Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: SWBI) is selling a matched set of its new model 1854 Lever-action rifle and a matching Model 29. Both firearms feature handsome engraving with 22-karat Gold Inlay. These are great-looking guns as you can see. Just 100 copies of this matched pair, both chambered for .44 Magnum, will be sold. NOTE: We don’t have a price yet for the matched pair of engraved guns, but we expect it will be over $5000.00 as a limited edition Model 1854 Rifle is $3499.00 by itself.
In addition, S&W is now auctioning off the special Commemorative Edition engraved Model 1854 rifle and matching Model 29 revolver, set number 001. This Gunbroker Auction ends March 10, 2024.
With just 100 units being produced, this pair of .44 Magnums is extremely rare and boasts striking engraving with 22-karat gold inlay done by Baron Engraving. The limited-edition set features a PVD gloss black finish, complemented by high-grade walnut furniture that highlights true craftsmanship, and yields a classic aesthetic. Included with the nicely-designed display case is a letter of authenticity from Smith & Wesson President & CEO, Mark Smith, offering documentation on the set’s origin and limited status. Rifle/handgun set Serial number 001 of 100 is now available for auction on GunBroker.com.
Exclusively on Gunbroker Smith & Wesson is auctioning off No. 001 of 100 of S&W’s extremely limited edition Model 1854 accompanied by a Model 29. With custom gold inlay and high-grade walnut stocks, this is a great chance to own a piece of history!
Auction Proceeds Will Go to Rocky Mtn. Elk Foundation and Safari Club International
Proceeds of the auction are being donated to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Safari Club International. The current bid is now over $25,000.00! The auction ends on March 10, 2024.
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S&W Model 629-3 .44 Magnum with 5″ barrel, image from GunAuction.com
This week on Shooting USA John Scoutten tests three Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum revolvers. These S&W wheelguns are reviewed for the Shooting USA TV episode this Wednesday, January 25, 2023. This episode also has a Talking Tech segment explaining different types of hammer-fired handguns.
John tests the three S&W revolvers using Hornady 240gr XTP ammunition. He first tests a beefy 45-oz. model 629 stainless with 5″ barrel, then a model 629 Performance Center with short 2.6″ barrel. Lastly he tests the ultra-lightweight model 329 PD AirLight. For that black-finished AirLight wheelgun, the Barrel is actually stainless steel, but the frame is scandium alloy, and the cylinder is Titanium alloy.
Shooting USA SHOW TIMES: This Shooting USA episode airs Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at 9:00 PM Eastern and Pacific; 8:00 PM Central. If you miss the regular broadcast, you can stream the show online at any time on Vimeo for $0.99 per episode.
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Brownells is a well-known retailer of guns, gun parts, tools, accessories, ammo, and pretty much everything gun related. Brownells has a very active video production department that releases new “how-to” and product information videos every week. These videos offer helpful advice on gun cleaning/maintenance, reloading, as well as selecting/assembling components for various kinds of rifles. There now over 1000 videos on the Brownells YouTube Channel, this really is a remarkable resource.
One of our favorite regular Brownells video features are the Quick Tip Cartridge Comparisons. Brownells tech staffers look at a pair of cartridge types and reveal the noteworthy differences. Here are three recent Cartridge Comparison videos from Brownells.
6.5 Creedmoor vs. .260 Remington
Brownells Gun Tech Caleb Savant compares and contrasts the 6.5 Creedmoor rifle cartridge with the older .260 Remington. Both cartridges are often loaded to nearly the same overall length (OAL), but with more of the bullet inside the neck for the .260 Rem. The .260 Remington is basically a .308 Winchester necked down to 6.5mm (.264″). The 6.5 Creedmoor has a shorter case, with a more modern 30-degree shoulder angle. With the same cartridge OAL, that can make it possible to load longer-ogive, higher-BC bullets. However, with a long-freebore chamber, the .260 Rem can certainly run any high-BC 6.5mm bullet made.
