Today reader Ian McKee, whose blog handle is 45Bravo, tells us about how the Smith and Wesson replica air pistols have evolved over time.
If you’d like to write a guest post for this blog, please email me at blogger@pyramydair.com.
Take it away, Ian
The evolution of replica Smith & Wesson double action air pistols
by Ian McKee
The evolution of Smith & Wesson air pistols over time.
This report covers:
- Letter-size S&W revolvers
- The L frame
- The best
- Why almost?
- Summary
- P.S.
Letter-size S&W revolvers
In the firearm world, Smith & Wesson revolver frame sizes are given a letter designation for each size. Technically there have been 11 different frame designations throughout history. The Top Hinge, the Top break, M and I frames have all been discontinued. The C frame didn’t get past the prototype stage for the Model 73. Revolvers with these frame designations are only going to be found in Museums, in the hands of avid Smith & Wesson collectors, and the occasional used gun market. That leaves us with the J, K, L, N, X and Z frames.
If there is interest I will do a deep dive into the firearm Smith & Wesson revolver sizes in a later report. Today we are just looking at the sizes that have airgun pellet or BB counterparts.
At this point in time, The only Smith & Wesson airgun revolvers that have airgun counterparts are the K frame, L frame and the N frame. There are a few green gas (odorless propane airsoft gas) powered airsoft revolvers that are J-frame sized, but today I am only looking at guns that shoot pellets or steel BBs.
The K frame-size (revolver) we know best that is about the size of a K frame firearm is the vintage CO2 powered Crosman 38T. It has been covered in this blog many times, and is one of the vintage airguns everyone should own at some point in their airgun life.
The Crosman 38T was available in both .177 and .22 calibers.
The L frame
The next frame size larger is the L frame revolvers. The firearm version saw extensive use in law enforcement as both the 686 stainless steel version, and the 586 blued steel model. The only airgun counterparts to them were made by Umarex under License from Smith & Wesson. Introduced in late 1998, it is an all metal CO2-powered revolver with interchangeable barrels.
Unlike the Crosman 38T, the Umarex 586 used a swing out 10 round pellet clip where the older 38T had a non removable pellet clip.
This Model has been covered in this blog several times (2005, 2006, 2009, and 2012). These pistols still pop up on the used airgun forums for less than $100 and they are a very well made replica.
It’s all-metal, has a swing-out pellet clip and interchangeable barrels. The 586 has a lot to offer.
The best
That brings us to the current production Smith & Wesson revolver replica, and in my opinion it is by far the best and most realistic so far — the Umarex Smith & Wesson Model 29.
The Umarex M29 has all of the features of the firearm without the recoil and smell of gunpowder.
The Umarex model 29, is ALMOST an exact replica of the Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum used by “Dirty Harry” in several movies from 1971 until 1988.
The finish is mirror polished to perfection. So much so that it almost looks like a nickel finish in some light rather than blued steel. This CO2-powered revolver sports a full size swing-out six shot cylinder with a working ejector, and reloadable metal cartridges to hold the BB’s or pellets.
Why almost?
I emphasized the word almost because the N frame Model 29 firearm is in .44 magnum, and can shoot the .44 special as well. The Smith & Wesson N frame Model 27 is actually .357 magnum caliber and can shoot the .38 special cartridge.
This Umarex/Smith & Wesson replica is marked .44 Magnum on the barrel but it uses the same .38-ish caliber shells that Umarex uses in their other cartridge loading replica airguns. It would be cost prohibitive for them to make .44 caliber cartridges just for this gun.
It’s a minor point, but it does kind of bother me. However I bought one of the Umarex M29 air pistols, so apparently it doesn’t bother me that much.
Summary
We started with a replica revolver that didn’t really revolve. We then progressed to one that did revolve and swing out to load pre-loaded clips faster, but those clips were just the last quarter inch of the cylinder. That was all that revolved. Finally we came a fully functional revolver that is of such quality that it could be (and probably has been) used in motion picture productions.
As you can see, the replica revolvers have evolved over time as we the shooters demanded more realism. I am glad they listen to us. Umarex, please keep up the level of quality, fit & finish you have become known for.
As I mentioned, if there is interest I will do a deep dive into the S&W revolver sizes.
P.S.
If you haven’t noticed, Pyramyd AIR is now carrying firearm ammunition in most popular calibers. They are truly becoming America’s one stop shop for all of your outdoor recreational pursuits.
