
Wyoming now has the original Savage serial number records. I called in on this
one and found it is listed as described. There was a notation of "P" included
that nobody seems to know the meaning of. It was also shown to be accepted on
July 2, 1920 and shipped from the warehouse on October 17, 1922 to Sears
Roebuck Company. This one turned up here in Bozeman, Montana, so might have
been a typical mail order catalog purchase. Nice, unfooled with condition
overall with sharp excellent bore, fine barrel blue, excellent markings, the
receiver blue is thinning and mixing evenly with some brown, wood is generally
fine with a few dings/storage marks on the forend with a very thin chip or
sliver out near the forend tip on the right side- really minor. Has the
correct Marbles tang sight with a blank slot filler in the rear dovetail. and
a Marble #50 white bead front sight. Tight wood to metal fit and tight action
with good rotary magazine spring. Has the cool little brass cartridge counter
cut-out on the left side of the receiver. Nice crisp trigger pull. Desirable
caliber! $1195.
MODERN AND OUT OF PRODUCTION
FIREARMS (click text for photos)
1) GOLDEN EAGLE FIREARMS MODEL
7000, HOUSTON, TEXAS .300 WEATHERBY MAGNUM CALIBER BOLT ACTION RIFLE.
These were made in the late 1970s-early 1980s and basically copied the popular
Weatherby style of rifle. They were made in most calibers with the .300
Weatherby one of the most desirable and most difficult to locate. The Golden
Eagle rifles were made in Japan by Nikko and were considered extremely high
quality rifles. This one also has the desirable 26” barrel which will give
maximum velocity in the .300 Wby. chambering. It is topped with a classic
Redfield 3-9X scope with 4-plex reticle in tight fitting Redfield mounts. It
sports all the Weatherby features like Monte Carlo comb stock, rosewood forend
cap, recoil pad, sling swivel studs, Golden Eagle emblem in the rosewood
pistol grip cap and skip-line checkering patterns on the pistol grip and
forearm. It also has nicely figured walnut with a straight grain pattern for
strength in this powerful magnum caliber. The scope also shows fine, clear
optics and aside from a few minor handling marks in the wood, the overall
condition is excellent with very minor blue wear. This rifle came out of here
in Montana and probably accounted for a number of elk. (3 photos) $1150.
2) HARRINGTON AND RICHARDSON MODEL
949 FORTY-NINER FIRST MODEL, 2ND. VARIATION, .22LR, 9 SHOT DOUBLE ACTION
REVOLVER, #AE66XXX, MADE 1968. This was one of H&Rs best selling and
most popular revolvers. There were several variations, mainly mechanical
changes, with the 2nd. variation being made from 1963-1971. These fine
revolvers all have 5 1/2" heavy barrels, blade front sight, drift adjustable
rear sight and wide hammer spur. Trigger pull is crisp and double action
smooth. This one looks to be in near new condition with no wear to the blue
and only some light handling to the grips. Super tight lock up. $395.
3) WOOLY MAMMOTH IVORY GRIPS FOR M-1911 AUTO PISTOLS (see above in Colt
section)
REMINGTON (click text for
photos)
RUGER (click text for photos)
1) HARD TO FIND SPECIAL
"BUCKEYE" BLACKHAWK CONVERTIBLE .32 H&R MAGNUM AND .32-20 CALIBER, 6 1/2"
BARREL, ADJUSTABLE SIGHT REVOLVER, #610-05XXX, MADE 1988. These were made as
a special run for Buckeye Sports in Ohio who was the sole distributor for this
unusual model. Interestingly, they were made with FULL STEEL frames and grip
straps, unlike the standard Blackhawks which at the time all had alloy grip
straps etc. Further the top strap ahead of the rear sight is stamped with a
buckeye flower. Grips are walnut with the Ruger medallions. this one appears
unfired with both cylinders and the original box with correct end label. These
are hard to find now and shoot exceptionally well. They are also about as strong
a revolver ever made for these two excellent calibers. Hard to find in any
condition, much less unfired with the original box and paperwork! $1395.
SHILOH SHARPS, MUZZLOADERS AND OTHER REPRODUCTIONS. Note: I am a Shiloh Sharps
dealer and can order you any Shiloh you want. Check out my other website for
Shilohs: www.shiloh-ballard.com
(click text for photos).
1) RARE SHILOH OFFERING!
THIS IS THE .45-70 CALIBER "HARTFORD MODEL" COMMEMORATIVE RIFLE OF WHICH ONLY
100 WERE MADE. It was introduced to commemorate the new owners of the Shiloh
Rifle Manufacturing Company in Big Timber, Montana. These special rifles were
serial numbered on a silver banner from B001 to B100 and also have a silver
banner on the lock plate embossed "HARTFORD MODEL." Included with each rifle was
a large oval silver belt buckle embossed with "Shiloh Sharps" and a Sharps rifle
image along with the matching serial number to the rifle it came with. They were
first offered in 1993 and sold out quickly. Apparently, there were problems with
the silversmith supplying that aspect of this rifle which caused long delays in
delivery, with the last of these special rifles being produced in 2000! This
rifle is next to the last one with number B099. It is unfired and comes with the
matching belt buckle in the original blue velvet box. The rifle also comes with
the original check list hang tag, certificate naming the original purchaser and
original serial numbered Shiloh cardboard box (no longer used by the company).
