Pics of .32 Colt Magnum Carry rqst reply on authenticity

[winnie_the_pooh]

Since you can only get .32 S&WL ammo in India,what advantage would you derive from buying a revolver in .32 H&R Magnum?

[xl_target]

Compare your photos to the photo in this link:
http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/sho ... p?t=368977

Here are a few things you can look at to tell the difference:
1. The shape of the trigger guard and the cutouts for the fingers above the trigger(on the photo you have showed) are different from the Colt Magnum Carry
2. Look at the position of the Colt logo. The horse is much further back on the actual Colt revolver.
3. Look at the position of the screw (left hand side) above the trigger. The screw is in a different location in your photo.
4. The hammer spur, while close to the shape of the original, looks different.
5. The knob on the cylinder release is smooth on the original not checkered like your photo.
6. The trigger and hammer on the Colt Magnum Carry were stainless steel not case hardened.
7. The top of the frame directly behind the barrel is shaped differently on the Colt Magnum Carry than your photo.
8. The Colt Magnum Carry was only made of stainless steel. No blued versions were offered.

I'm afraid that a comparison of the photos show that the gun you are interested is NOT a "Colt Magnum Carry".

More info on the Colt Magnum Carry:
The Colt Magnum Carry is a six-shot double action .357 caliber snub-nose revolver made of stainless steel. Its features include a frame-mounted rebounding firing pin, a transfer bar and a black pebble-textured rubber handle with three finger grooves. It was made for only one year (1999).

Other links of interest:
http://www.pistolsmith.com/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=29367

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=135037

Some photos of a Colt Magnum Carry here ... iece.shtml

Some photos here:
http://www.coltforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19810

[Vikram]

XL_target,

It does not look to be a knock off.It's just too well finished to be a fake.If you check the pics attached in the post just above from the one you posted, it seems to be an older version of the same revolver.JMHO.

Best-
Vikram

[xl_target]

Yes, Vikram, I noticed that it was very well finished.

The kicker is that the "Magnum Carry" was just offered for one year. If you look at the frame, you will see that it is different (my item 7) from the photo's that the OP posted. Since it was only offered for one year, there can be no earlier version therefore the frame should not be different.

Then I thought that maybe someone put it together out of parts using a different model Colt frame and a "Magnum Carry" barrel but it was only offered in the .357 Magnum chambering so the stamping on the barrel that says "Magnum Carry" should also say 357 Magnum (and no other caliber).

Third, the Colt "Magnum Carry" was only offered in Stainless Steel.

The above lead me to believe that it is a knock off. I am amazed by the quality of the fit and finish though.

-- Sat Oct 24, 2009 11:16 pm --


http://www.coltforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19810

Notice the right hand side, there is a single screw visible on the frame, compare that to the OP's photos. Notice also the lack of the grip mount screws in the location shown in the OP's photo.

[Vikram]

Thank you.What you say makes a lot of sense but deepens the mystery about the origin of the revolver.I think, the best thing would be to contact Colt itself with the serial number.Requires some detective work,eh?

Best-
Vikram

[marksman]

As far as I know, Colt never produced revolvers in .32 H&R Magnum. The neat writing on the barrel could be an indigenous job. The chambers can be lengthened as well to accept a longer .32 cases. This is strictly my opinion on this revolver. I may be wrong but the chances are slim.
Marksman

[The Doc]

It does not look to be a knock off.It's just too well finished to be a fake.

The above lead me to believe that it is a knock off. I am amazed by the quality of the fit and finish though.

Gentlemen,
Please don't let the good looks or finish misguide you. These days the Indian gunsmiths are really doing a very good job on the firearms. I saw a S&W in .357 recently which was "doctored" , but the finish indeed was as good as the slightly used original.

I agree with xl_target . To me, the Colt Logo horse looks different than the original. It is not as sharply stamped as the original , kinda poorly defined figure . Also there is a colour difference between the barrel and the frame . It might be the camera angle mind you.

Capt. Sharma,
Suppose you buy this piece for 5.75L , there will be always a doubt in your mind about the its authenticity. The price itself is highly unreasonable , if in future you want to sell it who will buy it for that much ?

If the Magnum Carry was made in only .357 and there is no mention of the .32 magnum carry anywhere on the net or any book , it suggests that may be the magnum carry was never made in .32 .

For 5.75 L there are other better deals in the market.

best,

Rp.

[HydNawab]

It does not look to be a knock off.It's just too well finished to be a fake.

The above lead me to believe that it is a knock off. I am amazed by the quality of the fit and finish though.