I already shoot the Federal Automatch in my Ruger Precision Rimfire rifle, and it does well out to 200 yards in that rifle. I need to order a few boxes of the Norma Match to see how it does.
Shoot safe, and have FUN!
Ian
B.B.
Unfortunately the problem(my problem) with replica airguns is that they encourage bad behaviour.
I wish perhaps that they were not quite so exact…??..
-Y
Yogi,
I agree. Despite putting a blaze Orange paint at the muzzle I cannot feel safe having one pointed in my general direction.
Siraniko
Isn’t Diana selling the 586 copy now?
The Diana Raptor is actually a copy of the Colt Python.
S&W have model number and Frame letter designations, Colt uses Snake names.
Smith and Wesson style revolvers. You push the cylinder release forward to open the crane on a Colt you pull it backwards to open the crane.
And if you really wanna start digging into the differences.
Colt cylinders rotate clockwise, Smith & Wesson and Ruger rotate counterclockwise, and it just keeps getting deeper and deeper and deeper.
Ian.
Ian,
This is a great report; I’ve owned several of the Crosman 38s, both the Target (38T) and Compact (38C).
They’re nice pistols.
But you really got me with the Umarex Smith & Wesson Model 29…what a beauty!
I’d love to see you do a report on that thing; she is sweet. 🙂
Blessings to you,
dave
P.S. You said, “…if there is interest I will do a deep dive into the S&W revolver sizes.”
I’d surely be interested in that, and I doubt I’m the only one; thank you. 😉
Dave, the link to the M29 blog is below.
They are also offering it with a dart kit!
https://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2021/12/sw-model-29-44-magnum-bb-revolver-part-5/
And the dart combo
https://www.pyramydair.com/product/smith-wesson-m29-co2-bb-revolver?m=5338&page=1&query=m29&lang=en&searchConfigId=643645070c547549270ccc15#11211
I BB covered it pretty extensively, but I might write a blog, from a different POU (Philosophy Of Use).
Ian..
Thanks, Ian; I somehow missed those till now. 🙂
IAN: A number of years ago I felt like playing cowboy for a while, so I had the good folks at Pyramyd send me a S & W SA Army 22 cal CO2 revolver. Hoppalong Cassidy with my chromed revolver and (plastic) walnut grips here I come. I’m 76 years old going on 6. Giddyup now cowboy. Orv.
We all are with you on that one Orv.
While growing old is mandatory, growing up is not!
Ian
Thanks for the interesting report Ian. Please tell us what you can about the revolver used by Oswald to murder JD Tippit shortly after the JFK assassination. Which frame size letter are we looking at in this photo? I am going by memory, but it is designated a Victory model and was originally a .38 caliber which was re-chambered for .38 special ammunition. However the bore remained the ever-so-slightly larger .38 caliber size. And the barrel was shortened from 5” if I remember correctly. If I remember correctly, at least some of the Victory model revolvers (including this one) were originally sent to Britain and then imported back into the U.S. Thanks again.
Elmer, I am in no way a S&W expert.
Nor an expert in the JFK case.
But I do research and like to learn about things that interest me.
Here is a link that may start you down the path that will lead you to more information.
Ian
https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/v-is-for-victory-the-smith-wesson-victory-model-revolver/
Thanks Ian, that’s an interesting article. I learned a lot of things. The frame is a K frame.
Ian,
Many thanks for the report.
I also own the 29 with 6,5″ barrel. It is soo damn exact. I only have to put some deadner on the grip to avoid this annoing noise when squeezing the grip. Now is perfect. The accuracy is really on a good level – you need to get some experience with it. It is not very easy to shot but in good hands is accurate. I was impressed how good it works. Put some grease where it was needed and it is just smooth.
Ian,
Over the years a number of S&W revolvers have passed through my hands. I would be one of those who would not mind a little history lesson concerning these old revolvers.
I must admit, as many have become aware, I am not a big fan of the replica airgun market. I do understand the desire to own various replicas of some firearms that most will never see or cannot possibly afford.
My question is why does not Umarex and others not make replicas of some of the Sci-Fi weapons we have seen in movies? TCFKAC has done such with their ST-1. Being as wide open as this market is, you would think that you would see more, most especially as the need for companies to pay licensing fees could easily be avoided as it is not necessary to make exact copies.
Yes, even in this category, there are those who would be willing to pay a pretty penny for a set of Star Trek Phasers that were CO2 bb shooters. I myself may even be tempted to do such. I could see me pulling out a Klingon Disruptor and blasting a feral soda can with such.