Each rifle was fitted with highly-figured extra fancy walnut, a special very
heavy full nickel-plated crescent butt plate (not offered on any other rifles
and unique to this model only), 30" heavy octagon polished barrel, highly
polished screws, pewter tip and Hartford collar, double set triggers and full
buckhorn Lawrence ladder rear sight with blade front sight. This is a stunningly
beautiful rifle complete with matching serial numbered buckle in pristine, new
condition from the original owner who stored this rifle for twenty years! A rare
opportunity for the Shiloh Sharps enthusiast! (4 photos) $4850.
2) UBERTI MADE REMINGTON
ROLLING BLOCK SINGLE SHOT PISTOL IN .357 MAGNUM CALIBER. These high quality
and well built pistols are copies of the scarce Model 1891 Target Pistols made
by Remington on the 1871 Army Rolling Block Pistol action. The receiver is
beautifully case hardened with the 9 1/2" half octagon barrel blued. The brass
trigger guard and front strap really makes this a stunning handgun. This example
was imported by E. M. F. Co. and is so marked on the barrel top with the
usual Uberti markings on the left side of the barrel. This one has seen minimal
use and aside from a couple of tiny handling marks is excellent inside and out.
I actually have two of these that I shoot. One was a .22 Hornet that I had
rebored years ago to .32-20 and the other is a .357 mag. like this one- lots of
fun and accurate shooting! These are hard to find. $595.
SMITH AND WESSON (click text
for photos)
1) RARE OFFERING: MODEL 1891
SINGLE SHOT PISTOL IN .32 S&W CALIBER, #7XXX. This was Smith & Wesson's
first single shot target pistol of which only about 1250 were made. The majority
of these were in .22 RF chambering with only 229 made in .32 S&W Center Fire
caliber. The First Model is easily distinguished from the more numerous
second model and third models by the recoil shield built into the frame at the
rear of the barrel/frame juncture- a hold over from the 1891 revolver which used
the same frame. Barrel lengths were 6", 8", and 10" with the shorter 6 inch
length the least encountered. This one has the 6" barrel with correct "MODEL OF
'91" marking on the top rib (centered as it should be and indicating that it is
not a cut down longer barrel). This one came with blued or nickel finish and
this is the latter. It also has the correct black hard rubber oversized
extension grips with two screws and S&W logo. Matching serial number on the
barrel, latch and frame (under the grips on the butt). Exc. blue on the barrel
latch/target rear sight, good case color on the hammer and some on the trigger
guard in the more protected areas. The nickel is bright with some light
flaking on the frame ahead of the grips, a touch at the muzzle and on the front
strap only. Something to consider: If S&W made 229 of these and lets say evenly
produced blue and nickel finish and evenly produced the three barrel lengths,
then there would be six variations of this caliber handgun model, meaning there
would only be 38 produced with 6" barrel and nickel finish! This is a truly
scarce target Smith by caliber, barrel length, nickel finish and condition. One
can go years and never see one of these! (Note: bright photo lights make the
rear of the frame appear to have less nickel than it has) - 4 photos-
$2395.
2) EXCELLENT CONDITION, RARELY SEEN 1899 FIRST MODEL MILITARY & POLICE,
.38 SPECIAL, #19XXX, ONLY MADE 1899-1902. This is the Great
Grandfather of the famed Military & Police line of revolvers that evolved into
the Model 10 in the 1950s and was seen in the holsters of most law enforcement
officers around the country. The 1899 or First Model is easily recognized by not
having a locking lug at the end of the ejector rod under the barrel.
Barrel lengths were 4", 5", 6" and 6 1/2". Starting in 1902, this was included.
Only about 20,000 of these were made and those that have survived are usually in
hard used and rough condition. Many that belonged to police officers eventually
were reblued or renickeled. This desirable 6 1/2" blued version is in remarkable
condition showing most of the original bright blue. There is some light thinning
of blue on the barrel sides toward the muzzle that is minor. there is also some
light thinning on the back strap and edges. The front face of the cylinder
retains most of the blue indicating that this revolver was shot little if at
all. The hammer and trigger show vivid case color. Matching numbers on frame,
cylinder and barrel. Exc. grips, exc. action and bright minty bore. A very difficult historical model to find in
any condition, but particularly desirable with 6 1/2" barrel in blue finish.
$1150.
