By way of introduction.....

[Bob Wright]

I'm a revolver man, have been for awhile.  Many years ago it was illegal for dealers to sell handguns in Tennessee.  Note it was not against the law to own one, just you couldn't buy one from a dealer here in Tennessee.  But, then, here in Memphis, both Mississippi and Arkansas were so near, and mail order was in vogue at the time.

In the fall of 1954 I sent off and bought a  Colt New Service, well used, for the princely sum of $32.95!  It was an old Canadian Mounties New Service, originally .455 caliber but reamed for .45 Colt.  It was my first custom job, converted to .44 Special, S&W rear sight, Micro front, home made walnut stocks:

That many moons ago.

 

Bob Wright

[tercel89]

WOW I didn't know that . When or what year were dealers allowed to sell handguns in Tennessee ?

[Bob Wright]

Just now, tercel89 said:

WOW I didn't know that . When or what year were dealers allowed to sell handguns in Tennessee ?

I believe that law was enacted in 1959 or so. 

 

Bob Wright

[tercel89]

1 minute ago, Bob Wright said:

I believe that law was enacted in 1959 or so. 

 

Bob Wright

WOw that's crazy ! So did people get their pistols by going across state lines or by friends from other states ?

[Bob Wright]

Just now, tercel89 said:

WOw that's crazy ! So did people get their pistols by going across state lines or by friends from other states ?

Oh, how glad I am that you asked that.  I've got a good story or two!

But yes, we often went to West Memphis, Ark.,  to a place called Camp City. This place was just across the River in Quonset huts arranged to form sort of a "H".  At that time, the Memphis Police Department would toss confiscated handguns off the bridge into the Mississippi River.  Scavengers scoured the west bank and dredged up some of these and refinished them, and many of these wound up at Camp City, along with military surplus arms and used guns, and occasionally a brand new gun would turn up.  Some old rifles, Italian Carcanos for example, for $9.95!

There was no provision for carrying then,either, unless you were on good terms with the local sheriff, who would grant you a "Reserve Commission."  But then the phrase was "...........with intent to go armed."  Certain times skirted this, as to hunting or target shooting.  Folks had to walk a thin line in those days, or know the sheriff real good.

 

Bob Wright

 

[gregintenn]

That's a good looking shootin iron. You still have it?

[Garufa]

Bob, I recall my first copy of the Shooter's Bible from maybe '76 or '77 with a picture of the Memphis police throwing boxes of guns in the river from a boat.  The location was unmistakable as downtown and the old bridge were clearly in the background. 

That old book is long gone but thanks for confirming what I've always remembered but can't prove anymore!

My Ruger Bearcat was bought brand new at a gas station over in West Memphis back in maybe '64.

Edited September 27, 2017 by Garufa

[Bob Wright]

3 hours ago, gregintenn said:

That's a good looking shootin iron. You still have it?

No.  It was separated from me while in a gun shop for replacement of the mainspring.  The shop was broken into and my gun, among others, was stolen.  Did get a brand new Three Screw Blackhawk in .41 Magnum though.  And, no, I don't have it now, but it left under more favorable circumstances, in a trade.

 

Bob Wright

Edited September 28, 2017 by Bob Wright

[deerslayer]

Camp City over in West Memphis didn't become Red Barn, did it?

[Bob Wright]

6 minutes ago, deerslayer said:

Camp City over in West Memphis didn't become Red Barn, did it?

Not that I know of.

 

Bob Wright