Hawes question

J

jimbarry

Inactive
I bought a Hawes SAA in 357. On the barrel is (Hawes firearms Co. Los Angeles Ca Made in Western germany by JP Sauer & Sohn). I see a Hawes for sale on Gunbroker and all it says (Hawes firearms Co. Los Angeles Ca Germany). What is the difference? I thought they stopped making these in the 70's. The German reunification was 1990. Before that it was Western Germany. Any info as to why it says only Germany?
 
J.P Sauer & Sohn quit making the Hawes revolvers around 1970 or so, but sold the rights and machinery to another German firm, whose name escapes me now, who continued to make these Single Actions for some years afterwards.

Bob Wright
 
The German reunification was 1990. Before that it was Western Germany. Any info as to why it says only Germany?
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Many, if not most of the Germans I spoke with on the subject, while I lived there in the latter 70s were very firm in regard to the fact that there was only ONE Germany.

They considered the East /West Germany to be a temporary situation. And, viewed long term, they were right...
 
If we knew the answer in great detail, what difference would it make? I have two of their guns and feel fortunate to own them.
 
I should have added in my post if anyone has info on the manufacturer or dates the Hawes SAA without (Sig Sauer & Sohn) and (Western Germany) were made.
The difference to me would be knowing some history about them so I know if I would want to buy one
 
Odd that, I didn't Hawes or JP Sauer and Sonn were associated with Heritage Arms??
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I didn't say they were, but they regularly handle the guns, including a few current listings. I have one of their Sauer guns and thought they would be a good source to ask.
 
I found a old post on Ar15.com
Every German SIG Sauer made after the reunification of Germany (October 3, 1990) is marked "Germany" Before "made in Western Germany"

Now these are Sigs but it seems it would hold true to other older models JP Sauer & Sohn may have been assembled after reunification and still imported by Hawes with "Germany" on the barrel?

I think I have too much time on my hands
 
Thanks for that info.
I've been kind of getting the itch for a sixgun.
Having owned a few Sauer - Hawes back in the day, might have to take a look at the EAA - Weihrauch versions.
 
I'm sort of a sucker for the "oddballs" that show up at my local dealer from time to time. Such was the case with this Hawes "Western Six Shooter" in 22 LR I picked up a few weeks ago.



It's marked "Hawes Firearm Company, Los Angeles, California, Made in Western Germany, by J.P. Sauer & Sohn." on the left side of the barrel. On the right side it says "Western Sixshooter, 22 Caliber."

I got it mostly because it was inexpensive, and to be honest it reminded me of a set of "Fanner 50's" I had as a kid. It's made of some kind of aluminum alloy I guess with a steel liner in the barrel, and steel inserts in the cylinder. The grips are plastic.

It's no Ruger or Colt, but after tightening up a couple of screws, it seems to be tight, and reasonably well made. I haven't fired it yet but see no reason it shouldn't be a good shooter.
 
CajunBass said:
............ It's made of some kind of aluminum alloy I guess with a steel liner in the barrel, and steel inserts in the cylinder. The grips are plastic.
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I believe the alloy is ZAMAK, a zinc based alloy that originated in Germany. ZAMAK is an acronym from "Zinc Aluminum, MAgnesium, Kopfer (copper).

Bob Wright
 
Note that the alloy frame was for the .22, not the centerfire versions.
Although that alloy is stronger than it sounds.
Some of the alloy frame, cheapie .38 revolvers with "West Germany" markings hold up well.
Probably similar to the brass framed guns of the Civil War.
 
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