Couple of new additions recently

[Bawanna]

Good week for Break Tops. Had a hankering for one forever and Greg will testify since I've been on the prowl.
Just didn't want one bad enough to spend over a grand for an Uberti clone.
We have an interim chief who I found was into old stuff like me. Toys, he's got a collection of Japanese helmets and just got a genuine Japanese battle flag.
Anyhow I did some swapping, gave him a nice Arisaka with the bi pod, original sling, the mums not ground off, good shape and a Super Blackhawk 7 1/2 which I haven't shot in years and I still have a 10 1/2" so got that base covered.
Anyhow I got these.




The top one, near as I can figure is a 44 DA 1st Model- made 1881-1913. 54,000 made and this one is about the middle of that range. It's 44 Russian which was the most often made and found. They also made 44-40 and 38-40 but much less common.
The Frontier was primarily 44-40 and worth a bit more.

The bottom again near as I can figure is a 38 S&W Double Action 5th model. There were 15,000 of these made 1909-1911.
Both lock up pretty well, the 38 being a bit better than the 44.

Both I think with careful probably black powder or pyrodex loads are shootable. For sure if I can run into Chumley from Pawn Stars to pull the trigger the first few times.

I also (great week for me) won an Iver Johnson Sealed Eight break top in 22. It's at the shop as we speak, I'll pick it up later this week along with a Ruger Charger I found on sale.

Helped having my 3rd job the proceeds of which the wife lets me keep (at least so far). Never get rich but have a little play money, very little actually but much more than I've had for a very long time.

[gb6491]

Darn, that's a nice score Colonel! It's good to see you have started scratching that break top itch

Is that IVORY or polished stag on the 44?

Starline has published a nice article on 44 Russian: https://www.starlinebrass.com/articl...tory-and-Info/

I probably have some once fired 44 Russian brass in the garage. If you interested in some of that, I'll sort around for it.

BTW, those are nice photos and both pieces look like they will be a hoot to shoot.

Looking forward to seeing the Iver Johnson as well.

Regards,
Greg

[yqtszhj]

Those are nice. Good score if you ask me.

[Bawanna]

I'm certain it's Ivory. They do look very fragile but they are solid. I'm reluctant to remove them for fear of damaging them.
If I ever do it will be a very careful and patient process. I think it would be ok but they are so cool I don't want to mess them up.

The little 38 isn't as nice in the finish department but it's got a good solid lock up. I'm quite pleased with both.

I've been trying to figure out if the 44 is supposed to be double action only. I glanced at S&W forum and youtube but can't get a definitive answer.
I saw a couple video's and they never fired them single action, always double. Makes me think it's double action only.
This one will not stay hammer back if you try to thumb it. While I'd like to be able too, I'm hoping something isn't broke in that department.

I did pull the side plate, mostly just to see what somebodies hands had done in the late 1800's and it was clean as a pin inside. Should have took a picture.

Should get the Iver Johnson thursday at my dealer. The Charger comes in then and he'll only charge me one transfer fee if I do both at the same time.
Call me cheap but 35 bucks is 35 bucks.

I intend to make me a Mares Leg for myself. And use it to maybe make them for other people. I'm watching for 10/22 stocks. Most take them off, put on a heavy barrel and a new stock and the old stock lives in limbo in a closet someplace.

Don't make a special effort but if you stumble into any of that 44 Russian brass I'd take you up on some. I don't know yet when / if or how soon I'll shoot it, the desire is there, right now I'm just tickled to call it my own and give it a good home.

[Armybrat]

Nice score on those Smiths, especially the ivory handled one.

Speaking of breaktops, I'm kinda jonesing for the new NAA Ranger II convertible. Yeah, it's a novelty, but the minis are like little jewels:

[Bawanna]

Hadn't seen those before. Looks kind of nice. I had one for awhile. Just a 22 but nothing to hang onto, couldn't hit the barn wall from inside.

I'd like to see one of those in person, I'd probably try it again. Fool me once don't cha know?

[wyntrout]

I had one of the old ones for years and concealed carried it until I got my license then switched to a SS TPH in .22LR... until I had problems with some rounds not firing, then I switched to the PM9 and larger ones, along with the P380, on my hip now.

I can testify that I couldn't hit the broad side of a barn, but maybe from the inside I might have a chance. I swear that I could stand 10 feet, or closer, to a man-sized target and point that little thing at the middle of the target and miss. I might be hurt, though, the cylinder edge could slice my thumb!

Considering that I kept the derringer in a velcroed coin purse, that wasn't very "armed". My buddy carried one like that as well, and I always tried to get him to switch to center fire. The last time we went to a range and his .22 pocket pistols had a low successful firing rate, he finally agreed with me that the ammo became very iffy after being carried for a while!

[JohnR]

.22LR ammo is iffy even fresh from the factory, at least the stuff I've been shooting. That's enough reason for me not to rely on it for SD. But that little top break jewel does look like fun. I wish they made a "real" size gun like that.

[wyntrout]

The coin purse was a worse idea than pocket carry to me. My buddy always claimed that he would know when a "situation" was developing and he needed to start digging out the derringer! I tried to convince him otherwise. I carry at the 4:30 position IWB with un-tucked and oversized Tees or Polos and can sweep the shirt up and draw with one hand quickly.

That last range trip... a few months ago... was an eye-opener for him, though. A large percentage of his .22 ammo wouldn't fire and not all had been carried a long time. Center-fire ammo and frequent ammo rotation or replacement is very advisable.

[gb6491]

It's heavy...

[wyntrout]

I remember that radio show!

[Bawanna]

Picked up my Ruger Charger and the Iver Johnson Break Top 22 today. Very pleased once again. Evidence photo's hopefully later this evening.

[ltxi]

That gun isn't just a prelock.
It appears to be pinned and recessed.
Along with being factory nickel that thing is worth some coin.

Now you tell me. I gave one away to a relative in need a couple/three years ago.

[ltxi]

Good week for Break Tops. Had a hankering for one forever and Greg will testify since I've been on the prowl.
Just didn't want one bad enough to spend over a grand for an Uberti clone.
We have an interim chief who I found was into old stuff like me. Toys, he's got a collection of Japanese helmets and just got a genuine Japanese battle flag.
Anyhow I did some swapping, gave him a nice Arisaka with the bi pod, original sling, the mums not ground off, good shape and a Super Blackhawk 7 1/2 which I haven't shot in years and I still have a 10 1/2" so got that base covered.
Anyhow I got these........

Nice!!

[ltxi]

Nice score on those Smiths, especially the ivory handled one.

Speaking of breaktops, I'm kinda jonesing for the new NAA Ranger II convertible. Yeah, it's a novelty, but the minis are like little jewels:

Being something of an NAA mini collector, I keep having to kick myself where it most hurts to keep from buying one. I liked the original Ranger...was sad when it didn't make it into production and I lost out. The Ranger II, as a breaktop, should be just as or even more functional.

I actually don't consider the "full size" birdshead minis a novelty. A 1 5/8 " .22 mag has been in my carry remuda for a long, long while. I refer to it as my Speedo carry gun. It's always been dead stone reliable and, unlike the Col and other barn challenged here, I'm good with it at close quarters offensive/defensive range. It does help I have small hands. And my 1 1/4 inchers don't, keyhole, fare as well.