3) HIGH CONDITION AND VERY EARLY
PRODUCTION .22 LADYSMITH 3RD MODEL (.22 PERFECTED), #140XX, MADE 1911. The
serial numbers for the 3rd Model Ladysmith began with 13951 and ran through
26154 with only 12,203 being made from 1911-1921. As these were delicate 7-shot
revolvers and not suited for .22 LR High Speed ammo, many had their forcing
cones cracked or blown away altogether...or worse! The end result is that few of
these unusual Smiths have survived in any sort of condition and with excellent
examples hard to locate. This one has all matching numbers and is in desirable
blue finish (many of these show a "star" by the serial number on the butt
indicating a factory rework or reblue- this one does not have that). It has a 3
1/2" barrel with excellent forcing cone just ahead of the cylinder. This example
shows nearly all the original bright blue with only a small amount
scuffing and thinning on the back strap and normal high edges. All markings are
sharp and clear, the deep dish medallion grips are excellent and fit perfectly,
the hammer and trigger sides show fine case color and importantly, the action
functions as it should. and the bore is bright with any roughness scattered and
light. In all, one of the best I've seen in a very long time. (4 photos) $1795.
4) BEAUTIFUL, HIGH
CONDITION REGULATION POLICE .32 S&W LONG CALIBER, 4 1/4" BARREL REVOLVER,
#449XXX, MADE 1917-1942. This is a distinct model separate from the usual
.32 Hand-Ejector series because the Regulation Police revolvers have a cut or
notch in the back strap where oversize grips fit necessitating the serial number
placement to be on the front strap instead of on the butt which is covered by
the extension-type grips. Serial numbers of these ran concurrently with the .32
H-E Third Model from about 260,000-536,000 (with the majority being the
Hand-Ejector Model). Probably this one was made in the 1920s-1930s. It retains
nearly all the beautiful S&W blue and case color on the hammer and trigger. At
worst, there might be a touch of edge wear at the muzzle on each side, a hint of
edge wear on the cylinder and some very slight scattered beginning of freckling
on the frame mainly visible only under bright light- like in the photos. Action
and bore are perfect, all matching numbers and the bottom of the crisply
checkered excellent walnut grips retain the original 1917 patent stampings.
About all the blue remains on the cylinder face indicating that it has been shot
very little if at all. These early Pre-War Smiths were all hand tuned and fitted with a quality that
simply doesn't exist in the modern world! A great example. $975.
5) RARELY ENCOUNTERED
ALUMINUM CYLINDER PRE-37 CHIEF SPECIAL AIRWEIGHT REVOLVER WITH ORIGINAL AND
VERY RARE SQUARE BUTT FRAME, #28XXX, MADE IN 1952-1954. Only 3,777 of
these small “J” frame revolvers were made with aluminum cylinders and of this
number only 900 were produced with square butt. Many, if not most, of these .38
Special “Mid-Range” chambered revolvers has their cylinders replaced with safer
steel cylinders. Today, it is considered unsafe to fire one of these that still
retains the original aluminum cylinder! Example with matching aluminum cylinder
would be considered a true S&W rarity. An original square butt This example has
matching numbers on the barrel, frame and cylinder. It was finished in a kind of
black finish that stuck to the aluminum almost like paint because normal blue
only works on steel. This aluminum blacking tends to chip and peel easily. This
revolver shows most of the black with only light scattered speckling mainly on
the edges and bottom of the trigger guard from handling/holster carry. There are
excellent case colors on the trigger and hammer. The bore is bright and
mechanically it is excellent. The diamond checkered grips fit well and are
correct, but not numbered to this revolver. It has the correct flat latch,
pinned barrel and four-screw frame. An almost never seen variation. $895.
6) ONE OF THE FINEST MODERN CARRY
GUNS IS THIS MODEL 637-2 STAINLESS STEEL, 1.875" BARREL, AIRWEIGHT .38
SPECIAL +P CALIBER "J" FRAME REVOLVER. The Model 637-2 was introduced in
2002 and this one is brand new in the original box. Basically a super light and
powerful (+P ammo rated and marked on the barrel) stainless/airweight Chief
Special 5-shot revolver. A real classic and a joy to carry whether in a holster
in the field or concealed in a pocket holster or inside the waist band holster.
Rugged and ultra reliable, these are hard to beat. $695.
