Author Topic: Herters single action revolver... (Read 2456 times)

Jasper243 · « **on:** August 21, 2006, 01:32:05 PM »

Hello-

I enjoy collecting the old Herters items, and have a chance to purchase one of their single action revolvers in 401 powermag. I was just wondering if anyone had any knowledge of the quality, durability, strength, etc. of this weapon. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Jasper243

stimpylu32 · « **Reply #1 on:** August 21, 2006, 03:13:24 PM »

If given the chance , i would pounce on this one . The 401 is one of the most reliable handguns that i have ever had the pleasure to shoot . and given that you collect Herters this will crown in the collection .

stimpy

Gun Runner · « **Reply #2 on:** August 21, 2006, 09:55:59 PM »

Jasper ifin I rememner right the flash hole is smaller than the standard 41 mag.

Gun Runner

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #3 on:** August 22, 2006, 01:00:36 AM »

there good old guns and if the price was right id be jumping on it.

44 Man · « **Reply #4 on:** August 22, 2006, 06:32:01 AM »

Those old guns were built in Germany and of high quality steels. I'd buy it, enjoy it, and never worry about it. 44 Man

unspellable · « **Reply #5 on:** August 22, 2006, 08:00:51 AM »

These revolvers were available in 357 mag, 44 Mag, and 401 Power mag. Not quite the best looking revolver that ever came down the pike but they have a reputation for being strong enough.

The 401 Power mag is an orphan so you will have to go out of your way to find brass, etc.

Jasper243 · « **Reply #6 on:** August 22, 2006, 03:51:58 PM »

Thanks to everyone! I really appreciate the responses. I am going to look in to purchasing this piece.

Jasper243

bigbore442001 · « **Reply #7 on:** September 04, 2006, 05:47:16 PM »

I have a book written by George Herter on living in the wilderness. He goes on and on how much better the 401 is than the 44 magnum, etc,,,

Last time I saw one was on the wall of a Palmer MA gunshop.

Flash · « **Reply #8 on:** September 05, 2006, 09:18:35 AM »

Made by J. P. Sauer. One damn fine German gun maker. I have a side lock, 16 gauge double made by them that's built like a tank!

John Anderson · « **Reply #9 on:** October 04, 2006, 01:02:40 PM »

I have one that is very accurate and overbuilt, tough as a tank, but not very nice to look at! I milled the ears off the top of mine and made it more of a flattop and I also cut the grip frame down.

John Anderson

AAAJohn · « **Reply #10 on:** January 30, 2008, 01:18:44 AM »

I have a broken 401. The piece I think is called a bolt and locks the cylinder when the gun is cocked. Does anyone know where I can locate one.
Thanks!!!!!!!!

2 dogs · « **Reply #11 on:** January 30, 2008, 04:52:52 AM »

If you cant locate one Alan Harton in Houston can likely build you one, his work is excellent.....713 772 8314. If you care to sell it or trade it let me know. Thanks.

44 Man · « **Reply #12 on:** January 30, 2008, 05:13:29 AM »

I just checked Gun Parts Corp and they do not list any for Herters, but they do have bolts available for $20 for Hawes. The Hawes was built by the same company in Germany at the same time frame. I would bet it would be either close enough to work, or could be easily modified. I have also taken Uberti bolts and modified them to fit Hawes firearms so it is worth a try. If you don't feel comfortable doing the work, I'm sure any good gunsmith familier with single actions could fit it. 44 Man

www.gunpartscorp.com then click 'start here', go to Hawes, then Large Frame, and bolt.

superdown · « **Reply #13 on:** January 30, 2008, 09:01:23 AM »

I know of a single action 401 power mag with six rounds of ammo at local shop that might still be there for under $300 if anyone is interested i can post or pm the info i saw it on friday. superdown

44 Man · « **Reply #14 on:** January 31, 2008, 04:27:16 AM »

There is also a .44 mag listed on Gunbroker under 'Hawes'. They say it is a Hawes, but it sure looks to be a Herrters to me! 44 Man