Gentlemen,
Please don't let the good looks or finish misguide you. These days the Indian gunsmiths are really doing a very good job on the firearms. I saw a S&W in .357 recently which was "doctored" , but the finish indeed was as good as the slightly used original.

I agree with xl_target . To me, the Colt Logo horse looks different than the original. It is not as sharply stamped as the original , kinda poorly defined figure . Also there is a colour difference between the barrel and the frame . It might be the camera angle mind you.

Capt. Sharma,
Suppose you buy this piece for 5.75L , there will be always a doubt in your mind about the its authenticity. The price itself is highly unreasonable , if in future you want to sell it who will buy it for that much ?

If the Magnum Carry was made in only .357 and there is no mention of the .32 magnum carry anywhere on the net or any book , it suggests that may be the magnum carry was never made in .32 .

For 5.75 L there are other better deals in the market.

best,

Rp.

Looks like a sleeve has been inserted in the barrel to convert it into a 32.

[marksman]

I too felt this could be a sleeving job. In all probabilities, to sell it off as a 32 S&W. Who so ever did it may have turned it into a 32 magnum to justify the long cylinder length or simply got hold of a .32 cylinder. I have never seen a Colt with a step radiused barrel. Initially I thought the lack of clarity in the photograph may have caused me to think the barrel was sleeved. Good observation HydNawab.........
Marksman

[The Doc]

Gentlemen ,

Before we get carried away, just wait for a second and think. The demand and the price of the original .357 magnum Colt will be much more than a modified .32 H&R magnum. So, in short , if I were the gunsmith I would NOT be foolish enough to sleeve a .357 and make it .32 mag.

I also observed the barrel in the picture but I thought it was more of a reflection of the shiny surface than a sleeve .

best,

Rp.

[marksman]

Now the topic is getting interesting. What if the idea originated in one of the states where 357 is a restricted or a PB. A good make like a Colt demands a premium price anyways, in .22,and .32, as well. Also, this one can be fed with a steady diet of 32 IOF ammo, which is available in plenty and much much cheaper then either 38 Sp. or 357 magnum ammo. I would have initiated an official inquiry and expose the truth in this case. I have in the past rescued a friend who was palmed off a Quetta made revolver by a Jodhpur Gun dealer which interestingly had features of both S&W and Webley & Scott revolver. Being honest gun lovers, it's our sacred duty to expose such arms dealers. We should also not forget this may cost some gun nut a loss of limb or even his life.
Marksman

[xl_target]

This brings about an interesting question. If the fit and finish on this revolver is so good and is done by an Indian gunsmith in a machine shop, just think of what a properly setup Indian firearms factory could achieve? If nothing else it would force the IOF to produce a better product.
Unfortunately, I don't see private sector manufacture of firearms in the near future.

[marksman]

Well Yes xl, It couldn't be more true. In fact I met a guy from Mungair in Bihar who claimed he could build a shotgun as good as a H&H Side Lock Game Gun for me,if not better. He happened to be a fallow target shooter, a doctor by profession, and knew enough about fire arms to convince me and believe him. It would cost quite a sum he confessed but guaranteed that it would leave me entirely satisfied with the product. What got me to step back from this endeavor was the question of legalizing the product. I have also seen and shot a 50 caliber muzzle Loader rifle that was made in Rampur in late 19th century. Owning a camera was a luxury very few people could afford in the 70s and not having a pic of that magnificent rifle is my biggest regret till date. It had everything a gun nut would desire....colour case hardening, gleaming browning, relief engraving and the works with a super grade walnut stock as well. We shot flying crows with a charge of black powder and No.6 shot loads in it. If Italians and Spaniards can do it, then we can do it better.
Marksman

[jaz]

Looks are deceptive.

[captrakshitsharma]

Thanks Friends...
Well i had the same info (Steel frame and .357 mag cal)and hence the question was posted . To me it had looked like a detective special frame. Guess gotta do some 'Detective Work'. I have the serial number will write to colt and figure out the origins of this gun. As one of u pointed out the barrel looks sleeved. Even the gunsmith is in doubt and says the actual owner of the gun is saying its an aftermarket authorized conversion kit by some company authorized by colt.. So dunno guess i m gonna keep away from it unless the credentials are verified. thanks to all for valueble time and info. i will let u know what i find out and the post is still open if someone has an answer or more inputs....

-- Tue Oct 27, 2009 1:32 am --

Well friends any leads where i may find a .32 S&W inch J frame Snubbie????