WINCHESTERS (click text for photo)
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SELDOM
SEEN AND DIFFICULT TO ACQUIRE 1873 SADDLE RING CARBINE IN VERY LIMITED
PRODUCTION .32WCF (.32-20) CALIBER! This rare saddle ring carbine is
serial number 601XXX and according to the call-in sheet I got from the Cody
Museum, was shipped March 5, 1907. Most of these late 1873s were exported and
when found are in horrible condition. This one has seen use, but is very
decent. Easily identifiable by the front magazine retaining band instead of
the normal barrel band found on .38-40 and .44-40 carbines. The receiver shows
even aged blue that is also evenly mixed with a most attractive plum (but
certainly not brown or gray). Fine blue on the loading gate, mellow, uncleaned
brass lifter with "32 CAL" markings, original dust cover, surprisingly
excellent screws, barrel and magazine blue similar to the receiver with a
tinge more brown to the plum and some light freckling on the barrel. Original
carbine rear sight needs the slide and screw only, front sight boss is correct
with a high blade pinned in. The end tip of the magazine tube on the right
side looks like it was dinged and pushed some side metal back about 1/4 of an
inch- minor. Fine barrel and tang markings. Bore is a bit dark with light
pitting, but good rifling all the way through. Lever spring only is a little
weak. Walnut stock and forearm show normal handling, but no abuse. There is a
stress crack coming back from the upper tang for a couple of inches on each
side that go nowhere. Tight wood to metal fit and correct butt plate without
the trap for cleaning rods- only the .32 WCF carbines lack this. One can
search for a '73 Saddle Ring Carbine in .32-20 for years and not see one!
$3250.
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EXTREMELY RARE, SPECIAL ORDER 1876 "SHORT RIFLE" WITH 24" OCTAGON BARREL, SET
TRIGGER, .45-60 CALIBER, #29XXX, WITH FACTORY LETTER VERIFYING ALL FEATURES
AND SHOWING A SHIPPING DATE OF 1882. According to The Winchester handbook
by George Madis, only 79 Model 1876 rifles were made with barrels shorter than
standard (standard for this caliber was 28") and only 4562 were made with set
triggers. This example has a nice, uncleaned and unmessed with appearance. The
barrel shows an even very aged blue-plum brown appearance with fine markings.
It is fitted with the desirable "sporting" ladder rear sight (looks like an
elongated carbine sight) that is stamped 1876 along with a standard Winchester
blade front sight. The magazine tube is similarly aged to brown with no
evidence of cleaning. The receiver is a naturally aged gray-brown also showing
no evidence of ever having been cleaned. The brass lifter is a mellow
un-polished patina and is clearly stamped "45-60" and shows no dings. It
retains the dust cover and the mechanics are tight. The set trigger will set
and release, but the small adjustment screw is missing. The stock and forend
show only light handling with very tight wood to metal fit. Screw heads are
fine and the bore is fairly bright with fine rifling all the way through with
only very light scattered roughness. In all a very scarce variation in honest
condition that is most attractive. $5800.
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ONE OF THE
MOST UNUSUAL AND RARE 1885 THICKSIDE HIGHWALL SINGLE SHOT RIFLES I’VE
SEEN. This one is a very early thick side rifle #5XXX that according to
the factory letter was shipped in 1886 as a caliber .45 2-3/8 (this has to be
a mistake as there is no “.45 2-3/8” cartridge. Probably meant .45 2-7/8) It
further states it had a 30” #4 weight octagon barrel with plain trigger. Now,
here’s the fascinating part: It was “Returned by Meacham, October 29, 1894,
Received in warehouse on February 27, 1895” and listed as “Rifle, 30 Gov’t.,
Octagon barrel” (again, an obvious mistake as the .30 Gov’t. or .30-40 Krag
caliber was never available in an octagon barrel, only chambered in nickel
steel round barrels). “Plain trigger, 30 inches, #3 ship date and order
number blank.” Here are some interesting things to consider: The first
smokeless caliber in the famed Model 1894 lever action rifle was the .30 WCF
or .30-30 in late 1895 to early 1896- no doubt earlier than the year
this rifle was changed to the new smokeless .30-40 Krag cartridge that was
introduced in the U.S. Springfield Krag rifle in 1894, the same year this
rifle was returned to Winchester. Whoever returned this rifle to be
changed to the new military cartridge that was just out must have been a very
savvy individual when it came to the latest guns and cartridges! Remember,
this was before any kind of information getting out beyond newspapers and
printed journals didn’t exist.. Word didn’t spread particularly fast in 1894!
