This video features Brownells Gun Techs Keith Ford and Steve Ostrem showcasing the rare Smith & Wesson "Baby" Aircrewman revolver. Developed for the U.S. Air Force in the 1950s as a lightweight sidearm for aircrews, this J-frame revolver is chambered in .38 Special and features an aluminum frame and cylinder, weighing in at just 10 oz. The video discusses its history, the challenges faced due to its lightweight construction leading to pressure issues, and the rarity of surviving examples, with only about 10 believed to exist. Keith also provides guidance on identifying genuine Aircrewman revolvers, including how to spot hidden markings on those salvaged from government property.
This video from Brownells Gun Tech™ Keith Ford delves into the history and features of Colt Cobra and Agent revolvers. It highlights their revolutionary aluminum frames, introduced in 1950, which made them significantly lighter than contemporary models from Colt and Smith & Wesson. The discussion touches upon the Aircrewman revolver and Smith & Wesson's subsequent Airweight response. The video also differentiates the Agent model by its shortened grip frame and mentions their 6-shot cylinders, a feature not found on S&W's J-frames. A redesign in 1971, including a barrel shroud, is noted. Various calibers offered for the Cobra are listed, and its association with notable historical events is promised.
This video from Brownells Gun Techs explores rare United States Air Force Aircrewman revolvers, built by Colt and Smith & Wesson in the 1950s. These .38 Special snub-nosed revolvers featured lightweight aluminum frames and cylinders, designed for aircrew survival kits. A specially developed low-pressure load was intended, but standard .38 Special ammunition often damaged the cylinders, leading to their eventual destruction by the USAF. The video highlights the extreme rarity of surviving examples, contrasting the early aluminum alloy limitations with modern lightweight revolver designs. The Colt Aircrewman is compared in size to the Detective Special's D-frame, and the Smith & Wesson Aircrewman is noted as a J-frame.
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