Model 21

[EDELWEISS]

I saw a Model 21 Thunder Ranch at my dealer and the "voices in my head" started talking....  I like the look and feel of the gun just not the "gold Tattoo".  Then I found the same gun on line minus the gold and display box for 200.oo less and the voices got louder...  Im having trouble justifing the purchase since Im not authorized to carry revolvers and its not exactly a a concealable alternative to my Glock 36.

But the voices are still there...So help me answer some questions:
1. If I buy the Thunder Ranch version is there any REAL collector value that will be ruined if I carry it and shoot it?  Isnt that what Clint Smith advocates?  Im not a collector but would I be better served with a "non TR".  The price wont be much cheaper by the time I pay shipping and dealer costs.

2. I know 44 Spl is a heck of a good "social work" caliber for the city but how good is it as a trail gun round if dont reload?  My hikes dont take me into bear contry; but I do run across the occasional angry stray dog and once to my disapointment a "hi-rise dweller" who was trying his hand at "rope farming" deep in a State Park (but thats another story.........)

[Old Griz]

I heard the same voices, but managed to resist. I guess having four .44 mags that I can shoot Specials out of kept me from buying it, but I sure do love the looks of it. I might like the TR logo if I had ever been through the TR program, but since I haven't, I wouldn't want it on mine either.

The .44 Spl. is going to have a little more power than your .45 ACP (esp. the CorBon offerings) so it will make a fine trail gun since you're not in Brown Bear territory. With the right ammo you can take deer with it, and it will sure take care of any dangerous two-legged critters you might run across who are responding to you with anti-social tendencies. Wild dogs and yotes will wish they never crossed your path.

It's such a fine looking gun, it's hard to pass up.

[papajohn428]

I've managed to resist the M-21 for two years or better, but I think I'm going to give in.  I typically buy several guns a year as money allows, and right now, the only thing I want that I don't have is a nice 44 Special.  I don't really care about the TR logo either way, but I don't care for the lawyer button.  Still, it would make a great off-duty gun, a big brother to the M-10 I carry on duty, and would fill that lonely hole in my "collection".  (It's more of an accumulation, but you understand.)

The voices almost went away completely, but every now and then I'd hear those tempting little whispers.  Now I think I'll just join in the chorus, and get it over with!

PJ

[Lloyd Smale]

I wouldnt worry one bit about shooting it. From what i see theres more of a demand for the ones without that cheesy gold crap on it then the ones with. Its hard to say what will become collectable in the future but my thoughts have allways been that im not going to worry about it. I buy any gun i shoot it!! What its worth when im dead and buried doesnt consern me. More then likely some grandkid or nephew that doesnt have the interst in guns that i do will probably just pawn it for beer money someday anyway. If im going to plunk down my hard earned money for a gun im going to enjoy it for the short time im here!!!

[Lloyd Smale]

by the way they are a real sweet shooting 6 gun!!