No. 009..... Finally Home

[bushog]

Sept 24, 2017 20:15:02 GMT -5 kings6 said:

Oh little stuff like who did the engraving, what are the grips made of, what all goes into a gun being one of the few "best grade" guns etc.

A fella' named Dennis Kies did the engraving. He engraved for Colt and then for USFA for a time.

Much of what goes into the Best guns is in the fit and finish, screws timed etc.

The area around the trigger guard is modified also but exactly how I couldn't tell you. Mr. Bowen indicated he could tell by the trigger guard....

The grips were done by Paul Persinger (sp?) and are made of black micarta.

I've seen pics of the second Best and it was made before Bowen started the manufacture of the Rough Country sights and his locking base pins.

It was so early that it was before the caliber designation was changed on the receiver of the gun and even though a .50 Special it's marked .44 magnum on the frame. It is marked .50 Special on the ovate barrel.

The numbering of the best guns started with No.003. Before that they weren't numbered in front of the trigger guard because "they had not been established as a regular item".

That's what I know.

[kings6]

See I KNEW you would have a few more details!

[magnumwheelman]

Incredible... too nice to shoot... much more art than tool

[bushog]

In fact....it is unfired and I plan to keep it that way......

I'm thinking of having one very similar built.

[KRal]

Absolutely beautiful!

[bula]

When I saw the pic, first thought was, that's way too purty to drag thru the brush and mud ! A plain Jane shooter needed. 

[mike454]

Great gun Bushog, glad you got it! I own one and have handled two more of Bowens best quality guns. Have also seen pictures of another half dozen or so. All the ones I've seen have the blended and regulated ejector rod housing screw. Mine is a twin to Ross Seyfried's #4 gun. Bushog's gun is also the same with the exception of his having some of the prettiest engraving I've seen. Bowen told me that this was pretty much the house pattern best quality gun and that he built 5 or 6 .50 specials in this style. One is pictured, in the white, in Bowen's early catalog as well. My understanding is that the bulk of the work in these went towards perfecting the lines of the gun, making sure the flats were flat and the edges were sharp. When I bought mine, It wasn't advertised as a best quality gun, but you could tell from the pictures it was a cut above. It just looked crisp. Of course when I got it, there was the best quality serial # and blended screw, leaving no doubt. Also, the best quality serial numbers aren't necessarily chronological. I believe Ross's #13 was numbered out of order.

[jfs]

Sept 24, 2017 17:09:32 GMT -5 mk70ss said:

That is a true family heirloom for sure

[dhd]

Agreed on the "need details" thing. I enjoy pictures of any custom revolver, but I really love to know what is done to the revolver. I've seen other photos of the Best Grade Bowen guns and always enjoy seeing them so thanks for sharing.

I typed this before I noticed page 2 and the details reply.

[Snyd]

my my my....

[ddixie884]

Thanx for sharing. That is really nice and I'm glad you are its current caretaker. Congrats.........

[rWt]

Great revolver-Just like the Best Grade that a London company such as Purdey would have produced had they been so commissioned.

It is fitting, IMO, that It came out of Hamilton's shop.

[cubrock]

I miss my .50 Special. It wasn't as pretty as yours, but it sure shot well!

[bushog]

I HAD A REDHAWK IN .50 SPECIAL AND I REALLY LIKED IT....ACCURATE TOO.....

THIS ONE BEGS TO GET SHOT.

I DID DRY FIRE IT JUST TO SEE WHAT THE TRIGGER IS LIKE AND BOY-OH-BOY IS IT CRISP.

[cubrock]

I think I'd have to shoot that gun if it were mine. And carry it in a Barranti carved rig. You live only once!