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@Zeke

I think that most of us realize commemorative firearms aren’t the instant collectible that some people feel they are. In fact, often times the commemorative firearms sell for less than the non-commemorative counterparts – if there is one. Not always true, but if you choose wisely you can end up with a fancy shooter, or a gun that actually does appreciate faster than its non-commemorative counterparts. I crossed the line from being just a purchaser and user of firearms to being a collector in the early part of last year. I came to that realization when I found myself buying guns that I just liked, but had little to no intention of ever shooting, and I’ve been making up for lost time ever since. My first commemorative was purchased solely as a shooter and because the price was more than right. It was a Texas Wagon Train / Texas Sesquicentennial commemorative – a 5” N-frame in .44-40. I like N-frames, especially those with 5” barrels and like calibers that start with a “4”. I got this gun for a song and it was the gun only, no nifty presentation case. It had terrific stocks on it, which I promptly removed and replaced with a Hogue wooden monogrip. I did shoot it some, but it ultimately ended up back in the safe. When I made the transition to collector, I reinstalled the presentation stocks and found the correct case on the Internet. Even piecing it together like that I’m in it for about half of the current going rate. Here it is… My next commemorative purchase was a PASP Model 19-4 – not because I had any affiliation with the PASP (except for a handful of speeding tickets), but because the price was better than I could find on a 4” non-commemorative 19-4. I could keep it as a shooter or as a bargain collectible. Here it is… Somewhere along the way I became enamored with the Heritage series of guns. I purchased several of the Lew Horton Heritage Series, but then found one that was made for Sports South. It did not come in the correct PC aluminum case – instead, it was shipped in a presentation case meant for another firearm – a 1988 Model 629-1 Iditarod Commemorative. I started doing some research on that issue and found that while the case, and even the barrel, said that 1000 of these guns were made, in actuality, the bank failed before the entire thousand gun contract was completed. In fact only 545 of these were made. I endeavored to find a gun only to go with the case that serendipitously came to me. When it rains it pours – I didn’t find a lone gun sans case, I found two consecutively numbered guns that came with everything – cases, boxes, docs, tools, everything. Again they were at a price about equivalent to what you would pay for a regular 629-1. So now I have two complete commemoratives and one extra presentation case. The next commemorative came as a result of me exploring a major auction company. In my perusal of various on-line “for sale” and auction sites I had come across an Elmer Keith 29-3 commemorative. This was one of the regular issue ones with the wooden stocks and it was “spendy” – not outrageously so, considering the embellishments and who it honored. I was sorely tempted. A little further on in the listings I came across another Keith commemorative from the same vendor, only this was one of the Deluxe Additions (the first 100 of the 2500 made that had increased gold embellishments plus real, pre-ban, elephant ivory stocks. Pretty much as the SCSW IV states, they wanted double the amount they were asking for the standard edition. That was too rich for my blood. So I was looking through the catalog of the major upcoming auction and they actually had three Elmer Keith editions – two standards and one deluxe sandwiched between the two. Somebody at that auction company goofed as they all had the same auction estimates. I put in an absentee bid at $100 over the high estimate for the deluxe version. I was watching the auction streaming on my computer. The first standard version came up and got hammered at $100 over high estimate. At that point I figured I was toast – somebody out there had to realize that the deluxe version was worth considerably more than the standard that had just fetched a good price. The deluxe version came up and stalled and then got hammered at the high estimate – which meant that I had won it for $100 less than the standard version. I was ecstatic. Full disclaimer, this was the gun only and did not have the original presentation case with it – it had gone missing in the intervening 35 years. Not to worry, I found a woodworker who specializes in presentation cases – at more than fair prices. We went back and forth on wood types, lining colors, descriptive plaques etc and he is currently in the process of building a fantastically figured, French-fitted, walnut presentation case with a proper descriptive brass plate on the lid. Even with the auction buyer’s premium, the next day air shipping and the bespoke presentation case, I am into this gun for less than half its value. Here is the gun, a 4” Model 29-3, .44 Magnum (as is befitting of the father of the .44 Magnum. I’ll feature the gun and case in a future thread, once I receive the case – if anyone is in need of a presentation case I would be more than happy to put you in touch with this fellow. This brings us to the current week (w/o 8/30). Frustrated by missing a two gun lot at the large auction company’s August sale, I was looking for something to buy. Much searching brought me to a S&W 150th Anniversary Commemorative Model 29-8, .44 Magnum (1852 – 2002). Like the Elmer Keith gun, this one had gold embellishment, including portraits of Horace Smith and Daniel Wesson on the side plate. It was equipped with smooth Herrett (now out of business) stocks and came in a clear-topped, French-fitted presentation case. The funds for that gun are currently at the mercy of the USPS. Here is the seller’s picture of the gun and case… The acquisition of the 150th anniversary gun triggered a desire to acquire the previous anniversary issue, the issue for their 125th anniversary. I had passed on opportunities to purchase this gun many time is the past when I was shopping for “shooters”. Who wanted a .45 Colt with a short cylinder? The Model 25-3, while chambered for .45 Colt used a cylinder with the same length dimension as the .45 ACP Model 25-2. This meant that a lot of traditional, cast 250 grain bullet loads would be too long for the cylinder, unless crimped over the front driving band, rather than, properly, in the crimp groove. Now it was destined to be a safe queen and a complement to the 150th anniversary gun. I went in search of a candidate. Found one, but missed it because I was trying to leverage a better deal. Found another and got it for an even better price. I make this sound like these are out there everywhere – such is not the case. Yes you can find them aplenty, but at exorbitant cost. The really neat thing – and it was totally happenstance, neither the seller nor I realized it (he still doesn’t) at the time of the transaction – is the serial number, First, it is the only time that I have ever seen a non-numeric or alphabetic character used in a serial number – the serial prefix for these guns is “S&W” followed by four numeric characters (these were appx four years before Smith went to their current three alpha / four numeric serial format). This gun was the twelfth gun made of the run of 9,948 standard editions (there were 50 Deluxe Editions and 2 Custom Deluxe Editions). These came with a presentation case that also held a commemorative coin and a book by Roy Jinks – the company historian, called 125 years with Smith and Wesson. The gun has custom gold-filled roll marks but not the fancy gold embellishments found on the Keith gun or the 150th anniversary gun. Here is the seller’s picture of the gun and case. Funds for this one were mailed this morning. I will be applying for a Multiple Purchase Exemption for the Keith gun and the two anniversary guns. Given the times we’re living in, I have no idea how long that will take, but if I do it within the OGAM framework, it would be mid-December before I had them all. If you have managed to make it through this entire magnum opus, kudos to you. I hope you came away with an appreciation and better understanding of commemorative guns. Adios, Pizza Bob