The .260 Remington can, theoretically, generate a bit more velocity at the muzzle because its longer case holds a bit more powder. However, with high-quality Lapua brass, in the real world, the 6.5 Creedmoor comes pretty darn close to .260 Rem performance with any given bullet weight. Moreover, the 6.5 Creedmoor is available with small primer pocket brass from Lapua. This brass may give a higher number of reloading cycles before case-head expansion becomes a problem. For the hunter, both choices are good, but the older .260 Rem may feed a bit better from a magazine, given the .260’s case taper and longer body. Overall, we favor the 6.5 Creedmoor for its versatility and efficiency, but the .260 Rem is a good cartridge too.
6.8 SPC vs. 6.5 Grendel
Brownells Gun Tech Caleb Savant compares two medium-caliber cartridges that can work in AR15-platform rifles: the 6.5 Grendel and the 6.8 SPC (aka 6.8mm Remington “Special Purpose Cartridge”). The 6.5 Grendel is typically loaded with a high-BC .264″ bullet, while the 6.8 SPC has a larger-diameter .277″ bullet. Both have the same 2.26″ OAL as the AR-15’s standard .223 Remington / 5.56 NATO round. The big difference is the 6.5 Grendel’s faster velocity and flatter trajectory. With the same bullet weight, Brownells says the 6.5 Grendel will be about 100 fps faster than the 6.8 SPC. Given a 100-yard zero, the 6.5 Grendel will drop about 8.5″ at 300 yards, while the 6.8 SPC will drop 10.5″ at the same range. The 6.5 Grendel is probably a better choice for long-range targets, at least when loaded with a higher-BC bullet. A big difference is brass. You can get superb Lapua brass for the 6.5 Grendel. Not so for the 6.8 SPC, which really has never developed into a widely popular accuracy round.
7.62×51 NATO vs. .308 Winchester (Subtle differences)
Brownells Technician Caleb Savant talks about the .308 Winchester and 7.62x51mm NATO. Most shooters know that both rounds have the same external dimensions. In fact, the military 7.62×51 was developed from the civilian .308 Winchester. So… can they be used interchangeably? The 7.62×51 cartridge normally can be fired from any rifle chambered in .308 Winchester because the 7.62 is spec’d for a lower pressure than SAAMI max in the .308 Win. However, we have encountered some British and Austrian 7.62×51 NATO milsurp ammo that was VERY hot — more than a typical commercial .308 Win Load. Accordingly you should always be careful when shooting new 7.62×51 ammo in your rifles. Likewise you should be careful about shooting higher-pressure .308 Win in some 7.62 NATO rifles. The 7.62×51 NATO chamber is slightly longer, and the cartridge’s case is typically a bit thicker, so it will “flow” and expand into the extra space. NOTE: Some newer rifles with 7.62×51 NATO chambers ARE made to handle .308 Win ammo. Check the owner’s manual or contact your rifle’s manufacturer to find out for sure.
.44 Magnum vs. .45 Long Colt — Great Wheelgun Cartridges
Brownells Gun Tech Steve Ostrem does a quick compare-and-contrast of the .44 Magnum and .45 Long Colt — two of the most popular revolver cartriges. The .45 LC debuted in the 1870s, when the steel used in revolvers was much weaker than modern steel, so it’s typically loaded as a low-pressure cartridge. The .44 Magnum was developed in the 1950s specifically for hunting, and stronger modern gun steels meant revolvers could be built to handle its much greater pressures. Full-power commercial .44 Magnum ammunition tends to be easier to find. The .45 Colt you find at the gun store is loaded mildly so folks don’t blow up their vintage revolvers! BOTH cartridges are great for handloading because they have straight-wall cases and can handle a wide variety of powders and bullet weights. Dies, brass, and bullets are readily available for both. If you don’t handload but want a hunting revolver, .44 Magnum is the better choice, as there’s more FULL-power factory ammo available.
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The .44 Magnum Colt Anaconda is BACK, and better than ever. Re-introduced a year ago, the new Anaconda has been a sales success that has garnered major industry honors. The Colt Anaconda has been selected as the 2022 American Hunter Golden Bullseye Handgun of the Year. Published by the National Rifle Association (NRA), American Hunter is the largest circulation hunting magazine in the nation
Colt’s new generation Anaconda .44 Magnum Revolver was released in 2021. Offered with either 6″ or 8″ full-underlug barrels, and bulked-up solid stainless-steel frame, these new-generation Colts are hefty. Fitted with 6″ barrel, Colt’s new Anaconda weighs 3.31 pounds (53 ounces) while the big 8″-bbl Anaconda tips the scales at 3.69 pounds (59 ounces). MSRP is $1499.00.
