The Lion Hunter - PICTURES ADDED

[Encore64]

Back in 2017, I decided the Old Matthes' Lion Hunter had to be recreated. Sure, there are better options these days. But, revolver history has always intrigued me.

For those not familiar with the original, it was built by Vern Hansen near Bakersfield, California. Base gun was an early Colt 45. The gun was rebarreled and the cylinder was sleeved/rechambered to 218 Bee. Sights were barrel mounted rifle style.

For simplicity, I decided to build mine on a Uberti 32-20. Dave Clements accepted the job, so work will be top tier.

Dave fabricated a front sight base that accepted the 3/8" Dovetail Bead Blade. The rear sight is dovetailed into the barrel. Both windage and elevation is screw adjusted instead of ramp and drifting the dovetail.

While Steve Matthes used the original gun for Lion Hunting as a Government Agent, I will use mine for small game.

Dave expects to ship the gun out Monday. Hopefully, I'll have pictures and range reports soon.

[magnumwheelman]

Looking forward to seeing that one

[flyingzebra]

Cool!

[foxtrapper]

Great news ! Can’t wait to get a peek at it!

[dougader]

Can't wait to see it. I love your customs.

[45MAN]

OH YEAH, I WANT TO SEE THIS GUN, IBET IT WILL ELICIT A BIG WOW

[bigbrowndog]

Very cool, looking forward to pics.

Trapr

[Ken O'Neill]

Does it remain a 32-20 or is it recreated as a .218 Bee ?

[Encore64]

Apr 8, 2021 6:31:34 GMT -5 Ken O'Neill said:

Does it remain a 32-20 or is it recreated as a .218 Bee ?

I left it a 32-20. I had debated calibers, including a 25-20. But, when I shot the base gun groups were around 1". They were hitting low as expected, but groups were great.

Barrel gap was .003", lock up and timing were rock solid, end shake was zero, etc.

I rarely alter the shooting ability of a factory gun that shoots like this. Clements confirmed my impression once he had the gun in hand.

This was good enough for me. I have 218 Bee Revolvers from Taurus, Reeder and Huntington. So, now I'll have a really cool 32-20 in the stable.

[Encore64]

If someone can post pictures, I'll send one of the Original Lion Hunter. Then follow up with pictures of the Clements Version...

[magnumwheelman]

you can text me if you want

[Encore64]

Apr 8, 2021 10:22:35 GMT -5 magnumwheelman said:

you can text me if you want

Thanks!!!

Picture of The Original Lion Hunter sent...

[magnumwheelman]

Here you go...

[magnumwheelman]

personally I'd want a bigger bore on anything I'm calling a "Lion Hunter"

[Encore64]

Apr 8, 2021 10:44:10 GMT -5 magnumwheelman said:

personally I'd want a bigger bore on anything I'm calling a "Lion Hunter"

I do not disagree. But, Matthes was a Professional Lion Hunter for 30+ years and apparently comfortable with his choice. His book "Brave and Other Stories" is well worth the read.

As stated above, mine will be a small(ish) game revolver.

Thanks for posting the picture...