Post by Burnston on Jan 20, 2023 18:27:48 GMT -5
My wife will tell the world that I am somewhat particular with my coffee, horses, and hats. I call it discretion, and that same discretion follows me as I consider what guns are best suited for use. While I do, and have always liked guns, I would much prefer to have one or two I can do EXACTLY what I want to do with, than a safe full of cool stuff that is only shot once in a while.
My m21 44spl is still my top choice for all things, but a while back I got to talking with Mr. Harton about what I'd like in my ideal ranch gun. Smooth double action, crisp single action pull, 5in barrel, adjustable sights, pin-in/changeable front sights, .44spl caliber, a few other assorted details. He graciously accepted the job, starting with a 4in m28 .357 and a 5in m24 barrel.
I'll spare you the hazards of the process, the hiccups and so on. Ultimately, what I have is a Harton S&W, which is a treasure in and of itself, built to his and my collaborative specifications. Not a single fancy feature, it is made of raw function for an unforgiving and often abusive environment.
I've finally put about 2k of assorted loads through it, and find that a classic Unique/429421 combination, as well as a particularly hot 2400 with the same lead bullet work very well. Lately I've had to do my testing with mag primers, which is not ideal, but necessary as the standard supply is running thin.
Here is a look at the three different sight setups. The half-moon was more for nostalgic purposes than anything, but Mr. Harton surprised me by serrating the back of it, making it both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
It currently wears homemade grips. I'm hoping to get a set of red stag from Zane. Until then, these are a decent place holder.
I've been working new range over the last year and haven't had the natural targets that my old stomping grounds usually afford. So far I've managed to take assorted bucks/does, more hogs than I can count, a cow buffalo, and an angry bull, all with the 2400 load. Shots went from 1-5 on assorted pigs, as I was usually mounted when they were taken. The deer were all taken with one shot, the buffalo with two, and the bull with three. All of these critters were taken across three states. I've made it a habit to leave my phone at home while hunting or in the saddle, so I'm dramatically short on fresh kill shots, but the Europeans ought to do.
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On a separate note, over the last year we've engaged in raising and training Dutch Shepherds for our own use. The one in the photo is our proudest and most successful project; she's assigned to our three-year-old son and as proven an excellent and protective companion for him, but has shown herself a capable hog killer on sizes ranging from 5-40 pounds. Early in her training, before I had her as disciplined as I'd like, I could not call her off of a 30 pounder I had wounded. After a row in a creek bed, she emerged bloody, happy, and victorious.
I've yet to settle on leather, but for this winter I built a shoulder holster that has been very useful under a coat. Obviously not built for quick access, but rides well in the saddle and is completely out of the way for roping and other assorted ranch tasks. I also built a fairly standard strong side rig, and I mistakenly thought a neutral cant would suit me best. I am planning a Tom Threepersons forward cant project to rectify this blunder.
My new range has me closer to Kansas than I have ever been. Having said that, I have experience weather extremes over the last year that I've never experienced before. Even my horses are adjusting and it has not been easy. For this reason, the Harton Smith needed to be tough and as unforgiving as the elements. That is exactly what he delivered, and as always, its a privileging to own anything he's had his hands on. I'm not nearly as comfortable with it as I am the old 21, but I don't need to be yet. It'll come. In the meantime, its a dandy.
My m21 44spl is still my top choice for all things, but a while back I got to talking with Mr. Harton about what I'd like in my ideal ranch gun. Smooth double action, crisp single action pull, 5in barrel, adjustable sights, pin-in/changeable front sights, .44spl caliber, a few other assorted details. He graciously accepted the job, starting with a 4in m28 .357 and a 5in m24 barrel.
I'll spare you the hazards of the process, the hiccups and so on. Ultimately, what I have is a Harton S&W, which is a treasure in and of itself, built to his and my collaborative specifications. Not a single fancy feature, it is made of raw function for an unforgiving and often abusive environment.
I've finally put about 2k of assorted loads through it, and find that a classic Unique/429421 combination, as well as a particularly hot 2400 with the same lead bullet work very well. Lately I've had to do my testing with mag primers, which is not ideal, but necessary as the standard supply is running thin.
Here is a look at the three different sight setups. The half-moon was more for nostalgic purposes than anything, but Mr. Harton surprised me by serrating the back of it, making it both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
It currently wears homemade grips. I'm hoping to get a set of red stag from Zane. Until then, these are a decent place holder.
I've been working new range over the last year and haven't had the natural targets that my old stomping grounds usually afford. So far I've managed to take assorted bucks/does, more hogs than I can count, a cow buffalo, and an angry bull, all with the 2400 load. Shots went from 1-5 on assorted pigs, as I was usually mounted when they were taken. The deer were all taken with one shot, the buffalo with two, and the bull with three. All of these critters were taken across three states. I've made it a habit to leave my phone at home while hunting or in the saddle, so I'm dramatically short on fresh kill shots, but the Europeans ought to do.
On a separate note, over the last year we've engaged in raising and training Dutch Shepherds for our own use. The one in the photo is our proudest and most successful project; she's assigned to our three-year-old son and as proven an excellent and protective companion for him, but has shown herself a capable hog killer on sizes ranging from 5-40 pounds. Early in her training, before I had her as disciplined as I'd like, I could not call her off of a 30 pounder I had wounded. After a row in a creek bed, she emerged bloody, happy, and victorious.
I've yet to settle on leather, but for this winter I built a shoulder holster that has been very useful under a coat. Obviously not built for quick access, but rides well in the saddle and is completely out of the way for roping and other assorted ranch tasks. I also built a fairly standard strong side rig, and I mistakenly thought a neutral cant would suit me best. I am planning a Tom Threepersons forward cant project to rectify this blunder.
My new range has me closer to Kansas than I have ever been. Having said that, I have experience weather extremes over the last year that I've never experienced before. Even my horses are adjusting and it has not been easy. For this reason, the Harton Smith needed to be tough and as unforgiving as the elements. That is exactly what he delivered, and as always, its a privileging to own anything he's had his hands on. I'm not nearly as comfortable with it as I am the old 21, but I don't need to be yet. It'll come. In the meantime, its a dandy.