What the fuck is taylor ham? She some new Pop star on the radio? Welcome to the forum!

I’m a Texan, and even I know there isn’t any such thing as Taylor Ham...

In so much as i recall....would have to check Hatcher and Brophy.....i *think* it was like 790 to 800 k serial for SA guns...that was the diff between the correct heat treatment... That being said.... ya know...a cast bullet with 16grains of 2400 is soft shooting and not crazy pressure...i would shoot the ole girl with that load. Hatcher had a whole 'analysis' of the number that failed...etc...

Blazer 9mm 115gr & 124 gr in stock @ Simmons $17.99 per box We have 2,000 boxes of Blazer 115gr and 2,000 boxes of 124gr in stock . $17.99 per box and orders of $99 is free shipping. Orders will ship Monday or Tuesday of next week. https://www.simmonssportinggoods.com/blazer-brass-ammunition-9mm-luger-115-grain-full-metal-jacket-50-per-box/ https://www.simmonssportinggoods.com/blazer-brass-ammunition-9mm-luger-124-grain-full-metal-jacket-50-per-box/

Too soon?

I grew up in the pine barrens, and I drove a third gen firebird....... no mullet just yet. Seen a couple good ones here in freedom though. Thanks for the warm welcome......

I can vouch for JT Custom Guns. A great guy to deal with.

Nicest stock I have seen in awhile!! https://imgur.com/a/FEjckKG

800,000 for SA 288,000 for RIA I know stock was changed, What is barrel date?

I won’t save you any, since you wouldn’t like it anyway.

Live feed on Youtube... there's a ton of boats out there:

So it's on the smoker since 10:30. Smoke tube in as well. I use Applewood. My wife doesn't like the strong flavors, specially of Mesquite so I have to stick to fruitwoods. I'll probably get some Cherry if I can find it locally. I've got 3 bags of Apple left, so I've got a ways to go yet. Round about 1:30, I'll foil wrap and crank up to 225 until 5ish and see where I'm at. Oh and I trimmed all the silverskin and other BS off. The first pic is untrimmed.

