This video identifies seven revolvers predicted to significantly increase in value soon. The creator analyzes market trends from auction houses (Rock Island, Morphy), Blue Book valuations, and GunBroker sales data to pinpoint future collector's items. Specific mentions include pre-lock Smith & Wesson revolvers and early Colt Pythons, with an emphasis on how limited supply and documented collector demand are driving up prices. The goal is to help viewers make smart investment purchases before prices escalate.
This video delves into the history and significance of Elmer Keith's custom Colt Single Action Army revolver, nicknamed "No. 5." Built in 1929, this firearm represents a culmination of Keith's extensive knowledge and experience as a hunter, rancher, and firearm writer. The description details the gun's origins, including a challenge from a Pennsylvania gunsmith, Harold Croft, and the subsequent development of Keith's ideal revolver. Key features highlighted include its custom grip, target sights, unique cylinder pin latch, and the .44 Special and .44 Russian chambering. The video also touches on the gun's working cowboy history and subsequent engraving.
This video from Rock Island Auctions features Brownells Gun Techs Keith Ford and Steve Ostrem examining a Colt Model 1860 Army revolver that has undergone a Thuer Conversion. The Thuer Conversion allowed Colt to produce metallic cartridge revolvers without infringing on Smith & Wesson's patent for bored-through cylinders, which was held by Rollin White. The video highlights the unique front-loading nature of these conversions and demonstrates the loading, unloading, and even reloading process using the gun itself as a press. The condition of the featured revolver is noted as superb, including some original tapered cartridges. The discussion also touches on the comparative finickiness of the Thuer Conversion compared to Smith & Wesson revolvers and mentions that a cap-and-ball cylinder was often included as a backup. The video concludes by noting that the Thuer Conversion was eventually superseded by the Colt 1872 open-top revolver after White's patent expired.
This video from Brownells Gun Techs Caleb Savant and Keith Ford features an in-depth look at the SIG PE 57 battle rifle, a semi-automatic variant of the Swiss Stgw 57. Discovered at Rock Island Auctions, the rifle is chambered in 7.5mm Swiss and utilizes SIG's signature delayed roller lock blowback action. The hosts highlight its unique features, including provisions for a grenade launcher, a loaded chamber indicator, an integrated bipod, flip-up sights, and an unusual base-first ejection system. The video also briefly touches on the related SIG AMT model and the rarity of these rifles in the U.S.
This video from Brownells showcases the historical Evans Repeating Rifle, a lever-action firearm invented by Dr. Warren Evans. It highlights the rifle's unique 34-round helical tubular magazine, which runs through the buttstock, and its proprietary .44 Evans cartridge. The rifle, produced between 1873 and 1879, was initially aimed at the military but found its niche in the hunting market. The description notes its appearance in films like "Tombstone" and the video game "Red Dead Redemption." The featured example is in near-pristine condition, displaying vivid case-hardening.
This "From the Vault" video showcases three Tippmann miniature rimfire replica machine guns from the 1980s, presented by Brownells Gun Tech and firearm historian Keith Ford, along with Rock Island Auctions' new product team leader Paul Levy. These fully functioning, belt-fed, full-auto firearms are scaled-down replicas of famous US military Browning machine guns. The collection includes an M1917 with a simulated water jacket, an air-cooled M1919, and an M2 "Ma Deuce" chambered in .22 WMR. The video highlights their detailed construction, reliability, and fun factor, with accurate scale replicas of tripods and ammo cans also featured. Production of these limited-run firearms ceased following the 1986 Firearm Owners Protection Act.
This video delves into the history and features of the FN Model D, the final iteration of John Moses Browning's iconic BAR (Browning Automatic Rifle). Presented by Keith Ford and Paul Levy from Rock Island Auctions, the FN Model D, developed by Fabrique Nationale, boasts significant upgrades over its predecessor. These include a quick-change barrel, a pistol grip, a takedown system for easier cleaning, an adjustable gas system, and a threaded muzzle for accessories. The video highlights the Model D's heavier barrel with cooling fins designed to prevent warping during sustained fire, a common issue with earlier BARs. It also touches on the various calibers the Model D was chambered in, such as 6.5mm Swedish, 7x57 Mauser, 8x57 Mauser, 7.62 NATO, and .30-06 Springfield. Despite its improvements in handling, the fixed 20-round magazine ultimately limited its widespread military adoption in favor of belt-fed automatic weapons.
This video delves into the creation of a prop 8-gauge double-barreled shotgun for the movie "Appaloosa" (2008). Motion picture armorer Larry Zanoff from Independent Studio Services (ISS) explains the challenges of sourcing three identical antique 8-gauge shotguns for a film with a limited budget. The discussion highlights how ISS manufactured a prop that mimics the appearance of the massive shotgun used by Viggo Mortensen's character, Everett Hitch, revealing that the on-screen firearm is not quite what it seems.
This video delves into the history of the Magnum era with a look at three rare Smith & Wesson revolvers. Hosted by Brownells Gun Techs and firearm historians, the presentation features revolvers owned by influential figures like Elmer Keith, Douglas Wesson, and Phillip Sharpe. These guns were instrumental in the development and popularization of the .357 Magnum cartridge, showcasing its early testing and impact, including its use against bulletproof glass. The video highlights the meticulous registration of early .357 Magnum revolvers and their connection to figures like J. Edgar Hoover, explaining the caliber's initial popularity with law enforcement.
This video from Rock Island Auctions showcases a replica USMC M40A1 sniper rifle, built to military specifications on a Remington 700 receiver. Featuring a Redfield 3-9x scope, heavy barrel, SEA camouflage, and leather sling, the rifle is chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO (.308 Winchester). A unique aspect is the stock autographed by legendary Marine sniper Carlos Hathcock, who is noted to have primarily used a Winchester Model 70. The segment highlights the authentic details and expected accuracy of the M40A1.
This video showcases a rare and beautifully presented set of Deane, Adams & Deane double-barreled percussion pistols from circa 1855. Presented by Brownells firearm historians Steve and Keith, the pistols were designed for concealed carry for the fashionable English gentleman of the era, featuring a pocket clip and safety catches. The description highlights the historical significance of Deane, Adams & Deane, their patronage by Prince Albert, and contrasts the over/under pistol with early revolvers. The examples are in excellent condition with full engraving and original accoutrements, housed in a leather-bound case.
This "From the Vault" episode from Brownells features an in-depth look at an exceptional John Rigby pepperbox pistol from the early 1800s, presented by Steve Ostrem and Keith Ford from Rock Island Auctions. This muzzleloading cap-and-ball pistol, with its five rotating barrels and double-action trigger, is highlighted as the "gentleman's EDC pistol" of its era, comparable to modern compact revolvers. The video also showcases the pistol's original fitted wood case and all its accompanying accoutrements, including a ramrod, bullet mold, powder flask, nipple wrench, and oiler. The historical context of the Rigby firm, founded in 1775 in Dublin and later establishing a London branch renowned for "best quality" firearms, is also provided.