Guns American Digest reports: “The Anaconda… is based on Colt’s updated .357 Magnum design, scaled up and reinforced for the hard-hitting [.44 Magnum] cartridge. Of course, shooters can always shoot friendlier .44 Special ammunition at the range. These guns are returning with all the same looks as the originals, with full-length underlugs, ventilated rib topstraps, and Colt’s semi-bright polished finish. They ship with … adjustable rear sights and a red ramp up-front.”
The Colt Anaconda is a double-action six shooter with forged stainless steel barrel and frame. Double Action trigger pull is 12 pounds with single action a smooth 5 pounds. The new Anacondas come standard with black Hogue over-molded rubber grips, but Python checkered wood grips can be fitted to Anacondas. For full-power .44 magnum loads, we recommend sticking with the Hogues.
Optics Options for Anaconda
Are you a handgun hunter? Then you’ll be pleased to note that the new Anaconda comes with frames already drilled and tapped for optics. This will allow the fitting of red-dot style optics as well as various long-eye-relief hunting scopes.
Additional Calibers in the Future?
Will the Anaconda be offered in other calibers? Guns America Digest reports: “It’s possible that Colt also has plans for other chamberings, like .45 Colt, but for now, they’ll have no trouble finding buyers for their new-production .44 Magnum Anacondas. Even at the suggested retail pricing, which, in all fairness, is the same as the .357 Magnum Pythons.
Hickok45 Reviews the New Generation Colt Anaconda .44 Magnum:
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Back in 2015, the firearms collection of famed gun writer Elmer Keith went to auction. The Keith Estate auction drew interest from around the globe, and bidding was strong. When the dust settled, and all the individual lots were totaled, Keith’s remarkable collection sold to various bidders for $1,905,458!
High-priced highlights from the auction are shown below. NOTE: You can see more than 60 other Elmer Keith firearms, along with a list of final auction prices. The Guns & Ammo website has a detailed, illustrated report on the Elmer Keith auction with dozens of high-quality photos.
Elmer Keith was an American rancher, firearms enthusiast, and author. Keith was instrumental in the development of the first magnum revolver cartridge, the .357 Magnum, as well as the later .44 Magnum and .41 Magnum cartridges, credited by Roy G. Jinks as “the father of big bore handgunning.” These videos recount Keith’s personal history and his influence on the design of modern Magnum cartridges.
Lot 1038: Colonel Jim Corbett’s .450/.400 “Tiger Rifle” (Sold for $264,500.00)
Dangerous Game Rifles in Collection
The legendary “Corbett Tiger Rifle”, a Jeffery boxlock .450/400 was used by famed hunter Edward James “Jim” Corbett. This rifle was featured in Corbett’s book Man-Eaters of Kumaon. Two of the man-eating tigers Corbett hunted were believed to have killed over 800 humans in the Kumaon Hills of India.
Lot 1005: Colt SAA No. 5 .44 Special “The Last Word in Sixguns” (Sold for $80,500.00)
This famous revolver started as a Colt SAA, but then was heavily modified. The top strap of the frame was welded up into a flat-top target configuration, with an adjustable rear sight added. The hammer was modified with a Bisley-type target spur. The unique grip of the Number Five was created by marrying a modified Bisley backstrap to a Single Action Army trigger guard. His most famous pistol, Keith called this handgun “The last word in fine six-guns”.
This video showcases this rare Colt SAA revolver, as viewed at the auction:
Lot 1060: Pachmayar Custom Model 70 .375 H&H (Sold for $22,425.00)
This may be one of the most beautiful model 70 Winchesters ever created. Listed as “Pachmayar Custom M70 .375 H&H with Full Coverage Engraving and Exhibition Wood” this rifle sold for $22,425.00 at the Elmer Keith Estate Collection auction. Look at the figure in that wood! The detailed engraving on the action and barrel is fantastic, as is the checkering on the grip.
Lot 1041: Westley Richards Droplock .476 NE (Sold for $69,000.00)
Used by Elmer Keith on safari in Tanzania, this was Keith’s preferred Elephant Rifle.