In my dealings with a local FFL he does not seem to be too knowledgeable and would rather err than do the wrong thing... think of FUDD FFL. I don't think there is ill intent, but..

If I had one, it would transmit hours and hours of my wife complaining that I loaded the dishwasher wrongly.

Sleepy Joe was nowhere to be found, so I was left to fend for myself.

13 years and never once submitted a SS number on a NICS check. Also - I would bet he never spoke to the NJSP or the NICs unit because I just talked to the senior Supervisor at NICs and she said absolutely not required. Your FFL is full of shit!

SS number is NOT required to submit a NICs check - time for you to find a new FFL.........

I work sales at a large gun shop. Entering your SS# is optional. If a customer provides it on the 4473, I enter it. If it is blank, I skip that line. I have seen no difference in the time NICS takes for folks who provide SS to those who don't. The NJ NICS portal makes it impossible to submit a NICS with the wrong info. If the DL doesn't match their records, it will not let you proceed. Same with DOB, SBI#, address, name spelling etc. I would also look for another FFL.

I vote #2 first, then #1. Report him.

It’s systemic lagism. It has been slow to load/refresh for me this morning too.

I have the TLR-6 based a recommendation from a sheriff’s officer I’ve hit the range in FL. No regrets whatsoever.

ANJRPC

We might go to prison

Better wrap yourself in your Kt tape so you don't hurt yourself, don't forget your centrum silver and bengay too...

I know the feeling about the phone tree. @Zeke and @Bighungry618 are already sniffing around my meat. I cook for temperature. I cook until the brisket probes to 195°, then wrap it in butcher paper and a towel, and stick it in an empty ice chest for a few hours. I anticipate this to take 12ish hours for this brisket.

Those look good, and they're still raw. I've got a 15 lb turkey going into a cajun-seasoned brine in about an hour. I'll be up early to drain and dry it, apply a basic poultry rub to which I'm adding a bit of the same cajun seasoning, then have it on the smoker around 8:30 am. A phone tree seems to have built up around when I'm running the smoker. We'd planned on a socially-distant dinner for 4, leaving us lots of leftovers. Somehow the count has climbed to 9 as of an hour ago, and I'm not sure people are done inviting themselves yet. The last time, a relative of an acquaintance drove down unannounced from well into New York state to join us. How long are you planning for the brisket to smoke?

I have no experience with these glow paints but I use this company allot for all sorts of exotic paints. They make some crazy paints and everything I've used from the has been top quality. Check out Alsa Corp paints

Since its clearish/green, I would apply it directly over the white dot. The reviews on the page look promising. Since its acrylic, you shouldn't have to top coat it for durability.

With 9mm going for .50 - $1.00 a round, shooting .22 is much chaeper!

More or less the same here except I can't safely shoot on my property but white mountian national forest is a few hundred yards from my house and its completely open to shoot anywhere that's not on a forest road or camp site. It's actually normal for me to hear people shooting in the old quarry near the hotel I work at.

Barrel says rep 20. Based on serial #249,839 made in 1906 1906(Jul 1) - 172011 SA 173767 SA 1-08 SA 1891xx SA 9-10 M25 SA 211xxx SA 9-17 SA 217979 SA 5-09 SA 218850 SA 1-07 JSA Sub-Target Stock (GB 5/06) SA 239499 HS 11-44 SA 239476 SA 8-06 (CSP 5/05) SA 246453 SA 05 SA 252930 SA 1-07 (CSP 5/05) SA 254496 SA 05 SA 258595 HS 9-44 SA 259595 SA 3-06 SA 259588 SA 1-07

I need one

Need a fix???

Pusher.... lol pics !!!!!

I don't know where I got the A3 part.....Been a while since I looked at it.

I have, they don't need any warning. The main difference is that we have a real gun culture here. The mountain I live on has shooting all the time. I am stating to set up a steel range on my property this weekend. I bought a bunch of steel targets and now have to make the stands.

That sounds like a 3rd world problem...

03 a3???? post a pic of the receiver

Wow.....

I am.going to order some and will advise...... if there is left over ur free to try it..

LMFAO

I prefer to use the name brand stuff. Its currently on my back helping out with a shoulder issue. My dog reminds the local fox who's boss at the expense of my shoulder.

Fudd’s come in many forms.