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Gun Used on Gunsmoke - What???

Ultimate Predator
I've not seen the movie but someone recently told me about a handgun used in the opening scene of the movie "Gunsmoke - Return to Dodge." I think this movie came out in the early 80s (1983?).The gun was described as a revolver. The man holding it was apparently intent on doing harm to good ol' marshal Dillion. He checked to make sure the gun was loaded by pulling on the barrel and cylinder, which moved forward, then he rotated the grip frame in opposition to the forward assembly in order to see the loaded chambers. Then he rotated it back and brought both sections back together.
At first I thought he was describing one of the Richard/Mason or 1872 open tops, and I still believe this revolver is some version of a gunsmith-altered-to-accept-cartridges cap and ball, probably using .38 Long Colts.
But I've not heard of one that opens in such a way. I was told the man did not pull a wedge pin to remove the assemblies, as one would do with both the R/M and open tops, but he might have released some sort of lever.
Anyone know what revolver this is? Anyone ever see one?
Thanks all! m
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Comments

4 comments

Date Votes
  • givette
    Lookie down blow. Click on the link. Happy days!

    http://forums.gunbroker.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=497209&SearchTerms=side,break
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  • Hawk Carse
    It was indeed a Merwin & Hulbert.

    Trivia - it was NOT loaded. A M&H holds the cartridges back against the frame as the barrel and cylinder move forward. Empties fall out, loaded rounds are retained by the bullet still in the rear of the chambers. There was nothing in the frame opening as he unbreeched the revolver.
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  • Ultimate Predator
    Nothing in the gun? Sorta like all those westerns with the hero shooting a Henry with the follower all the way down to the receiver, huh?
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  • pecospark
    Check the auction side for :Merwin
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