Lot 1020: Smith & Wesson Triple Lock Target Revolvers. (Sold for $39,100.00)
This rare set belonged to Gerrit Forbes and Ed McGivern before being acquired by Elmer Keith.
Photos courtesy of James D. Julia Auctioneers, Fairfield, Maine.
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Good news for big bore revolver fans. Colt is bringing back its legendary Anaconda .44 Magnum Revolver. Colt has released this big-bore wheelgun for 2021, and both 6″ and 8″ barrel models are now leaving Colt’s factory. These new-generation Colts are hefty. Fitted with 6″ barrel Colt’s new Anaconda weighs 3.31 pounds (53 ounces) while the big 8″-bbl Anaconda tips the scales at 3.69 pounds (59 ounces).
Guns American Digest reports: “Now in production and starting to ship, the Anaconda is returning in both 6-inch and 8-inch models. The .44 is based on Colt’s updated .357 Magnum design, scaled up and reinforced for the hard-hitting cartridge. Of course, shooters can always shoot friendlier .44 Special ammunition at the range. These guns are returning with all the same looks as the originals, with full-length underlugs, ventilated rib topstraps, and Colt’s semi-bright polished finish. They ship with target sights including adjustable rear sights and a red ramp up-front.”
The Colt Anaconda is a double-action six shooter with forged stainless steel barrel and frame. Double Action trigger pull is 12 pounds with single action a smooth 5 pounds. The new Anacondas come standard with black Hogue over-molded rubber grips, but Python checkered wood grips can be fitted to Anacondas. For full-power .44 magnum loads, we recommend sticking with the Hogues.
Optics Options for Anaconda
Are you a handgun hunter? Then you’ll be pleased to note that the new Anaconda comes with frames already drilled and tapped for optics. This will allow the fitting of red-dot style optics as well as long-eye-relief hunting scopes.
Additional Calibers in the Future?
Will the Anaconda be offered in other calibers? Guns America Digest reports: “It’s possible that Colt also has plans for other chamberings, like .45 Colt, but for now, they’ll have no trouble finding buyers for their new-production .44 Magnum Anacondas. Even at the suggested retail pricing, which, in all fairness, is the same as the .357 Magnum Pythons.
Colt Anaconda MSRP is $1499.99
The 2021 Colt Anaconda is listed on the Colt website with a hefty $1499.00 MSRP, the same as the new-generation Colt Python Revolver in .357 Magnum.
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Jeff Quinn, founder of GunBlast.com, was a good-hearted, southern country boy who loved firearms. Sadly he passed away on July 27, 2020. He will be missed. His reviews were always honest and thoughtful. Notably, Jeff was a true internet pioneer. With help from his brother Boge Quinn, Jeff created Gunblast.com back in 2000. He was one of the first independent writers publishing gun reviews on the internet. And he also was one of the very first to release gun test videos on YouTube. Over the past two decades the GunBlast YouTube channel has racked up over 64 million views. Jeff Quinn led the way for popular YouTube video hosts such as 22Plinkster and Hickok 45.
This Sunday Gunday, to mark Jeff’s passing and recognize his influence in the world of firearms videos, we are reprising six of his videos from the past decade. There are a wide selection here — both rifles and pistols, rimfire and centerfire. We’ve even included a special video where Jeff tests a pre-WWI era Maxim machine gun.
The Patriot — Accurate .22-250 AI Benchrest Rifle
While Jeff Quinn focused on factory handguns, hunting rifles, and defensive shotguns, he did occasionally sample accurate custom rifles. Here he tested a unique “Patriot” .22-250 AI rig built on a sleeved Remington 700 action. This handsome rifle boasts a custom-painted, thumbhole benchrest stock with a stars-and-stripes motif. One side says “In God We Trust”, while the other side carries the message “The Right to Keep and Bear Arms”. This “Patriot” rifle delivered three-shot ragged-hole groups at 100 yards.
Tales from the Vault — Winchester 1895 Lever Gun
Along with his regular field tests, Jeff hosted videos that focused on the historical heritage of some of his favorite firearms. In the “Tales from the Vault” episode, Jeff showcases a prized example from his personal gun collection. This is an original Winchester Model 1895 lever-action rifle chambered in 30 Army, also known as 30-40 Krag.
