Michael Helms, Firearms Historian
@firearmshistorian.bsky.social
Arms historian, gun collector, target shooter, driver of country roads, doggy daddy, and chef de cuisine of our little home.
Last weekend's range trip got rained out. No worries ... this goodie from Smith & Wesson just arrived, upping the stakes for this weekend's trip!
#smithwesson #smithandwesson #smithandwessonpartner #22X #22LR #pewpew #rimfire #rangeday
#smithwesson #smithandwesson #smithandwessonpartner #22X #22LR #pewpew #rimfire #rangeday
October 29, 2025 at 8:19 PM
Last weekend's range trip got rained out. No worries ... this goodie from Smith & Wesson just arrived, upping the stakes for this weekend's trip!
#smithwesson #smithandwesson #smithandwessonpartner #22X #22LR #pewpew #rimfire #rangeday
#smithwesson #smithandwesson #smithandwessonpartner #22X #22LR #pewpew #rimfire #rangeday
Mmmmm. Look what I'm taking to the range this weekend.
#rangetime #rangeday #pewpew #357magnum #38special #revolver #revolvers #frenchguns
#rangetime #rangeday #pewpew #357magnum #38special #revolver #revolvers #frenchguns
October 8, 2025 at 11:43 PM
Mmmmm. Look what I'm taking to the range this weekend.
#rangetime #rangeday #pewpew #357magnum #38special #revolver #revolvers #frenchguns
#rangetime #rangeday #pewpew #357magnum #38special #revolver #revolvers #frenchguns
Canadian-born brothers Henry and Louis Hammond were the namesake of this oddity from the Connecticut Arms Company: the Hammond "Bulldog" pistol. Holding a single round of .44 rimfire and loading with this curious swiveling breech (which the Hammond brothers had patented) ... 🧵
October 4, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Canadian-born brothers Henry and Louis Hammond were the namesake of this oddity from the Connecticut Arms Company: the Hammond "Bulldog" pistol. Holding a single round of .44 rimfire and loading with this curious swiveling breech (which the Hammond brothers had patented) ... 🧵
Smith & Wesson and Lipsey's absolutely hit it out of the ballpark with the Model 610 Mountain Gun. This embodies everything that S&W is: one of the world's most iconic revolver frames (the N frame dates back to 1908!), the 10mm Auto cartridge (Jeff Cooper is smiling down on us) ... 🧵
September 16, 2025 at 9:55 PM
Smith & Wesson and Lipsey's absolutely hit it out of the ballpark with the Model 610 Mountain Gun. This embodies everything that S&W is: one of the world's most iconic revolver frames (the N frame dates back to 1908!), the 10mm Auto cartridge (Jeff Cooper is smiling down on us) ... 🧵
The Radom P64: When Polish engineers saw the elegant Walther PP and said 'Hold my vodka, we can make this uglier AND weaker.' This 1969 communist brick is about to prove that sometimes the best guns are the ones that look like they were designed by committee. Range day incoming! 🔫
September 6, 2025 at 10:16 PM
The Radom P64: When Polish engineers saw the elegant Walther PP and said 'Hold my vodka, we can make this uglier AND weaker.' This 1969 communist brick is about to prove that sometimes the best guns are the ones that look like they were designed by committee. Range day incoming! 🔫
Plot twist: a Norinco Type 54 ChiCom just landed in my hands and I'm not mad about it 👀 Looks like it was finished with a cardboard budget, but the build quality is solid and that modular FCU? Those crafty Soviets were playing 4D chess decades ago. Now just waiting for Tok ammo to feed this beast 🔥
September 4, 2025 at 10:43 PM
Plot twist: a Norinco Type 54 ChiCom just landed in my hands and I'm not mad about it 👀 Looks like it was finished with a cardboard budget, but the build quality is solid and that modular FCU? Those crafty Soviets were playing 4D chess decades ago. Now just waiting for Tok ammo to feed this beast 🔥
A Remington R51 cheaper than Applebee's for 2. Famous last words: The internet is exaggerating.
The internet wasn't exaggerating.
It makes farm equipment look ergonomic. Shoots like a shopping cart going down stairs. 10/10 would not recommend unless you enjoy suffering.
#BuyerBeware #9mm #GunFail
The internet wasn't exaggerating.
It makes farm equipment look ergonomic. Shoots like a shopping cart going down stairs. 10/10 would not recommend unless you enjoy suffering.
#BuyerBeware #9mm #GunFail
August 25, 2025 at 8:08 PM
A Remington R51 cheaper than Applebee's for 2. Famous last words: The internet is exaggerating.
The internet wasn't exaggerating.