Winchester had this rifle from Oct. 29, 1894 until February 27, 1895 before
shipping it back- that’s almost 4 months. Makes me wonder if they had to tool
up for the new chambering. In the Model 1894, they didn’t have nickel steel
barrels for the new smokeless .30 WCF round until late 1895 or early 1896 and
this is why the first rifles made in 1894 were for the black powder .32-40 and
.38-55 rounds. Winchester introduced the Model 1895 lever action box magazine
rifle in 1895 with the standard caliber being .30-40 Krag. But, the earliest
Model 1895s carry a patent date of Nov. 5, 1895 which leads me to believe that
rifles didn’t start coming out of the factory until after that date. This
would be supported by the fact that only 287 rifles in all calibers (including
the black powder .38-72 and .40-72) were made in 1895. Another interesting
aspect of this Highwall rifle is that the caliber is simply stamped on the
barrel top ahead of the receiver “30 N.S.” Since the only .30 caliber
cartridges at this time (not including the .303 British) were the .30 WCF
(possibly) and .30-40 Krag or Gov’t., I think the “N.S.” stood for Nickel
Steel. So, in conclusion, it was shipped before the Model 1895 began
production and certainly before the Model 1894 was chambered in .30 WCF (or
.25-35 at the same time). Could Winchester have chambered another Highwall
single shot in .30-40 Krag before this one? Yes, the first .30-40 Krag
chambered in a Highwall was in April, 1894. I’m thinking it very probably may
have been an ammo test rifle or a prototype smokeless rifle and not
necessarily a standard sporter sold to the public as they had not even geared
up to manufacture sporting ammo in this caliber yet. But I believe this first
.30-40 was probably NOT a thick side action. There were a little over 1,000
Highwalls made in .30-40 Krag and I believe all were on thin side actions. If
you have read this far, here’s the description of this rifle: generally fine
blue on the barrel with only a little dulling from age and a thin area down
the left side of the barrel where some light rust had formed at one time and
been wiped off with an oily rag- nothing unsightly. The bore is slightly dark,
but excellent and free of any pitting with sharp rifling. The receiver is a
mottled gray with some small traces of case color in the most protected areas,
tight action, fine butt stock and forearm with ebony inlay in the schnable
tip, tight wood to metal fit, fitted with a Marbles tang sight paired with a
Rocky Mountain blade front sight and a slot filler in the rear dovetail.
Probably the only thick side Highwall in .30-40 Krag! $3450.
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EARLY
1892 32-20 ROUND BARREL RIFLE, #124XXX, MADE 1899. This rifle has a Cody
Museum call-in sheet that comes with it showing that the Serial number was
applied on October 27, 1899. It further verifies all aspects of this rifle as
factory original and indicates it was received in the warehouse on December
22, 1899 and shipped January 2, 1900. Overall metal shows an uncleaned very
dark aged brown patina with good aged blue in protected areas and on the
loading gate. The stock and forearm show normal light handling with no abuse,
cracks or chips. Original buckhorn rear sight with original Winchester small
blade front sight. Tight wood to metal fit, generally excellent screws and
good markings. Bore is a little dark with good rifling all the way through
showing some light wear/frost. Nice "attic condition" 121 year old 1892 with
attractive appearance. $1295.
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LIMITED WORLD WAR II PRODUCTION MODEL 94 CARBINE, .32WS CALIBER, #1323XXX,
MADE 1942! Nice example that has seen normal light hunting/handling usage.
Most of the blue remains on the receiver with some light scattered freckling
on the right side along with some edge wear only. Even the upper tang shows
most of the original bright blue. Fine barrel and mag blue showing light
scattered wear only that is minor. Correct serrated steel butt plate. Typical
original buckhorn rear sight, exc. markings and screws, generally excellent
wood showing light handling only with very tight wood to metal fit. Tight
action. From an era when our young men were fighting for our freedoms, when
few sporting arms were being made, and those that were made displayed solid
blued steel and walnut! Almost 80 years old now and still has a lot of life
left in it! $895.
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VERY
UNUSUAL 1894 .30WCF SEMI-DELUXE, 26" HALF OCTAGON EXTRA LIGHT BARREL TAKEDOWN
WITH BRITISH PROOFS, #120XXX, SHIPPED IN 1901. After getting this one in,
I called the Cody Museum for the factory info on this one. Here's what came
back (call in sheet provided): "Rifle, .30, 1/2 octagon barrel, Extra Light,
Plain trigger, Plain pistol grip stock, checkered, 1/2 Magazine, Takedown,
received in the warehouse August 26, 1901, shipped August 26, 1901, Repair and
Return on May 06, 1914." Needless to say, these are extremely rare
features for one rifle to contain. The 1/2" octagon extra light weight is
super scarce as most were round, a few were octagon and a very few were half
octagon. there are numerous proofs on the rear left side of the barrel and one
simple small proof mark directly behind on the receiver. Also, there are
foreign stampings in the wood on the underside of the stock. Similar markings
are shown in The Winchester Book by George Madis in the 1873 section. These
markings are from Thailand (Siam)! They translate ownership by the Kind of
Thailand etc. The barrel and short magazine tube show fine
and deep lightly aged blue and typical of British rifles has a 3-leaf express
rear sight and a tang sight. The front sight is on a short ramp which is
correct as the extra light barrel is so thin at the muzzle a dovetail could
not be cut. The receiver shows fine thinning blue that is mixing with some
gray/brown with good blue on the bolt. There is some evidence of some rust on
the takedown ring that is minor. Screws are excellent. The stock is unusual in
that almost all pistol grip butt stocks were fitted with shotgun butt plates
and this one has the attractive crescent rifle butt. The checkering on the
pistol grip is still quite sharp and it has the correct hard rubber embossed
grip cap. Checkering on the forend is fine and shows only light wear. There is
one hairline crack in the bottom of the forend coming back a short distance
from the forend cap- minor and goes nowhere. The rifle is fitted with period
correct sling eye studs that might have been fitted when the rifle was
returned to the factory in 1914. Overall, a very attractive, historical 1894
with super rare features! (5 photos) $3450.
