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Year of the 445 Super Magnum
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10magnums
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April 30, 2017 - 6:44 pm
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I looked pretty hard in the large revolver/super magnum area of the forum for the date Dan Wesson started to produce the 7445 Super Magnum. I have a complete retail price listing from Dan Wesson for 1986, and I have a brochure also that was sent with it. The 7445 is not listed in the price listing or shown in the brochure. I am assuming that it was not in production in 1986. I purchased a 7445 used from a friend. The serial number ETG445Sxxx. I am guessing around 1980 for a production date. Can anyone tell me if I am close?

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Rimfire

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April 30, 2017 - 9:31 pm
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This is what I gather from studying the DWF...

The ETG serial number indicates your 7445 is one of a few that were commissioned by Elgin Gates who was the driving force behind the super mag pistols.

I am sure there are several more learned members who will be along shortly to fill in the blanks...but you got a keeper!

 

Rimfire

"LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO SPEND IT WITH AN UGLY GUN!" - John Taffin

 

 

                                                                                   

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Stinger
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May 1, 2017 - 6:48 am
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I believe they produced 25 of them, from S/N 026 through 053 with a few of the sequential numbers skipped. I'm lucky to have one also.

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willy
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May 1, 2017 - 7:19 am
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I thought the serial numbers from 26 to to 53 are the 7414 Super mag. They have the non-fluted cylinder. I do have one, It cost me an arm and leg though.laughing Now I have to get one of those ETG 445 Super mag. to match the 7414.

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10magnums
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May 1, 2017 - 6:45 pm
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I agree there are not many ETG serial number guns around. I do not think they stopped at 25. My ser# is over 100. 

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10magnums
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Stinger
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May 1, 2017 - 6:49 pm
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10magnums said
Stinger is your gun a 7445 also?  

Yes.

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10magnums
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May 1, 2017 - 6:57 pm
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Does the S before the last 3 digits of the serial number mean anything?

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10magnums
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May 1, 2017 - 6:59 pm
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Stinger
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Rimfire

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May 1, 2017 - 7:05 pm
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I believe you are correct that there are several "more" of the same caliber pistol...they just aren't in the ETG serial range. That's the rarity, not the caliber. That man was a legend among super magnum pioneers...and quite a hunter to boot.

Do yourself a favor and read up on him.

Rimfire

"LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO SPEND IT WITH AN UGLY GUN!" - John Taffin

 

 

                                                                                   

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10magnums
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May 1, 2017 - 7:15 pm
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Stinger isn't the 7 for stainless? Or is it because it says 445 not 7445?

Rimfire when you say not in the ETG serial number range what do you mean?

The serial number on the gun starts with ETG.

I am assuming they were not using the 7 yet to denote stainless.

I have ETG brass that came with the gun also. 

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Stinger
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May 1, 2017 - 7:55 pm
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10magnums said
Stinger isn't the 7 for stainless? Or is it because it says 445 not 7445?

You are confusing the Model number with the Serial number. The Model is 7445 and the 7 denotes that it is a stainless model. The S in the serial number is also for stainless.

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10magnums
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May 1, 2017 - 8:31 pm
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Thanks Stinger

I am still a little confused about what Rimfire said about ETG serial range.

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Rimfire

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May 1, 2017 - 8:32 pm
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I have no idea how many 445 caliber revolvers were manufactured. The blue ones are noted as model 445 and like Stinger has said, 7445 denotes one in stainless...and that applies to all calibers - 22 thru 460. Your pistol is extra special because it was commissioned by Elgin T. Gates and has a serial number verifying that fact. That's what the ETG in your serial number signifies...and they are very very scarce and carry a premium because of the serial number and Gates connection.

Hope that helps you out.

Rimfire

"LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO SPEND IT WITH AN UGLY GUN!" - John Taffin

 

 

                                                                                   

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Supermagfan
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May 1, 2017 - 8:45 pm
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willy said
I thought the serial numbers from 26 to to 53 are the 7414 Super mag. They have the non-fluted cylinder. I do have one, It cost me an arm and leg though.laughing Now I have to get one of those ETG 445 Super mag. to match the 7414.  

Willy,  You are correct, this is the sequence for the first run of Palmer 7414's.  I have a ETG .445 Serial # 009.  It is an early one

 

SMF

A man cannot have too many SuperMags

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Steve
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May 1, 2017 - 8:45 pm
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Stinger said

10magnums said
Stinger isn't the 7 for stainless? Or is it because it says 445 not 7445?

You are confusing the Model number with the Serial number. The Model is 7445 and the 7 denotes that it is a stainless model. The S in the serial number is also for stainless.  

Stinger is correct that there was a period of time that DW Serial Numbering included a letter designation in the S/N to designate stainless. There are SCO/SDO...

I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman "Were is the Self Help Section?" She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose.

George Carlin

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10magnums
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May 1, 2017 - 8:52 pm
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I just read an entry from Salvo from 2008. He has a picture of the 7445 he purchased. Serial number ETG445S110. Mine is S106. 

Thanks very much guys

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DakotaJack
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May 2, 2017 - 1:14 am
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10magnums said
.......... I am guessing around 1980 for a production date. Can anyone tell me if I am close?  

10magnums....did you mean to say 1990?

Perhaps I can shed a little light on this.  Here is a plaque that was in a box of factory sales material and parts that I acquired some years back.  I believe it is a SHOT show display plaque for 1989.

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Stinger
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May 2, 2017 - 9:07 am
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Supermagfan said

Willy,  You are correct, this is the sequence for the first run of Palmer 7414's.  I have a ETG .445 Serial # 009.  It is an early one

Sorry to add to the confusion about the s/n range .. mine is 015.

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