It makes farm equipment look ergonomic. Shoots like a shopping cart going down stairs. 10/10 would not recommend unless you enjoy suffering.
#BuyerBeware #9mm #GunFail
The internet wasn't exaggerating.
It makes farm equipment look ergonomic. Shoots like a shopping cart going down stairs. 10/10 would not recommend unless you enjoy suffering.
#BuyerBeware #9mm #GunFail
This 1984 @Smith_WessonInc Model 10 probably spent a few decades on duty. Grip worn nearly smooth from endless draws, but drop some oil in and watch it stack bullets at 25 yards. Peak reliability never goes out of style.
#smithwesson #smithandwesson #smithandwessonpartner #38special #rangetime
#smithwesson #smithandwesson #smithandwessonpartner #38special #rangetime
August 11, 2025 at 4:31 PM
This 1984 @Smith_WessonInc Model 10 probably spent a few decades on duty. Grip worn nearly smooth from endless draws, but drop some oil in and watch it stack bullets at 25 yards. Peak reliability never goes out of style.
#smithwesson #smithandwesson #smithandwessonpartner #38special #rangetime
#smithwesson #smithandwesson #smithandwessonpartner #38special #rangetime
Finally put this WW2-era Colt Commando through its paces 🎯
Smith & Wesson pushes, Colt pulls—like stepping off a plane in a foreign country where everything's backwards.
This beauty came straight from the original family, untouched since the postwar era. 🧵
Smith & Wesson pushes, Colt pulls—like stepping off a plane in a foreign country where everything's backwards.
This beauty came straight from the original family, untouched since the postwar era. 🧵
August 5, 2025 at 9:19 PM
Finally put this WW2-era Colt Commando through its paces 🎯
Smith & Wesson pushes, Colt pulls—like stepping off a plane in a foreign country where everything's backwards.
This beauty came straight from the original family, untouched since the postwar era. 🧵
Smith & Wesson pushes, Colt pulls—like stepping off a plane in a foreign country where everything's backwards.
This beauty came straight from the original family, untouched since the postwar era. 🧵
Texas Department of Corrections didn't mess around in '81. Smith & Wesson Model 65 with gonçalo alves grips. .357 Magnum thunder in a K-frame package. Fixed sights: all business. This is what "institutional badass" looks like. 💀🔥 #smithandwessonpartner #smithandwesson #357magnum #lawenforcement
July 30, 2025 at 7:56 PM
Texas Department of Corrections didn't mess around in '81. Smith & Wesson Model 65 with gonçalo alves grips. .357 Magnum thunder in a K-frame package. Fixed sights: all business. This is what "institutional badass" looks like. 💀🔥 #smithandwessonpartner #smithandwesson #357magnum #lawenforcement
No, you're not seeing things—this is a COPPER-PLATED Smith & Wesson New Model 3! 🔥 One of only TWO ever made by the factory, shipped to Philly in February 1904. The wild copper finish? Inspired by Walter Winans, an Olympic shooting gold-medalist who basically invented being cool with a revolver. 🧵
July 25, 2025 at 4:55 PM
No, you're not seeing things—this is a COPPER-PLATED Smith & Wesson New Model 3! 🔥 One of only TWO ever made by the factory, shipped to Philly in February 1904. The wild copper finish? Inspired by Walter Winans, an Olympic shooting gold-medalist who basically invented being cool with a revolver. 🧵
In 1911 California gun dealer Phil Bekeart had an idea. Take Smith & Wesson's .32 revolver → chamber it in .22 LR → add target sights = INSTANT SUCCESS 🎯 The .22/32 Heavy Frame Target was born and today's Models 317, 63, & 43C carry that legacy.
#smithwesson #smithandwesson #smithandwessonpartner
#smithwesson #smithandwesson #smithandwessonpartner
July 23, 2025 at 11:18 PM
In 1911 California gun dealer Phil Bekeart had an idea. Take Smith & Wesson's .32 revolver → chamber it in .22 LR → add target sights = INSTANT SUCCESS 🎯 The .22/32 Heavy Frame Target was born and today's Models 317, 63, & 43C carry that legacy.
#smithwesson #smithandwesson #smithandwessonpartner
#smithwesson #smithandwesson #smithandwessonpartner
Plot spoiler: I didn't attend a Coldplay concert over the past week. Just a lot of range time with this Smith & Wesson PC1911 chambered in God's Caliber.
#smithwesson #smithandwesson #smithandwessonpartner #M1911 #45ACP #GodsCaliber #rangetime #pewpew
#smithwesson #smithandwesson #smithandwessonpartner #M1911 #45ACP #GodsCaliber #rangetime #pewpew
July 21, 2025 at 4:35 PM
Plot spoiler: I didn't attend a Coldplay concert over the past week. Just a lot of range time with this Smith & Wesson PC1911 chambered in God's Caliber.