Smith & Wesson Performance Center M629 .44 Magnum
Smith & Wesson builds some of the best wheelguns on the planet, and Performance Center models are the top of the S&W lineup. This Editor owns two S&W Performance Center revolvers, and they are both outstanding, with great triggers and accuracy that puts most semi-auto handguns to shame. In this video, Jeff Quinn tests a Performance Center six-shot Model 629 Hunter Revolver with a 8 3/8″ fluted barrel. S&W includes a Weaver-type optics rail with this capable wheelgun.
Shooting the Savage A17 in 17 HMR
The Savage model A17 delayed-blowback semi-auto in .17 HMR is one of our favorite budget varmint rifles. It is affordable, reliable, and surprisingly accurate with good .17 HMR ammo. Here Jeff Quinn tests the basic A17. We like the upgraded version with a laminated thumbhole stock, shown below. But both versions utilize the same well-designed action. This is a good choice for small varmints, such as ground squirrels, out to 200 yards.
Ruger GP100 .22 LR 10-Shot Revolver
We believe every gun enthusiast should have a good rimfire revolver, and Jeff Quinn would concur. The small size of the .22 LR cartridge allows modern wheelguns to have 10-round cylinder capacity. That’s great for target shooting, fun plinking, and gun games. Here Jeff reviews the sturdy .22 LR GP100 from Ruger. Jeff says this pistol offers “a good tight barrel/cylinder gap” and “positive ejection that kicks spent cases out really well.” He noted that this pistol was “amazingly accurate”. He tested 9 different ammo types and got 1.5″ average TEN-shot groups at 25 yards. (See video at 2:40 for targets.)
BONUS Video — Maxim Machine Gun (1914 Vintage)
The Maxim machine gun was one of the earliest successful fully-automatic weapons. Many of its revolutionary design features are still used in modern machine guns. Here Jeff Quinn tests a belt-fed, wheeled-carriage Maxim with Joe Meaux of Aklys Defense from Aklys Defense.
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There has been a trend to ever-lighter handgun frame construction, in an effort to make pistols lighter and more convenient to carry. Ruger just introduced the LCR 357, a .357 Magnum carry revolver with a frame made, in part, from plastic. Well, perhaps weight reduction efforts have gone too far, at least when it comes to magnum chamberings in handguns.
A Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum model 329 PD revolver recently broke in half while shooting Winchester factory ammo. The whole front end of the gun sheared off forward of the cylinder. Cause of the failure is unknown, but it does not appear that the barrel was obstructed, as there was no visible damage to the barrel assembly forward of the frame. We really don’t know why this revolver broke in half, though some observers speculated there may have been hairline fractures in the frame. That’s just a guess. It’s also possible that the factory ammo was over-charged. The pictures below were posted by the gun owner on Photobucket and first linked on AR15.com.
Scandium Alloy Frames
The model 329 PD has a “Scandium AirLite” frame, which is in fact an alloy of aluminum and scandium. When combined with aluminum, scandium (which costs ten times as much as gold by weight), forms an alloy that is lighter than titanium and as much as three times stronger than ordinary aluminum. Apparently however, there can be problems with scandium construction… as the photos reveal. Last year, Smith & Wesson recalled 270 limited-edition Performance Center m329 revolvers because barrel assembly may have caused frame damage. The model 329 PD shown in this article was NOT one of the recalled Performance Center guns.
Make My Magnum from Steel… The Smith & Wesson model 329 PD weighs only 25.1 ounces total, unloaded. Why one would want to shoot “full-house”, high-pressure loads through such a light gun puzzles this Editor. For a carry gun, lower-pressure .44 Special loads seem more appropriate. Smith & Wesson makes a variety of heavier, all-steel handguns chambered in .44 Magnum. If I was to shoot a steady diet of full-power .44 Magnum loads through a revolver, give me a gun with a solid steel frame, such as the classic S&W model 29. After seeing these shocking kaboom photos, when shooting true Magnum loads through a Scandium-framed revolver I would nervously ask myself the question famously posed by Clint Eastwood’s Dirty Harry: “Do I feel lucky?”.
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The Smith & Wesson 
