Great Western Arms Co. Revolver - The Firearms Forum

Tom55 · 10-17-2010, 10:29 PM

My father just gave me a Great Western Arms Co. Revolver. Its a .22, 4 3/4" blue barrel and blue cylinder (90%), with the two-tone metal color cylinder casing. It also has the faux stag grips. The serial number is "GW7754". I can't date the gun, but I know that my great uncle originally purchased it (so maybe somewhere in the 50s?). Just wondering if anyone had any kind of information on the gun, or maybe even a value. Any help is appreciated - THANKS in advance!

-Tom

Tom55 · 10-17-2010, 10:56 PM

Here are some pictures of the gun (sorry not the greatest, but it's about the best I can do).

The 2nd picture shows where it says ".22 CALIBER" on the barrel.

The 3rd picture shows the serial number "GW7754".

-Tom

RJay · 10-17-2010, 11:41 PM

Great Western was in business from 1953 until 1961. During this time they produced 22,000 revolvers. The company was unable to compete with Ruger and Colt because of production and quality problems and were forced to close their doors. There is a collectors following for these guns in spite of the quality problem ( hit and miss ). yours looks to be in excellent condition and is listed at 335 in one reference. I think you could get 375 in a private sale. The two tone color is called case hardening. The 8 year period they were in business is as close as you are going to get on a manufacturing date. There are no available records of their serial numbers. As a matter of trivia, if you ever watch one of the old episodes of Gunsmoke, the gun Mr. Dillon carries is a Great Western, down to the genuine faux stag grips.

sackpeterson · 10-18-2010, 06:28 PM

That ones got a 5 1/2 inch barrel. 5 1/2 inch blue or case hardened .22's are the most common Great Westerns. The most widely used list would put that one at 1955.

Looks in nice shape. The fellow prior to me stated the right ballpark in terms of values. There's some interest percolating for them.

Come see our sight at www.greatwesternarmscollector.com

Tom55 · 10-18-2010, 08:42 PM

Thanks for the quick response and for the help. I knew it wasn't a very expensive gun, but like everything my dad has owned, I knew it was kept in good condition all the time he owned it. Thanks again for the info - I appreciate it!

10-17-2010, 10:29 PM	#1
Tom55 Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 3	Great Western Arms Co. Revolver My father just gave me a Great Western Arms Co. Revolver. Its a .22, 4 3/4" blue barrel and blue cylinder (90%), with the two-tone metal color cylinder casing. It also has the faux stag grips. The serial number is "GW7754". I can't date the gun, but I know that my great uncle originally purchased it (so maybe somewhere in the 50s?). Just wondering if anyone had any kind of information on the gun, or maybe even a value. Any help is appreciated - THANKS in advance! -Tom --> Last edited by Tom55; 10-17-2010 at 10:42 PM.. Reason: Added details

10-17-2010, 10:56 PM	#2
Tom55 Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 3	Re: Great Western Arms Co. Revolver Here are some pictures of the gun (sorry not the greatest, but it's about the best I can do). The 2nd picture shows where it says ".22 CALIBER" on the barrel. The 3rd picture shows the serial number "GW7754". -Tom Attached Images

10-17-2010, 11:41 PM	#3
RJay Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Arizona Posts: 3,485	Re: Great Western Arms Co. Revolver Great Western was in business from 1953 until 1961. During this time they produced 22,000 revolvers. The company was unable to compete with Ruger and Colt because of production and quality problems and were forced to close their doors. There is a collectors following for these guns in spite of the quality problem ( hit and miss ). yours looks to be in excellent condition and is listed at 335 in one reference. I think you could get 375 in a private sale. The two tone color is called case hardening. The 8 year period they were in business is as close as you are going to get on a manufacturing date. There are no available records of their serial numbers. As a matter of trivia, if you ever watch one of the old episodes of Gunsmoke, the gun Mr. Dillon carries is a Great Western, down to the genuine faux stag grips. __________________ RonJames

10-18-2010, 06:28 PM	#4
sackpeterson Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 5	Re: Great Western Arms Co. Revolver That ones got a 5 1/2 inch barrel. 5 1/2 inch blue or case hardened .22's are the most common Great Westerns. The most widely used list would put that one at 1955. Looks in nice shape. The fellow prior to me stated the right ballpark in terms of values. There's some interest percolating for them. Come see our sight at www.greatwesternarmscollector.com

10-18-2010, 08:42 PM	#5
Tom55 Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 3	Re: Great Western Arms Co. Revolver Thanks for the quick response and for the help. I knew it wasn't a very expensive gun, but like everything my dad has owned, I knew it was kept in good condition all the time he owned it. Thanks again for the info - I appreciate it!