WB
Ode to Uncle Ed - thanks Gary, guys...
Saturday, November 03, 2018, 15:23

To many, firearms are mere tools, or perhaps simply seen as soulless dangerous weapons. In truth they are, actually just so, but to an enthusiast sometimes much more. They are stories, experiences of forged and machined steel, and placed in the role of a trusted protector. The dedicated and purposed original intent of the handgun itself is to defend. My humble sadness still pangs, the passing of my youngest uncle, Edward Goree. The circumstances saw that I received a worn, dirty, and damaged set of S&W combat stocks as the sole item of inheritance from his estate. The wood was sourced from South America, Goncalo Alves, which is a figured and desired tight grained hardwood. I was eternally grateful. I cannot forget my uncle’s last words spoken to me this side of eternity, simply “I love you little buddy”. The revolver grips were of a design for the square butt N-frame style which is no longer manufactured. It took some time but I managed to carefully sand and restore the finish at my work desk, therapeutically fettering my nervous tension away whenever it invaded my day. Now what to do? I needed an arm to wrap them around, to honor their origin. A fine fellow friend of mine, Dr. R. Cavanaugh, provided the perfect device. We arranged a deal where I acquired from him a fine old M28 Highway Patrolman model .357 revolver. Interestingly it was said to be previously owned by a Guard at the Angola Prison in south Louisiana. It was manufactured the year after I was born, in 1964. A fine revolver, it however lacked my respect due to the large bulk and underwhelming cartridge (since so, circa 1955). My own twist of affairs evolved with time and much effort, through the shop of a dear friend, Gary Nelson Reeder. Today it is a true custom hybrid befitting its passage through the lives of men whom it has touched. The caliber is now a more befitting .41 Remington Magnum, itself devised in 1964, then envisioned by some, as the ultimate peace officers arm ever to be designed in America. It is very useful to me, a perfect proportion of power and size for the classic chassis, embellished with my own style of ornamental grace. It was designed, through a metamorphosis, to truly satisfy my vision. The S&W 28/57 custom is more special than even a seasoned enthusiast might wonder, an heirloom for the future with a story.

*You guys can appreciate the unseen features. Custom barrel throating, contoured leading edge of cylinder for ease of holstering, attention to barrel/cylinder fitment, and action lock-up. All good stuff.