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SPECIAL ORDER 1894 .38-55 OCTAGON TAKEDOWN RIFLE WITH SHOTGUN BUTT, #296XXX,
MADE 1906. This fine 1894 came out of right here in Montana. The barrel
shows fine blue that is thinning on the high edges, the magazine tube shows
nearly all the deep original blue. The receiver is mostly an uncleaned gray
with some good blue in the rear portions and on the loading gate. The bolt on
top of the receiver shows fine deep blue. the butt stock has a higher grade of
walnut than standard which is fairly typical of special order rifles as select
grade walnut was often used on these. There is some fancy grain toward the top
or comb of the butt stock. It is fitted with a steel butt plate and like the
forend shows only the lightest of handling and very tight wood to metal fit.
The bore displays fine rifling all the way through and looks to have some
surface roughness scattered toward the middle of the bore that will probably
brush out better. The takedown is tight as is the action and screws are
excellent. Retains the original buckhorn and Winchester small blade front
sight. A really handsome and un-fooled with rifle from Montana. $2350.
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EARLY
ANTIQUE SERIAL NUMBER 1895 .30-40 CALIBER RIFLE, #52XX, MADE 1897. I
believe this is one of the very first made without the "flatside" frame of the
approximately first 5,000 production. Interestingly, this one comes with a
factory letter that lists the serial number as being applied December 15, 1897
and further states that this is a "Rifle, Caliber 30, NEW SYSTEM,
Received in the warehouse December 22, 1897 and Shipped on the same day." I've
never seen a notation of "New System" but can only conclude that this
indicates the new scalloped frame that was used until the end of production.
The 28" barrel shows good thinning blue throughout with buckhorn and
blade/bead front sight. The receiver blue has aged thinned to a gray brown
with good thin blue on the right side and a bit less on the left. Fine deep
blue on the bolt on top of the receiver. The screw in the top forward left
side of the receiver is missing and should be easy to replace. Fine wood with
tight wood to metal fit. Exc. mech. and bore that is only a little dark. A
very interesting and early 1895 that is undoubtedly one of the first
non-flatside models produced in 1897. $2150.
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1895
SADDLE RING CARBINE, .30 ARMY (.30-40 KRAG) CALIBER, #109XXX, MADE 1915. These
'95 carbines have become very difficult to find. Favorites with the Texas and
Arizona Rangers as well as with cowboys especially in the southwest, most of
these carbines that come to light show hard use and frequently are absent the
walnut hand guards. This one is is complete. The barrel retains fine slightly
aged blue with minor freckling and the receiver retains good somewhat aged
blue on the sides, magazine sides and on the bolt. The balance has aged to
brown. Fine markings and original rear sight with slide intact mated with
correct front sight. The butt plate upper edge portion is pitted over the top,
but never cleaned or buffed. The screws are excellent. Butt stock and forearm
show light handling with tight wood to metal fit.- looks like the rear bottom
of the forend has a "17" or perhaps "LL" scratched in just ahead of the
receiver , might also be a brand. The hand guard has the usual crack, but this
one was carefully and neatly repaired with walnut "patches" inletted perfectly
over the crack and making it quite solid. Bore is sharp and excellent, action
is tight. (3 photos) $1895.
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RARELY SEEN SEMI- DELUXE PISTOL
GRIPPED, CHECKERED MODEL 1903 .22 AUTO RIFLE, MADE 1915. A fairly plain
but solid walnut stock and forend, this was someone's well used and taken care
of "pride and joy" rifle as the checkering is all there, but fairly worn. The
blue on the receiver is pretty well aged to an uncleaned gray with good blue
in the most protected of areas. It has the correct pistol grip cap.
Interestingly, this one was returned to the factory for a new barrel at some
point as the barrel has both the oval P "Mail Order" proof as well as the
Winchester proof- this means, the rifle was sent back to Winchester who then
took a "Mail Order" replacement barrel out of stock and fitted it to the
returned rifle- thus, the Mail Order plus Winchester Proof marks. The barrel
has all the correct Winchester and Model 1903 markings and shows fine deep
blue and retains some thinning blue on the forend cap. Exc. mech., exc. bright
bore, buckhorn with blade/bead front sights. I believe CCI still sells .22
Auto ammo (different from .22 LR), pistol gripped/checkered Model 1903s are
quite rare. Winchester's first auto loading rifle! $795.