An airgun does not have to look exactly like a firearm. Even though some features have similar functions, an airgun does not have to replicate a firearm in appearance.
As FM has stated before, replica airguns appeal to people who are not fortunate enough to own/shoot the firearm versions or live in places where these are strictly verboten. Even where you could own/shoot an S&W .44, the replica pellet/bb version would save a lotta $ if you want to just plink or practice. Also, guarantee it will be much easier on your hand than the powder version. May just have to get a grip on Umarex’s version.
Another thing, if you have a collectible firearm, say a P08, you may want to think twice about “exercising” it excessively to avoid wear, tear and breakage of a valuable, not easily repaired or replaceable piece. Reminder to FM: need to have some fun with the Umarex P08; macht schnell!
This was a good, interesting report. Not only was reminded of the “Dirty Harry” movie series but also Charles Bronson’s “Death Wish.” That was a fun one, though for bad actors and other malefactor types, perhaps not so much.
Ridge Runner,
If I would venture a guess it would probably be because of licensing restrictions.
Umarex has long had many license in agreements with firearm manufactures to produce replicas of their weapons.
As for the Star Wars replicas, it’s probably all about money George Lucas Made the agreement when he made the film that he would get Substantial cut of the merchandising. Like action, figures, and toys, lunchboxes, and all the other things we enjoyed as kids.
I would suspect Disney who now owns Star Wars wants too much money per item to make it profitable to do so.
Or they are afraid of the liability of someone being injured by someone else with one of their Star Wars replicas.
The Star Trek franchise that’s a different story.
I have no idea why no one has brought some of their items to market in an Airgun or airsoft format.
Think of some of the iconic Ray guns from the 1950s and 60s sci-fi films and TV series like lost in space or forbidden planet, Flash Gordon and many others.
collectors would love to have those on their wall.
As weird as it may sound, the airsoft market for some reason Has more R&D money put into Airgun design and licensing than pellet guns.
Many of the replica airguns we enjoy were first introduced in 6 mm airsoft.
Making the caliber conversion to 5.5 mm or 4.5 mm is a relatively inexpensive process after the initial 6 mm design is perfected.
Ian
Han Solo’s Blaster was a rudimentary modification of a broomhandle
Mauser, readily available as a CO2 replica. Some epoxy, stryofoam, spray paint and a Dremel, and you’re good to go.
Michael
Ian,
In many countries, people are not even allowed to have bb/pellet guns, so the airsoft, paintball, gelball market is the only way to go for them. Perhaps this is why the “airsoft” market is thriving.
I believe you are correct on that.
This is what is over my desk as I write this.
They are airsoft.
It has a lot of things going for it.
If someone breaks in and steals it, there is not a real machine gun on the street.
I am not out about $30,000.
I can shoot them in the yard.
And they look cool on the wall!.
Ian
Airsoft also allows a person to be more than a “couch” commando should he/she choose to participate in active field games.
Yes, just what we need to do. Let us learn how to kill people without actually killing them. Remove the stigma of violence from a violent act. Teach the brain there is not real consequence to committing such an act.
Yes, there are some who know better. There are also many who just do not understand.
I know, I know. This is my opinion. It is given freely and should be valued as such.
Ian,
An excellent guest column.
I must say that CO2 DA revolvers are my favorite of all air guns. As such I have a lot of them in my collection. Two long-discontinued and somewhat rare CO2 DA revolver replicas that are especially fine shooters (albeit a tiny bit lacking in absolute realism) are the Gamo R77 series and the Daisy 44, probably the best shooting CO2 air gun Daisy ever made.
Again, very well done!
Michael
Umarex also produced the licensed by S&W 327 TRR8 in smoothbore. The swing out cylinder held the front loaded bb cartridges, albeit only 6 instead of the 8 rounds of the powder burner. I believe it to be a K frame size revolver. Nicely balanced with nicer sights than most in the cartegory. Pretty accurate 1- 1.5 groups offhand at 7 yards. I preferred it to the larger Umarex 586. For which I obtained both 6 and 4 inch barrels. Pryramyd AIR still lists the 327 TRR8 as a kit called Dominant Trait –
but unavailable. It is very similar to the Gamo PR-776 but a bit more realistic due the bb holding cartridges. I recall Dennis Adler doing a comparison between the two.
Remarq,
I looked really hard at that one and would have bought it for sure except around that time I resolved to not collect more air guns. :^(
Michael
New version. I handled one at IWA and it feels as good as it looks!
https://www.umarex.com/products/airguns/co2/5.8440.html