AAAJohn · « **Reply #15 on:** March 30, 2008, 06:33:16 PM »

Quote from: 44 Man on January 30, 2008, 05:13:29 AM

I just checked Gun Parts Corp and they do not list any for Herters, but they do have bolts available for $20 for Hawes. The Hawes was built by the same company in Germany at the same time frame. I would bet it would be either close enough to work, or could be easily modified. I have also taken Uberti bolts and modified them to fit Hawes firearms so it is worth a try. If you don't feel comfortable doing the work, I'm sure any good gunsmith familier with single actions could fit it. 44 Man

www.gunpartscorp.com then click 'start here', go to Hawes, then Large Frame, and bolt.

Thanks 44 Man for the information. I check and the Hawes bolt and it looks exactly like the one in the Herters. They are sold out right now and I will keep checking back to see if they get one in.

44 Man · « **Reply #16 on:** March 31, 2008, 02:07:40 AM »

You really don't have to wait for a 'Hawes' bolt. I used a Uberti in my one of my 'Hy Hunter' guns which were built by Hawes. I had to file down one side of the locking bolt to fit through the slot in the frame and fit the cylinder but that was no big deal. Just double check to make sure you file the correct side. Other than that it was easy to do and dropped right in and worked fine. Only file the side of the 'bump' that locks into the cylinder. Once it is the right size to freely go through the frame that should do it. I can likely get some pictures if you feel you need them. 44 Man

AAAJohn · « **Reply #17 on:** March 31, 2008, 05:33:07 AM »

44 Man, Here's a picture of my bolt, I hope it shows. If you know which one I can buy and modify to fit, I would appreciate it. I looked at some of the Uberti's and don't know which one would be the best fit. The 1858 Army looks similar but hard to tell from the picture.

Thanks!!!!!!!
John

Edit; Just saw where you got hurt. Hope you are doing better now and have a full recovery.

Jasper243, Sorry, I didn't mean to jump on your thread to solve my problem. I can start a new one or just PM 44 Man. I'm still learning about this gun and need the information.
I appreciate all the information everyone has given me.

Two401Pm · « **Reply #18 on:** March 31, 2008, 07:59:08 AM »

I own 2 of them the devil for stout. Grab on and don't let go. they are a powerful single action, I don't think it will keep up with a 44mag but will approach 41 mag or 10mm auto. When they came out they were loaded with soft lead bullets and leaded badly but if you use hard cast bullets and a good lube they will amaze you. I buy all I run across. I have reloading manuals published by Herters. Herters manual shows a 200gr bullet at 1301 fps.a 160gr bullet at1476fps. so they are no slouch. John Taffin did a review on them in American Handgunner in the Sept/ Oct. 1990 issue. He reported the 180gr at 1547fps. the 200gr at 1265fps. I would trust the Taffin data as it is the most recent data available that I am aware of. brass can be made from 41 mag brass.you can use 10mm dies to reload them. these pistols sold new for $47.00 in 1966.Ruger blackhawks were selling for $116 and Smith and Wessons 44mags were selling for $140. So at the time these were a bargin. I like mine and will not part with them.

Ladobe · « **Reply #19 on:** March 31, 2008, 09:14:05 AM »

Quote from: Two401Pm on March 31, 2008, 07:59:08 AM

...brass can be made from 41 mag brass...

I started using 41MAG brass in the early 90's in mine because the factory stuff became so collectible. I had a bunch of Herter's brass, and factory loaded ammo I had never got around to shooting back then that I sold to collectors. Then in the late 90's I ran down Jay Bell (at MAST Tech - Las Vegas) and bought the last of the BELL brass with the Herter's head stamp. Made a few collectors happy with that brass (and a tiddy profit).

BTW, got my 401PM in 1967/68 after having one in 357MAG first. Hunted deer with it, then later used it for IHMSA some. I let a collector talk me out of it unfortunately (but it cost him dearly). Wish I hadn't let it get away. All I have left now is lots of great memories with that 401PM, and a Herter's die for it. It served me well and never missed a beat for over 30 years though and was still nearly as good as new when I sold it.

L.