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VERY FINE CONDITION MODEL 04A, SINGLE
SHOT .22 SHORT, LONG AND LONG RIFLE BOLT ACTION BOYS' RIFLE. Made from
1904-1931, the Model 1904 series was an upgraded and more expensive version of
the simpler and smaller Model 1902. As such the '04 did not sell
as well as the cheaper model. It featured a 21 inch barrel, flowing style
trigger guard and schnable forend tip. Early examples were chambered in .22
Short, Long and Extra Long. After 1927 the "extra long" was replaced with the
desirable "Long Rifle." This late model is so marked and chambered. Most 1904
rifles are found in atrocious condition as they were owned and used very hard
by boys (and maybe a few girls). Stocks are usually found dinged and cracked
and metal is usually lacking finish, showing rust and abuse. Bores are
almost universally in the "sewer pipe" category. This example is an
exception. The stock is very fine showing the original un-sanded light brown
finish with no cracks or chips (!), the Winchester embossed hard rubber butt
plate is also not chipped or cracked. Only the high edge around the schnable
tip shows some normal wear. The metal still retains good blue that is a little
aged and mixing with some plum- but mainly blue. The barrel also retains the
original sights. Best of all, the bore is bright and excellent! Really
difficult to find like this. Even the trigger guard retains nice aged
plum/blue. $695.
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SCARCE MODEL 36 SINGLE SHOT BOLT
ACTION 9MM RIMFIRE SHOTGUN, MADE 1921-1929. These little guns are
best described by George Madis in The Winchester Handbook as follows: In a
departure from the trend to smokeless powder, Winchester produced the Model 36
single shot shotgun, intended for use only with black powder. Two rimfire shot
cartridges were made by Winchester for the Model 36; the 9MM SHORT, or single
charge, and the 9MM LONG, or double charge cartridge. Both of these shells
were loaded with number nine shot. A ball cartridge was also offered. This
little shotgun was considered a "garden gun" and an all around gun for boys or
men. (Sounds a little sexist by today's standards...does that mean girls
and women were forbidden from using the Model 36?) A total of 25781 of these
were made when it was discontinued in 1929- no doubt the stock market crash
and following Great Depression killed this odd little shotgun. When found
today, they are usually in horrible condition as they were "garden guns" used
for that purpose and usually didn't see the care and cleaning of the owner's
other sporting guns. This one is one of the better examples I've seen as it
has the original gum wood stock which is not cracked or chipped and retains
good original wood finish. The barrel blue has aged and thinned to brown with
excellent markings intact. the bore is basically bright with a few dark spots
that will probably brush out. Has the correct bead front sight and no
provision for a rear sight. Exc. mechanically and retains the original hard
rubber butt plate. A true unique Winchester oddity! $695.
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EXCELLENT MODEL 71, .348 WCF LEVER RIFLE # 38596, MADE 1954. This is a
fine example showing only very light use. the receiver shows nearly all the
original bright blue with only some very minor scratches/scuffs from normal
handling. The barrel is much the same and shows nearly all the original blue.
Even the forend cap retains good blue. The rear sight dovetail has a blank
filler and the front ramped sight still retains the hood (these often
missing). The butt stock has the original checkered steel butt plate and shows
tight wood to metal fit. The forend is also excellent with only some very
light handling marks. The receiver is mounted in the factory holes with
a correct all steel Redfield receiver sight. The action is tight and the bore
is excellent with sharp rifling. $1950.
BILL GOODMAN,
P. O. BOX 2002, BOZEMAN, MONTANA 59771
TEL. (406) 587-3131
FAX (406) 219-3415
montanaraven@hotmail.com
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
THESE WERE SUCH GOOD NOTES FROM THE FIELD I'M KEEPING THEM HERE.
CRACKED STOCKS! Seems
like an odd thing to write about, but this is something I've not seen in print
before. I've observed a lot of rifles with cracks coming straight back toward
the butt plate from the upper and lower tangs. Sometimes the cracks are severe
enough to warrant repairs (like cross bolts etc. through the wrist or extensive
gluing) and other times the stock remains pretty solid as is. So what
caused this condition in the first place? I've hunted with all kinds of
rifles in all kinds of weather and terrain and never had a gun get damaged like
all these I've seen. And I've taken some pretty bad falls too. Once, on
ice I couldn't see beneath a couple inches of fresh snow, my feet went out from
under me and my rifle landed a number of yards away! Still, no cracks like
these. So I've been puzzled by this for some time. Then it hit me, since
these guns all seemed like Western big game rifles- large lever actions like
1876 and 1886 Winchesters or Marlin 1881 and 1895s as well as all over while the rifles were in saddle scabbards- fairly common in icy
winter conditions, especially in the mountains. Also, sometimes horses will walk
so close to trees that they rub against them. If a rifle is in a
butt-forward position scabbard, the rifle can go on one side of the tree and the
horse the other causing a stress cracked stock. Maybe I'm wrong, but I
don't think so. The wrists are fairly strong on most rifles and it takes a
lot to crack one. If anyone else has a different theory about this
condition, I'd like to hear it!
"GUNS OF THE GREAT DEPRESSION YEARS" When the Great
Depression began with the Stock Market Crash of 1929 America was taken by
surprise. Prior to this pivotal event, in the gun industry production was
high and sales were brisk. Almost overnight sales fell off hugely.
