I want a "thumbprint"Hi Power the holster where you can get your finger on the trigger scares me!

:D

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1596806990.jpg

S&W used it a lot back in the '70's and '80's. It's a Brazilian hardwood known as "goncalo alves".

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1596829688.jpg

Thanks, I've seen "goncalo alves" listed before and always thought that was the name of the person that designed the grips or something. It's interesting to see the variation in the colors and patterns of the grips on these old spoons. Some are a very uniform color, and some have some really beautiful variation. I saw one on GB that looks like they are practically blond.

OK, another question. Once a "new" shiny spoon like this is acquired, what's the best way to store it if it isn't used frequently?

I've seen more than a couple on GB over the years that note that they "have a few small spots of corrosion due to sitting in the presentation box."

Assuming one is acquired that does not have any spots, what's the best way to store it without having to worry about any new corrosion spots?

These were actually designed by one Walter Roper back in the 1930's as an aftermarket target grip for S&W revolvers. S&W soon adopted the design as their own.

I actually prefer the version of them made by Steve Herrett. Steve will custom size them to your hand. His are smooth, uncheckered, which I prefer. Here they are on a Python, a M19, and a M29:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1596907195.jpg

Storing any gun in any sort of a lined case, be it a presentation case, hard gun case, or soft gun case is about the worst way to do it. The lining materials attract and absorb moisture. The best way to store long guns is standing up in a safe, for handguns it would be hanging them on pegs or placing them on a hard, unlined shelf in the safe. Keep the presentation box just for that - presenting it - and store the gun "loose" in your safe.

Good to know, thanks. I'd heard that foam and other linings in boxes was a bad thing due to attracting moisture. I'll have to clear out some room so this isn't just tossed in amongst a bunch of other stuff. It really is about as perfect as it gets, not a scratch or mark on it anywhere other than the turn ring on the cylinder. The grips are perfect and chip, ding, scratch free. I'd like to keep is as close to this shape as possible (although I will be firing it.) I picked up a box of 25 rounds of 357mag jhp while picking it up today. I've already got some fmj 38.

I asked it if had the papers, and they didn't know, but when they lifted the form in the box, all of the paperwork was underneath including a hand written letter to the original owner from his parents. It's in amazing shape, especially considering it's age. It's serial number puts it in the '75-77 years for manufacture.

It's also interesting that the manual specific recommends dry firing.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1596914276.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1596914276.jpg

Because sometimes, bigger is better.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1596918528.jpg

That is a really, really cool find, Steve. I especially like the target front sight. I see it's "pinned and recessed" as well. Is it a 27-2? My 29-3 shown above is just new enough to no longer be pinned and recessed. Look under the crane - the model should be stamped there.

Yep, 27-2 P&R. They stopped the P&R in '82-ish, and based on SN, this should be '75-77.

If I'm looking for something to carry my N-frame to/from the range in, is something like this a decent option?
https://i.ebayimg.com/thumbs/images/...IAp/s-l225.jpg

Or is there a better option?

That should work just fine. Just don't store it in there at home.

Right about sorting it. Cool, thx.

I'm guessing that's a California legal rifle.

Beautiful gun Steve.

To find the exact year and date of manufacture, there is the Smith and Wesson forum http://smith-wessonforum.com/forum.php but they are quite a strange bunch of arseholes. I put a post in the wrong year forum asking what year a gun was. And got a very terse telling off from a moderator for posting in the wrong year forum WTF...

Looking for some insight, night as well ask here.

A friend of mine asked me for some help finding a pistol. He has been divorced for nearly a year and his ex-wife wouldn't let him keep a gun in the house. (I know, I know).

I gave him the standard answer...come shoot some of mine, get a sense of what works for your hand size, etc.

So we did. He settled in on 9mm after shooting my .45 Colt, .40 Glock and Browning Hi-Power. He was much more comfortable with 9mm.

So, yesterday we headed out to see what was available in the two guns shops in our area.

The first place had a Baretta 92D Centurion used that was bought at estate sale. Condition is as close to 100% as possible in a used gun.

Here is a picture of the 92D (not the one in the store, just for reference):

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1596977497.jpg

I have shot the 92 and 92F but had not heard of the D model, which is has a double action trigger and no safety.

I really like the concept. The gun felt terrific to my friend and he got it for a really good price - so cool to have internet homework capability on the fly!

Anyway, I am not particularly enamored of my Glock 22 Gen 4 and after spending some time doing more in depth research on the D model, think I may look for one. I liked everything about it, especially the DOA.

That said, any real world opinions here on the 92D Centurion? Thanks in adavnce!

I like the idea of DAO in an autoloader as well. I really don't like two different trigger pulls on the same firearm. I think it has the potential to be very dangerous when under stress, which is how we are going to feel, by default, if we ever need to use it. Plus, I like the idea, in a defensive arm, of only having to do one thing, with no safety to manipulate. Like we discussed in another thread, these are not target arms, and only have to hit at very close range. Viewed as such, features we would look for in target or sporting arms are not nearly as important, and things we would view as a bit of a hinderance to accuracy really aren't. Oh, and Barretta has a fine reputation. I'd say go for it.

The one to fiind is the 92D/SG. or 92D Brigadier with the heavy slide.

"GUN SOCKS" pistol and rifle. Silicon impregnated. Or even old pairs of Cotton Socks

Cloth or Nylon pistol cases are best with the zipper slightly open..so it can breath.

Safes should have a dehumidifier..Golden Rods...work well.. they run at 150 F and are low wattage. You can also use a desiccant..which from time to time needs to be put into the oven at 225 to boil out the moisture

And never ever use WD40 as it has Kerosine which holds water..

Break Free is good..

You are pushin a G on that one..maybe 12?

I do love the MDL 27... 3.5 inch is nice.

But I especially have a penchant for the prewar 27's..

They were introduced in 1935 with one of the first going to J Edgar Hoover...There was a need for a Heavy Duty 38 caliber pistol that had enough ommph to penetrate car bodies...enter the 3..5..7 Magnum. Y0u could order it anyway you wanted for $70.00. Which was a lot of money during the Depression. S&W didn't think they would sell that many...but the orders flooded in...

After the war they called them the "357 Magnum" and in the late 50's the Model 27.. the 27 Dash 2 circa 1960 etc denotes engneering changes.. the dash 3 change 1982 was the elimination of the pinned barrel and recessed cylinder...a cost cutting move by S&W.

All the early Smiths have their own followers..

For about 20 years after 82 the Dash 2 pistols were just used guns..Now they are collectable.

A $5k pellet gun
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1599081119.jpg

^ Rube Goldberg edition?