Sunday Shoot-a-Round #275

Published on April 6, 2025
Duration: 44:02

Hickok45 showcases a Smith & Wesson Model 20 revolver, a precursor to the .357 Magnum, and an early AR-15 SP1 rifle. He discusses the historical context of these firearms, their design evolution, and provides shooting impressions. The video highlights the differences between older and modern firearm designs and touches on the importance of understanding firearm history for collectors and shooters.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson Model 20, also known as the 38/44, was an N-frame revolver chambered in .38 Special. It was designed to handle hotter loads, serving as an early precursor to the .357 Magnum cartridge, which was developed a few years later.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro & Tennessee Gun Makers
  2. 00:54AR-15 SP1 Introduction
  3. 01:38Business & Manufacturing in Tennessee
  4. 02:39AR-15 SP1 History & Personal Anecdote
  5. 04:24Sponsor Shoutouts: Davidson's, Silencer Central, SDI
  6. 05:02Smith & Wesson Model 20 (.38/44) Introduction
  7. 05:30The .38/44 Cartridge Explained
  8. 06:07Confusing S&W Revolver History
  9. 07:12S&W Naming Conventions: Names vs. Numbers
  10. 08:05Model 20 Remake & .357 Chambering
  11. 08:26.357 Magnum Cartridge Development
  12. 08:43Handloading Powders & Pressure
  13. 09:52.38 Special Loaded to Magnum Power
  14. 10:15Upcoming NRA Meeting & Meetups
  15. 11:45Shooting the Model 20
  16. 13:53Shooting .38 Special in the N-Frame
  17. 14:31Recoil Discussion
  18. 15:01Recoil vs. Frame Size
  19. 15:41Cartridge vs. Barrel Length Impact
  20. 16:48Sponsor Shoutout: Alabama Holster
  21. 17:21Appreciation for Sponsors
  22. 18:23Shooting the Model 20 Again
  23. 19:44Accuracy of Fixed Sights
  24. 20:09Favorite Handgun Types
  25. 21:12Seeking a 'Moby Dick' Firearm
  26. 21:33Weakness for .44 Special
  27. 22:03Temptation for a Big .44 Special N-Frame
  28. 22:42Smith & Wesson Model 24
  29. 23:31Advice for Young People: Freedom is Messy
  30. 24:44Freedom and Messiness
  31. 25:53Dictatorship vs. Freedom
  32. 26:11Quote: Freedom is the Greater Good
  33. 27:01Sacrificing Freedom for the 'Greater Good'
  34. 28:51Compromise for the Greater Good
  35. 29:31NRA Meeting Reminder & Viewer Comments
  36. 30:35YouTube Algorithm & Gun Videos
  37. 31:17Finding Favorite Firearms Channels
  38. 33:04Shooting .38 Special Again
  39. 33:37Neglecting the AR-15
  40. 34:00Take on the NRA
  41. 35:07Staying Out of Sponsor Fights
  42. 36:31Herd Mentality & Internet Content
  43. 37:15Sig Sauer Incident Example
  44. 38:31Independence from Gun Companies
  45. 39:30Shooting the AR-15 SP1
  46. 40:46AR-15 SP1 Features (Bayonet Lug, No Forward Assist)
  47. 41:38AR-15 SP1 Condition & History
  48. 42:14Contrast: Revolver vs. AR-15
  49. 42:19Concluding Remarks & Sponsor Thanks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Smith & Wesson Model 20?

The Smith & Wesson Model 20 is a large-frame revolver, originally chambered in .38 Special. It was developed as a precursor to the .357 Magnum, designed to handle hotter-loaded .38 Special ammunition before the official .357 Magnum cartridge was released.

What are the key features of an early AR-15 SP1?

Early AR-15 SP1 models, produced before the 1994 ban, typically lack a forward assist and often feature fixed sights. They are generally considered pre-ban rifles and are sought after by collectors for their historical significance.

How did Smith & Wesson's naming conventions evolve?

Initially, Smith & Wesson used descriptive names for their revolvers, such as the Registered Magnum or 38/44 Heavy Duty. In the late 1950s, they transitioned to a numerical system, like the Model 27 or Model 20, which can sometimes create confusion when identifying older firearms.

What is the significance of the .38/44 cartridge?

The .38/44 refers to a .38 Special cartridge loaded to higher pressures, intended for use in Smith & Wesson's N-frame revolvers like the 38/44 Heavy Duty. These loads approached the power of the later .357 Magnum, making these revolvers a bridge between standard .38 Special and magnum cartridges.

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