The Winchester Handbook by George Madis shows production numbers by years
of some of the major models. This is pretty illuminating. Here are
some examples: Model 1890 .22RF had 12,367 produced in 1928 and 696 made in
1932; Model 1892 saw 64,833 produced in 1910 and 491 in 1930; Model 53 had 2,861
produced in 1925 and 30 made in 1937; Model 1894 had 29,967 made in 1927 and
only1,192 made in 1934; Model 55 had 3,064 made in 1927 and 42 made in 1936.
Colt, Marlin, Savage, Remington and Smith & Wesson etc. all felt the same
pressure. With production down to a fraction of what it was, the big
manufacturers had no choice but to fire employees. Those lucky enough to
be retained were the most highly skilled and experienced craftsmen. They
also had time to put extra fine fitting and finishing into each firearm.
Generally, the quality of these guns is truly exceptionally. With
production numbers of these late pre-war arms relatively small and quality
without peer, their value should be assured. Some of the scarce large
frame Colt and S&W handguns- especially the target sighted versions- are almost
breathtaking in their fit an d finish. This has been an
under-appreciated niche in arms collecting/investing. It is my belief Great
Depression era arms are often "sleepers" on the antique market today and
are bound to increase in value at a rapid pace making them excellent long term
investments.
I
have found a new shooting activity that I'm sure a number of
folks who check out my website will either want to try themselves or will at
least find interesting reading. I've discovered the fun of BLACK POWDER
SHOTSHELLS. And no, I'm not new to black powder. I've been shooting muzzle
loaders since I was a kid (I was too young to buy ammo, but a can of black
powder and a single shot muzzle loading pistol kept me shooting!) I've shot
black powder cartridge rifles and some handguns since the 1970s. I've also
tried a few muzzle loading shotguns, but a while back I noticed Midway was
offering reloadable brass shotshells made by Magtech in Brazil. They cost
about a buck a piece and come in a box of 25. So I thought this looked
interesting and bought a box. They prime with a large pistol primer (I use
CCI Large Pistol Mag. Primers) and require no special tools to load.
I did buy a "cowboy 12 ga. shell holder" by RCBS which makes priming easier, but
one can prime using a dowel, hammer and a flat surface to seat the primer.
Anyway, I loaded with various loads of black powder as well as Alliant Black MZ
black powder substitute. 27.3 grains equals one dram, so a typical heavy field load of
3 1/2 drams equals about 95 grains (by volume) of black powder or substitute. I load
that through a drop tube to better settle the powder, using a wood dowel I seat
an over powder card wad, then a cushion wad, pour in 1 1/8 oz. of shot from an
antique shot dipper I picked up somewhere along the line, top with another over
powder wad and then put about three small drops of CLEAR
NON-FOAMING Gorilla glue on this top wad at the edge. Last, using a
Q-tip sweep it around the wad edge. It dries making a nice seal with the inside
of the brass case brass case and holds everything together (note: this is the best glue
I've tried, but do NOT use the brown foaming Gorilla glue as it pushes the wad
up when dry and is awful to correct!). Firing removes any glue residue from the
case. I picked up a particularly nice Remington 1889 double barrel with
exposed hammers (damascus with exc. bores) and tried out my loads on some thrown
clays. I'm not a good shot with a scattergun, but when I felt I was on,
the clay targets broke as nicely as if I'd been using a modern smokeless
shotgun. I used this double on a pheasant hunt last fall and did just fine with
it. Truthfully, it made the hunt so much more fun I don't know if I'd go
again with one of my modern guns! Recently I tried
the same shells in a Winchester 1887 Lever Action 12 ga. that was made in 1888.
It fed beautifully and was a blast to shoot (no pun intended). The brass cases
de-prime with a simple Lee type punch and clean up with hot soapy water. No
resizing is required for the next loading. Pretty simple. The 12 ga.
cases are 2 1/2" long, which is exactly what a modern 2 3/4" case measures
LOADED AND UNFIRED. Remember, many of the older guns, like the Winchester 1887,
have 2 5/8" chambers. You don't want to shoot a 2 3/4" shell in them as they
won't be able to open up all the way causing pressures to jump etc. I don't
think Magtech offers brass cases in 10 ga. but they do in the smaller gauges.
There are a lot of older shotguns out there that can often be purchased
inexpensively and make wonderful shooters. Be sure to have any gun checked
out by a gunsmith if you have doubts about it. With these brass cases and ease
of loading, it's worth trying. Buffalo Arms in Idaho sells the correct
size wads for these brass cases- they actually take 11 ga. wads. If you give
this a try, I think you'll be glad you did- Bill Goodman
William T. Goodman, P.O. Box 2002, Bozeman, MT 59771 (406)
587-3131 fax (406) 219-3415
montanaraven@hotmail.com