#smithwesson #smithandwesson #smithandwessonpartner #M1911 #45ACP #GodsCaliber #rangetime #pewpew
#smithwesson #smithandwesson #smithandwessonpartner #M1911 #45ACP #GodsCaliber #rangetime #pewpew
Found this 1942 Colt Commando and it's got CHARACTER. 🔥 Timing puts it right in the sweet spot for both Army and Defense Supply Corp shipments, and there *might* be an OSS connection. The barrel wear tells me this baby saw action - no safe queen here!
July 12, 2025 at 10:25 PM
Found this 1942 Colt Commando and it's got CHARACTER. 🔥 Timing puts it right in the sweet spot for both Army and Defense Supply Corp shipments, and there *might* be an OSS connection. The barrel wear tells me this baby saw action - no safe queen here!
Nambu 14 range report: Fed her some Bannerman ammo and she purred like a kitten 🐱 FDR-era springs still going strong but ordered backups from Wolff (trust but verify, right?). Trigger pull could tow a trailer but accuracy was a chef's kiss 👨🍳💋 #VintageGuns #ClassicFirearms #HistoricPistols #MilSurp
July 9, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Nambu 14 range report: Fed her some Bannerman ammo and she purred like a kitten 🐱 FDR-era springs still going strong but ordered backups from Wolff (trust but verify, right?). Trigger pull could tow a trailer but accuracy was a chef's kiss 👨🍳💋 #VintageGuns #ClassicFirearms #HistoricPistols #MilSurp
🔫 Finally took the Coonan .45 to the range and OH BOY was that a plot twist!
Looks like a 1911? ✅
Shoots like a 1911? ❌
That linkless barrel hits different - snappier recoil that'll catch you off guard if you're used to the classic 1911 clickety-clack. Not bad, just... weird? 🧵
Looks like a 1911? ✅
Shoots like a 1911? ❌
That linkless barrel hits different - snappier recoil that'll catch you off guard if you're used to the classic 1911 clickety-clack. Not bad, just... weird? 🧵
July 8, 2025 at 3:02 PM
🔫 Finally took the Coonan .45 to the range and OH BOY was that a plot twist!
Looks like a 1911? ✅
Shoots like a 1911? ❌
That linkless barrel hits different - snappier recoil that'll catch you off guard if you're used to the classic 1911 clickety-clack. Not bad, just... weird? 🧵
Looks like a 1911? ✅
Shoots like a 1911? ❌
That linkless barrel hits different - snappier recoil that'll catch you off guard if you're used to the classic 1911 clickety-clack. Not bad, just... weird? 🧵
A friend found grandpa's Ruger Mark II in the attic. "Can you check this out for me?"
Everyone acts like early Mark pistols are rocket science to disassemble (and reassemble). They're not. It takes patience, sure, but it's no worse than a 1911. 🧵
Everyone acts like early Mark pistols are rocket science to disassemble (and reassemble). They're not. It takes patience, sure, but it's no worse than a 1911. 🧵
July 5, 2025 at 3:09 PM
A friend found grandpa's Ruger Mark II in the attic. "Can you check this out for me?"
Everyone acts like early Mark pistols are rocket science to disassemble (and reassemble). They're not. It takes patience, sure, but it's no worse than a 1911. 🧵
Everyone acts like early Mark pistols are rocket science to disassemble (and reassemble). They're not. It takes patience, sure, but it's no worse than a 1911. 🧵
1860s ammo game was BRUTAL. Two of these cartridge companies didn't survive the decade. The other two? Early Union Metallic before they dominated the market. All made .22 rimfire for the Smith & Wesson Model 1. (Yes, that's a .44 DA in the pic—sue me, I didn't have a Model 1 lying around.)
June 26, 2025 at 6:51 PM
1860s ammo game was BRUTAL. Two of these cartridge companies didn't survive the decade. The other two? Early Union Metallic before they dominated the market. All made .22 rimfire for the Smith & Wesson Model 1. (Yes, that's a .44 DA in the pic—sue me, I didn't have a Model 1 lying around.)
Weekend revelations from a spontaneous Smith & Wesson shootout:
Had revolvers with 6, 7, and 8-round cylinders side by side. The difference is striking—that 8-rounder absolutely dwarfs the 6. More capacity = more bulk for carry, but damn if those extra rounds don't feel good.
