Smith & Wesson Model 21 .44 revolver with serial numbers 0 and 1.
request with the permission of former S&W President, Mr. Roy Cuny and most of all with the help and support of my friend Tony Miele. Both the original Model 21 and 22s
The backstraps of the Smith & Wesson Model 22, with gold wire inlays.
A circa-2009 Wilson Com- bat/Thunder Ranch pistol, bearing the TR logo.
were in production from 1950 to 1966 and the numbers of guns produced was actually pretty low for Smith & Wesson. As an example, the Model 21 only had 1,200 made in the original 16-year run, but the reintroduction bearing the TR logo sold over 2,500 in less than six months. Introduced a year later, the Model 22 matched and exceeded that number. A year later Model 325 Thunder Ranch .45 ACP revolver was sort of a new-age revolv- er in that it was big-bored, adjustable sighted and could hold a fl ashlight on a front mounted rail. Today, standard issue Model 21s and 22s carry on in the form of the Classic Series guns and the TR325 is currently still cata- loged in the S&W catalog as the TR 325, TR logo-bearing revolver. These guns served a purpose and in some cases, even though not always perfect, they allowed a younger generation to have a fi x-sighted, big-bore, fi ghting handgun — whose quality en masse far exceeded any small problems, real or perceived. 2011 may yet produce another Thunder Ranch logo bearing S&W revolver — time will tell.
Robar Guns Robbie Barrkman, I like better
than some of my own family mem- bers. I have always let Robbie use the TR logo when he does rebuilds on customer guns that are done to Robar/TR spec sheets. Robar has built bolt guns, shotguns and 1911s that bear the TR logo. This is a for- mat where client’s sent in guns they often already had to have redone. Of course, new guns were also available for purchase.
Noveske ULTRa New in 2011, is the Ultra Light
New fl ared magazine well of the Noveske rifl e.
Tactical Rifl e being made by Noveske Rifl eworks. The Grants Pass, Ore. builder has made Thunder Ranch a super light rifl e using the best quality parts and barrels. The rifl e is absolutely the best AR rifl e I have owned in the last 40 years. The super lightweight barrel and reduced-weight components make it the perfect rifl e for personal defense, home defense or for patrol offi cers. Bearing the TR logo, the rifl e has a 16" barrel, the new Noveske lower and a .550-barrel covered by a TRX handguard, that allows for sling and light attachments to be placed at the discretion of the owner. The rifl e has fl ip-up/down backup sights and the
44 PERSONAL DEFENSE • FALL 2011 SPECIAL EDITION
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