Gary Reeder
same as the new 44 Auto Mag. More and more
Friday, April 24, 2020, 12:41

delays and more asking for deposits. I sorta feel sorry for them. They have a gazillion dollars invested and every feasible problem is cropping up.

Years ago we got the written OK from Ruger to build a stainless version of the old model 3 screw Blackhawk. The rage back then was the Keith #5 so I thought why not build a stainless old model #5. I spent a small fortune getting the frames cast and CNC'd. Then the internal parts were made. I planned on putting out an exact copy of the old model but in the #5. During the testing of the first couple of frames, my guys were loading the guns, handing them to me to test fire with various power loads. Twice in one day they accidentally let a round off into the floor. These were young guys, mid to late 20s and they had never had a non transfer bar revolver. After thinking about that and worrying about somebody getting hurt or killed I decided to change horses in mid stream and make the gun an old model but with the transfer bar system. So another small fortune in small parts was spent and some of them would not work well, causing lots of problems.

Diamond Dot had ordered one for John for his birthday and no matter what I did I couldn't get one to be 100% reliable. I was afraid to walk in front of a lighted window, figuring Dot might just take a pot shot at me. I finally (months later) got Dot a gun for John. I think I aged several years during that timeframe.

In the next batch of small parts the gun was even worse with them. The small parts simply weren't matching up with the frame. Finally I had to admit defeat. I got the guns to the folks that had put down deposits or just refunded them. The new stainless old model frames are sitting in a box in one of my safes. A very expensive lesson learned. I think we actuality built maybe 15 guns total. I guess some folks have a bit of a collector's item. Here are a few of the guns that actually worked.

This is why I sorta feel sorry for the folks at SSK50 and the Auto Mag and Wildey. It has to be ulcer city and probably no relief in sight.