From the Vault: Three S&W Revolvers That Started the Magnum Era

Published on November 15, 2019
Duration: 8:35

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.

Quick Summary

Three historic Smith & Wesson revolvers—Elmer Keith's .38-44 Outdoorsman, Douglas Wesson's .357 Magnum, and Phil Sharpe's .357 Magnum—launched the Magnum era. Wesson's gun famously shot through 1 1/8" bulletproof glass, demonstrating the cartridge's power. Early Registered Magnums were custom-built with various barrel lengths and features.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Magnum Era Revolvers
  2. 00:21The Trio: Keith's, Wesson's, Sharpe's Magnums
  3. 01:48Douglas Wesson's .357 Magnum Demonstration
  4. 03:16The Custom Registered Magnum
  5. 04:08Phil Sharpe's Magnum (Serial No. 2)
  6. 06:12Elmer Keith's .38-44 Outdoorsman

Frequently Asked Questions

What three Smith & Wesson revolvers are featured in the 'From the Vault' episode about the Magnum era?

The episode showcases Elmer Keith's .38-44 Outdoorsman, Douglas Wesson's personal .357 Magnum, and Phil Sharpe's .357 Magnum. These firearms were crucial in the development and demonstration of the first Magnum cartridges in the early 1930s.

What made the Smith & Wesson Registered Magnum special?

The Registered Magnum was a highly customizable firearm produced in limited numbers (around 6,000). Buyers could specify barrel lengths from 3.5 to 8.75 inches, various sights, and custom trigger pulls, making each gun unique.

How did Douglas Wesson demonstrate the power of the .357 Magnum?

Douglas Wesson used his personal .357 Magnum, a 'club series' pre-registered model, to shoot through a 1 1/8 inch thick piece of bulletproof glass. This impressive feat garnered significant attention from law enforcement and hunters.

What were the key custom features on Elmer Keith's .38-44 Outdoorsman?

Elmer Keith's N-frame .38-44 Outdoorsman featured custom Roper grips for enhanced handling and a specialized crossbar front sight equipped with a reflector mirror. This sight design aimed to improve visibility during use.

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