I was able to get some confirmation from Gary. This serial number range is for the Gunslinger models, and based on "several hundred" being made this one falls roughly into the first third of those. I'm guessing mid-late 1990s. He also confirmed that the grips would not have come from USFA. I did not ask whether USFA would have made a gun to fit existing grips, so am assuming these grips were created well after the show ended. But they must have been made with the original grips as a reference, to be this close. Still not known why ivory was chosen, other than the obvious esthetics.

King,
Can I ask what your bore diameter is in your rifle?

I am curious as to why you chose a 0.412" diameter bullet for a normal 0.403 to 0.406 diameter rifle barrel. Also, at a weight that is 1/2 way between the normal 40-60 210grains and the 40-65 260grain weights.  I listed above, my Winchester Original 40-60 bullet mold drops a 0.402-0.404 'out of round' 1/16 alloy.  The weight is 212 grains.

Like I stated, just curious.  It seem like a lot of sizing down and maybe deforming.  Or did you ask him to cut it to a 0.406 diameter?

Quote from: Major 2 on Today at 01:40:04 PMThat is a symptom of "gunaholicism"... yep you got it 

I have my S&W Model 1917, one day I'll add a Colt 1917.

I do have a Lettered Colt Commando from WW2 era.
And the Lettered Colt Police Positive w/ the Cop that carrying it in the 1930's .

I'm a Gunaholic and a gear-head love that Indian MC

Yeah, I have come down with it many years ago and I don't think there is a cure.

Love the photos with the guns that you have. Makes them even more interesting.

Quote from: Rube Burrows on Today at 11:11:53 AMThat is pretty awesome to have.

You know, I think the only logical thing for me to do about this holster is to find myself a Colt or S&W Model 1917.

That is a symptom of "gunaholicism"... yep you got it 

I have my S&W Model 1917, one day I'll add a Colt 1917.

I do have a Lettered Colt Commando from WW2 era.
And the Lettered Colt Police Positive w/ the Cop that carrying it in the 1930's .

I'm a Gunaholic and a gear-head love that Indian MC

TK, welcome to the brotherhood of Veterans.

Quote from: Marshal Will Wingam on Today at 11:34:16 AMIf you shoot it, please let us know how it does.
The letter is well worth it. That shows provenance for the piece. It's always nice to see where it went originally. It also increases the value of the piece if you go to sell it.

I am definitely planning to shoot it and likely will make a video for youtube.

I will do the letter also.

Quote from: Rube Burrows on March 18, 2025, 12:12:22 PMYeah, they are very nice to hold on too. I hope the 78 shoots good.

If you shoot it, please let us know how it does.

Quote from: Rube Burrows on Yesterday at 08:39:13 AMI think I will. I have never got one lettered. I have only had one real Colt before these and didn't have it long enough to letter it. I think I will get these lettered.

The letter is well worth it. That shows provenance for the piece. It's always nice to see where it went originally. It also increases the value of the piece if you go to sell it.

Quote from: Major 2 on Today at 09:46:19 AMThat is so very COOL, I've heard of notes found in the butt of Rifles.

I have letter obtained with an Erfurt (1917) Luger P08.
It authenticates where the Luger was found.
The letter states it was recovered (found) Aug. 23 in Falaise (France) in a destroyed stone building and by whom. 
> circling back to holsters <
This holster has been with the gun since 1944.
          

That is pretty awesome to have.

You know, I think the only logical thing for me to do about this holster is to find myself a Colt or S&W Model 1917.

Quote from: The Trinity Kid on Yesterday at 10:55:27 PMI am in fact a full-fledged civilian again. Not sure how I feel about it.


—TK

Thank you for your SERVICE, and feel proud 

I did the same this morning, good on you Abilene