This video from Brownells' 'From the Vault' series, hosted by Keith Ford and Steve Ostrem, delves into three pivotal Smith & Wesson revolvers that defined the Magnum era. It highlights Elmer Keith's .38-44 Outdoorsman, Douglas Wesson's personal .357 Magnum, and Phil Sharpe's .357 Magnum, showcasing their historical significance and custom features. The presentation emphasizes the development of the .357 Magnum cartridge and the custom nature of early Registered Magnums.
The .357 Magnum, born from the .38 Special, ushered in the 'magnum era' of handgun cartridges. Developed by Elmer Keith and others, its primary purpose was to penetrate automobile cover during the gangster era. Key design features include a case 1/8 inch longer than the .38 Special for safety and a European metric designation of 9x33mm. The first revolver chambered for it was the Smith & Wesson Registered Magnum, later the Model 27, with the first unit gifted to FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover.
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