Had revolvers with 6, 7, and 8-round cylinders side by side. The difference is striking—that 8-rounder absolutely dwarfs the 6. More capacity = more bulk for carry, but damn if those extra rounds don't feel good.
June 24, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Weekend revelations from a spontaneous Smith & Wesson shootout:
Had revolvers with 6, 7, and 8-round cylinders side by side. The difference is striking—that 8-rounder absolutely dwarfs the 6. More capacity = more bulk for carry, but damn if those extra rounds don't feel good.
Had revolvers with 6, 7, and 8-round cylinders side by side. The difference is striking—that 8-rounder absolutely dwarfs the 6. More capacity = more bulk for carry, but damn if those extra rounds don't feel good.
Still thinking about the yesterday's range trip and the gun in the middle. 🔥 The new Smith & Wesson Model 19 is everything a revolver should be - no internal lock, buttery smooth trigger pull, and that classic full square butt grip that just feels right in your hands. 🧵
June 24, 2025 at 12:47 AM
Still thinking about the yesterday's range trip and the gun in the middle. 🔥 The new Smith & Wesson Model 19 is everything a revolver should be - no internal lock, buttery smooth trigger pull, and that classic full square butt grip that just feels right in your hands. 🧵
Accidental triple threat at the range today!
Packed the 586 L-Comp, forgot about the 327 TRR and Model 19 hiding in my bag. Three Smith & Wesson frames, three cylinder capacities, three barrel lengths—all fed the same .38 Special diet.
Packed the 586 L-Comp, forgot about the 327 TRR and Model 19 hiding in my bag. Three Smith & Wesson frames, three cylinder capacities, three barrel lengths—all fed the same .38 Special diet.
June 22, 2025 at 9:08 PM
Accidental triple threat at the range today!
Packed the 586 L-Comp, forgot about the 327 TRR and Model 19 hiding in my bag. Three Smith & Wesson frames, three cylinder capacities, three barrel lengths—all fed the same .38 Special diet.
Packed the 586 L-Comp, forgot about the 327 TRR and Model 19 hiding in my bag. Three Smith & Wesson frames, three cylinder capacities, three barrel lengths—all fed the same .38 Special diet.
Plot twist: The Smith & Wesson Model 19 Carry Comp has a bigger brother, and he lifts. 💪 Meet the 586 L-Comp - 7 rounds of .357 thunder, beefier build, and a compensated barrel that says "muzzle rise? not today." Only 1.7oz heavier but 100% more confidence.
June 20, 2025 at 9:04 PM
Plot twist: The Smith & Wesson Model 19 Carry Comp has a bigger brother, and he lifts. 💪 Meet the 586 L-Comp - 7 rounds of .357 thunder, beefier build, and a compensated barrel that says "muzzle rise? not today." Only 1.7oz heavier but 100% more confidence.
🔫 The Smith & Wesson .32 New Departure (1888-1940) was a groundbreaking top-break revolver that earned its name from S&W's departure from traditional grip safety designs. Featured automatic ejection, smooth double-action trigger, and became a popular choice for both civilians and law enforcement.
June 18, 2025 at 8:12 PM
🔫 The Smith & Wesson .32 New Departure (1888-1940) was a groundbreaking top-break revolver that earned its name from S&W's departure from traditional grip safety designs. Featured automatic ejection, smooth double-action trigger, and became a popular choice for both civilians and law enforcement.
✨ It’s been a minute, my friends — and what a ride it’s been! One of the highlights? Last week’s Smith & Wesson Collectors Association annual symposium, where the world’s finest Smith & Wesson firearms came together under one roof. If you missed it... well, you missed history on display.
June 17, 2025 at 6:34 PM
✨ It’s been a minute, my friends — and what a ride it’s been! One of the highlights? Last week’s Smith & Wesson Collectors Association annual symposium, where the world’s finest Smith & Wesson firearms came together under one roof. If you missed it... well, you missed history on display.
Simple, straightforward, and tack-drivingly accurate—the Ed Brown Classic Custom. It never fails to deliver ... and after 12 years and at least 4,000 rounds down the pipe, it still doesn't miss a beat.
#edbrown #M1911A1 #45ACP #rangetime #tackdriver #pewpew
#edbrown #M1911A1 #45ACP #rangetime #tackdriver #pewpew
April 27, 2025 at 8:35 PM
Simple, straightforward, and tack-drivingly accurate—the Ed Brown Classic Custom. It never fails to deliver ... and after 12 years and at least 4,000 rounds down the pipe, it still doesn't miss a beat.
#edbrown #M1911A1 #45ACP #rangetime #tackdriver #pewpew
#edbrown #M1911A1 #45ACP #rangetime #tackdriver #pewpew