Pizza Bob 1,488 Posted May 3, 2020 I often spend my evenings in front of the TV while also perusing eBay for S&W ephemera on my iPad. I came across this Italian leather covered, S&W embossed presentation case one evening and bookmarked it to watch. Imagine my surprise when closing time came and I was the only bidder at a very low opening price... The case exceeded my expectations. Of course that begged the question, "What to put in it?" I not only scan eBay but also a number of firearm auction and for sale sites, and sometimes other forum's classifieds. I probably scan a thousand or more listings a week. I came across a model of S&W (what else?) that I already had, but this was in a different finish. They made this model in a blued finish as well as a nickel finish and a real color case-hardened finish, by the master: Doug Turnbull. I managed to secure it at a slightly better price than I paid for the nickel one. I figured these are the perfect duo to do this case justice... As the placard indicates, these are S&W Models 22 - 22-4 to be specific. These are part of S&W's Classic Series that reprise famous guns from their past. In this case, the .45 ACP Model of 1917. The CCH gun came from a large gunstore in the Pacific NW and it was not a great experience. I won the auction and had no communication from them whatsoever. Sent funds and the license and heard nothing. E-mailed them 3 times and used the message function on their website and heard nothing back from them. Tried calling several numbers listed for them and either got cut-off after the first ring or was told the voice mailbox was full. I actually joined a gun forum in that region and enlisted some help from them. The support and boots-on-the-ground help from that quarter was terrific. The gun community is truly something special. Finally, two and a half weeks after the close of the auction, the gun just shows up at my dealer. I would have been fine with the delay in shipping, I understand that these are extraordinary times - all they would have had to do was communicate that to me. A simple pre-formatted message would have taken minutes to send, but they couldn't even be bothered doing that. Water under the bridge. There was an upside. On the forum I joined out there I came across a .45 Target Model of 1950 (a pre-model 26) and managed to separate it from its owner. Fodder for a future thread. Stay healthy. Adios, Pizza Bob 11 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
High Exposure 5,664 Posted May 3, 2020 PB - I love these threads. Thank you for sharing your collection with us to enjoy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Displaced Texan 11,738 Posted May 3, 2020 Those sure are are purdy! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
njJoniGuy 2,131 Posted May 3, 2020 "But honey, it's a sickness. I can't help it! Really I can't!" Nice scores there, PB! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SgtToadette 59 Posted May 3, 2020 I wish I could retain a fraction of what you know about these things. Excellent as always and thanks for sharing. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dave Archibald 304 Posted May 4, 2020 Love you posts Bob and your collection is fab! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
moparman426 5 Posted May 6, 2020 Very cool!! Sweet collection! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bklynracer 1,265 Posted May 6, 2020 A true collector. Still waiting for the day you open a museum for us to view your collection.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
10X 3,296 Posted May 7, 2020 3 hours ago, Bklynracer said: A true collector. Still waiting for the day you open a museum for us to view your collection.. Never mind the museum, I'm waiting for range day! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ray Ray 3,566 Posted May 7, 2020 Do you shoot any of these heirlooms or do they instantly become safe queens? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pizza Bob 1,488 Posted May 7, 2020 I have guns that I shoot - that are part of the collection, and guns that are safe queens. Most, these days, are safe queens because I am buying strictly for the collection. But I have made recent purchases of guns that I shoot for ICORE, IDPA and USPSA local club matches. These two were purchased within the last year... Ruger GP100 Match Champion in 10mm for IDPA (used only with .40 S&W) S&W 929 with a full competition treatment by Dave Olhasso for ICORE and USPSA. Adios, Pizza Bob 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SgtToadette 59 Posted May 10, 2020 Got the 929 back! Nice! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites