This is one of the Brazilian Navy contract models. For professional work I have always used automatics. Mostly 1911s and recently Glocks, but I have always had a feeling for quality revolvers. When I got this one, they were still pretty common, so I decided it would make a good combat revolver. Dumbassed me takes it to an equally dumbdassed "gunsmith" for refinishing and he ground half the Brazilian markings off. Sometimes life's best lessons are the hardest learned.
Designed for .45 Auto Rim (a rimmed version of the .45ACP) it and it's Colt counterpart were substitute standard for the U.S. military in WW1 and many saw service in WW2. Smith marketed it to a number of third world countries, hence the Brazilian Navy contract. This one is dated 1937.
It will shoot .45 ACP when used with half or full moon clips( I couldn't find them in the Ohio container so now need to order more)
Even with the thin sights, this puppy is a tack driver with 230gr .45 ACP ball, but it doesn't shoot cast lead bullets well due to the shallow rifling. I'm still considering a full combat revolver upgrade since I ruined it's collector value.
The walnut grips are original. It's an example of the gunmaker's art, reflecting quality manufacture, and hand fitting. Back when the world had time for such "foolishness"
Johnnie
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