Hawes Western Marshall SAA 357 w/ no ejector assembly?

B

browncoat817

Inactive
Hey guys, this is my first post. I just bought a Hawes (JP Sauer) SAA Western Marshall in 357 Magnum. However, the gun has no ejector assembly (rod, tubing, etc.) and the frame does not appear to have been designed to house one. Is anyone familiar with variations of this revolver that did not include an ejector assembly (if so, could you also explain why?), or am I missing something? I'm attaching a photo that might help. Thanks.
 

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I'm sure the real experts will be along shortly, but I think that's a sheriffs' or storekeepers' model. Popular belly gun back in the day.
probably has a 3" barrel or less?
They skipped the ejector to get the smallest gun possible for concealment.
 
As Hammerhead said, you probably (can't tell for sure from the photo) have the Sheriff's Model or Storekeepers Model. These were made without ejectors as the short barrel was shorter than the ejector assemblies.

A long stout fingernail works for empties. Usually.

Bob Wright
 
I knew I'd leave out something important. It's not a sheriff's model, it's actually a 6" barrel. That's what has me so confused...I can't seem to find anything referring to a 6" SAA, Hawes or otherwise, without the ejector system.
 
6" barrel, fixed sights, no ejector. That is an odd duck.
Yeah, that has to be a rebarrel or some other special project.
 
Well, I appreciate the feedback. The final twist in this odd narrative is that the serials on the barrel and frame match, which would lead me to believe this was the original configuration. So I just don't know. Definitely beats anything I've ever seen. Not a big deal I guess. If anyone else figures it out, I'm definitely interested. Thanks again!
 
my dad had a hawes saa 22 cal like that he got without the ejector. there were screw holes and wear marks where the ejector should go. i orderd an ejector from an online gun parts supplier ( i don't remember which one) and attached it myself. if the barrel has screw holes to attach the ejector rod i'm sure a quick search on the internet will turn one up for you.
 
Back in the day Colt did make limited number of longer barreled SAA's and I don't know if USFA ever made or sold any but they offered them. I always liked the look of a ejector less in any barrel length.
 
Nope, no hole on the barrel for the ejector tube screw and no space on the frame for the ejector rod to run beneath and into the cylinder. I'll try to post some better pictures soon, for anyone who is interested.
 
I did a bit more research and found a couple of images online of the exact frame configuration of my SAA. They are indeed the frames that JP Sauer & Sohn produced for the Sheriff's model (the attached photo is NOT my SAA, but one I found online of a SAA from JP Sauer imported by Hawes--the frame is identical to mine). You can see where the frame was never designed for an ejector rod or tube. Ones that are designed to house the tube look completely different on the tube-side, because the rod has to enter the chamber through the frame. Anyway, from what I gather the frame was intended for a Sheriff's model but was somehow married to a 6" barrel instead (which is still strange because the barrel was never fit with an ejector tube screw hole). Because the serial numbers on the frame and barrel match, I can't see how this would be done aftermarket. Not sure why it was done this way, whether it was intentional or an oversight, or whether there are any others like it produced. So far I haven't found any. I emailed Sig Sauer with a description and the serial number in hopes of finding out, but who knows if they'll be able to tell me anything. Thanks all.
 

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A wood pencil or 1/4" hardwood dowel could be used to push out the fired cartridge from the front of the cylinder. If they are hard to remove push down on the bench to remove.
 
I did hear back from Harald Wagner at Sig Sauer who confirmed it was sold in Los Angeles in November 1968. The lack of an ejector stumped him too, and he's checking with their engineering department for clues. Standing by.
 
I have a USFA Sheriff model with a 4 inch barrel. I don't miss the ejector, the spent cases almost fall out.

IMG_0308sm_zps234dffca.jpg
 
With the frame not made for the ejector and the barrel not made for the ejector rod housing, it sure seems like a factory custom gun to me. Why would a customer order such a combination? Unless he is reading this and will let us know, your guess is as good as mine.

Jim
 
Good point, Jim. Here's a better pic, though still not a great one (had to use my phone, don't have a great digital camera). Thanks for the pic, motown, here's hoping my spent cases drop as freely as yours lol.

IMG_20130327_233148%20%28800x600%29.jpg
 

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Its a stretch but maybe he intended to just swap cylinders for reloads? :confused: With out the ejector housing it is easier to get a hold of the cylinder pin. That besides liking the way it looks is the only guess I have.
 
Definitely unusual.

I have seen pictures of period Colts with longer barrels than Sheriff's Models and no provision for ejector rod, even one Bisley; so Hawes and Sauer had a precedent.
I doubt your Hawes is worth quite as much as a Colt of the same configuration, but it ought to shoot as well.
 
If I make revolvers and a customer wants something a bit different and is willing to put up bucks, he is going to get it. It doesn't have to make sense to me or anyone else. I will laugh at him all the way to the bank.

Jim
 
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