farmerjohn
Gold $$ Contributor
That was a Mod. 25 wasn't it? John
Something From My Handgun Past You Might Enjoy
- Thread starter jackieschmidt
- Start date
I remember those early Model 29 days well. I was a kid, but I have reloaded since my bicycle riding days. The gun shop I loved was 50 miles away, but I would talk my Dad into taking me over - I think he enjoyed it too, but he wasn't a gun nut. That particular gun shop would allow you to trade silver money for a gun and at that time. Their rate allowed me to buy my Model 29 for $35.00- in quarters, half dollars, and dimes, . I didn't keep the 29 long because I had no real use for it. Later got a 4" Model 57. That one was fun because of the ball of fire that shot out of the muzzle. Now, all I have is an unfired 19 and a 5" 27.
In those days I longed for the stuff Skeeter Skelton, Bill Jordan, and Elmer Keith wrote about. If you want a good read, get Elmer Keith's "Hell, I Was There". It was the last book he wrote and he had to dictate it to a secretary. Great read because it described Elmer almost burning up in a fire as a kid and what he had to do to overcome burns that doctors said would cause a lifelong handicap.
In those days I longed for the stuff Skeeter Skelton, Bill Jordan, and Elmer Keith wrote about. If you want a good read, get Elmer Keith's "Hell, I Was There". It was the last book he wrote and he had to dictate it to a secretary. Great read because it described Elmer almost burning up in a fire as a kid and what he had to do to overcome burns that doctors said would cause a lifelong handicap.
Great looking revolver Jackie. I have some friends who were pretty good PPC shooters in their day. Getting a lot of X's on a B-27 target at 50 yards is an art. And that's with irons on the Bomar rib too.
My hat's off to them, and to you for bringing this thread up. Thanks, Andy
My hat's off to them, and to you for bringing this thread up. Thanks, Andy
Dusty Stevens
Shiner
I have a few old smiths with the extremely light triggers and huge barrels with aristocrat pin shooting ribs on em. Scary how accurate they made those things back then
I too grew up in the "golden" age of revolvers. I began shooting bulls eye competition with S&W revolvers, namely the Model 17 in 22 Rim fire and Model 14 in 38 special. I master the single action method in rapid fire and after a few years of dedicated practice I qualified as Distinguished Expert (average 285 out 300).
I became fascinated with handgun hunting reading articles by Jeff Copper and Bob Milek. I acquire a S&W Model 27, 357 magnum and hunted eastern ground hogs and foxes in the 70's and 80's. I took a 5 point buck with the Model 27 in the 80's, the only deer I've ever taken with a pistol. I have to say that hunting with a pistol and roaming the hay fields of western PA was one the best time I ever had.
Like most handgun guys in the 70's I wanted an S&W Model 29, 44 magnum. Dirty Harry was a hard calling to resist.
I finally managed to get one which was no small feat, a beautiful 6 1/2" with a wooden box. Even having become proficient with the 357, it took some time to get use to the 44. Strangely I never took a deer with it. A guy at the gun club wanted one so bad and they were so rare at that time that he offered me double what I paid for mine so, like a fool, I sold it but never acquired another one even after they became more available. One of many gun sale regrets.
Some 50 years later I'm still shooting S&W revolvers but just for enjoyment. I don't compete or hunt with them anymore but I'm at the range twice a week shooting my old Model 17. In the 80's I purchased the new "L" frame in 357 Magnum. I really love this model and shoot it extensively these days. I also have a Model 34, 4", "J" frame, 22 rim fire that I love to shoot.
I became fascinated with handgun hunting reading articles by Jeff Copper and Bob Milek. I acquire a S&W Model 27, 357 magnum and hunted eastern ground hogs and foxes in the 70's and 80's. I took a 5 point buck with the Model 27 in the 80's, the only deer I've ever taken with a pistol. I have to say that hunting with a pistol and roaming the hay fields of western PA was one the best time I ever had.
Like most handgun guys in the 70's I wanted an S&W Model 29, 44 magnum. Dirty Harry was a hard calling to resist.
I finally managed to get one which was no small feat, a beautiful 6 1/2" with a wooden box. Even having become proficient with the 357, it took some time to get use to the 44. Strangely I never took a deer with it. A guy at the gun club wanted one so bad and they were so rare at that time that he offered me double what I paid for mine so, like a fool, I sold it but never acquired another one even after they became more available. One of many gun sale regrets.
Some 50 years later I'm still shooting S&W revolvers but just for enjoyment. I don't compete or hunt with them anymore but I'm at the range twice a week shooting my old Model 17. In the 80's I purchased the new "L" frame in 357 Magnum. I really love this model and shoot it extensively these days. I also have a Model 34, 4", "J" frame, 22 rim fire that I love to shoot.
Thank you jackieschmidt for the beautiful pictures and a very good story about a sweet gun. I really enjoyed it.
So many of the 45 Colt chamberings were badly executed, the round got a bad rap. My friends Ruger had cylinder throats smaller than the barrel and leaded like mad. It kept me away from the ctg for too long. The newer saami spec fixed that and I have one that performs beautifully. Thanks for sharing.
Upgrades & Donations
This Forum's expenses are primarily paid by member contributions. You can upgrade your Forum membership in seconds. Gold and Silver members get unlimited FREE classifieds for one year. Gold members can upload custom avatars.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.