Absurd price on gun part--unless you need it?!

S

Sevens

New member
Strolling through Gonebroker... I come across an obviously scarce part:
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=492032596
Seller describes it as a new, never installed complete hammer assembly for a S&W Registered Magnum.

He listed it for 7 days with no reserve... but if you wish to buy, bidding opens at $ 995. :eek:

Seems ludicrous, but then again, I am really not sure where you go to find even a used one, let alone a NOS piece.

As I am unfamiliar with the innards of S&W revolvers of this era, my first question to you guys is probably obvious: is the hammer assembly from a Registered Magnum different from the many other similar S&W revolvers of the era such as the Triple Lock and descendants or the .38-44 Heavy Duty?

Next question if the above answer is "no" is: how would anyone know it is absolutely for a Registered Magnum?
 
I can't wait for the 3D print industry or the computer controlled milling machines or whatever to get the parts market under control.

Maybe some day you could:
1. scan in your broken part
2. send them the specs of the part
3. get some body with an unbroken part to scan it and send in the spec

And they'd just make the part for you and mail it out.

This could come in handy for cars, appliances, practically anything.

Think how much fun it would be to replace some pot metal window latch that's broken twice with a titanium duplicate that would still be factory fresh after the rest of your home has rotted away.
 
You are correct in your thinking. The part is for an early registered .357 Magnum, but can be fitted to any N-Framed revolver.

If I remember correctly, all .357 Magnums of the period were registered, but then the .357 Magnum became standard production.

Bob Wright
 
Then it really begs the question of provenance. It certainly could be a part that was made specifically for a Registered Magnum, but I would love to hear someone back that up with... something?
 
Sevens asked two questions. The answers are "no" and "no". But if the seller had described it as a hammer for a .44 HE or a .38/44, he wouldn't have been able to ask a grand for it.

Jim
 
Oh SURE he could!:p
Anyone who sifts through Gunbroker knows that some opening bids and reserves aren't often a good reflection of reality.

I prefer to hope that most folks are good folks. It seems like one would be putting their reputation on the line to simply make this up out of thin air.

Why not go for the gold? Like: "this was the original hammer installed in J.Edgar Hoover's gun but he replaced it and the one in his revolver now was not original."

Maybe he'll update the description if someone calls him out on provenance.
 
Registered magnum have a hammer unique to them. I cannot remember if it was shared by the heavy duty or outdoorsman.

The circular lines (looks like a vinyl record) on the sides of the hammer should be the giveaway.

I'm sure these can be faked. Not sure if they can be modified from another model's hammer. But a fake wouldn't be worth the effort for a machinist skilled enough to reproduce once from scratch. Even at almost $1000, that crime doesn't pay when you consider that a machinist could make legitimate products far easier in less time for more money.
 
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