Automag Heaven

First off, I’d like to thank all of the folks that have contacted me about this site! Yes, I’ve not abandoned it. Sorry that I took so long to get started again; but, I’ve been busy with my company and continuing my quest for AutoMag stuff!

My latest find comes from a most interesting and totally enjoyable guy named Gale Weaver. He was the procurement officer at Harry Sanford’s company, during the Pasadena era.

His gun, RGW-6, was given to him by Harry shortly before the bankruptcy. The frame and barrel was given to Bill Chizar for engraving. Bill asked that the barrel be in its soft state to make engraving easier. The completed gun was returned to Gale, just after Harry closed the doors.

This left Gale with a barrel without any markings, since they were to be chemically etched by Harry upon the gun’s return. Not only was it without markings but, it was still in the soft state, which is where it is today, not able to be shot!

Let’s start out with Mr. Weaver’s serial number RGW-6. Why 6, may you ask? How about Gale’s birthday, July 6^th! Go to Figures 1 and 2 to see what a great job of engraving “Japan” did. Notice, no made in USA” or other pertinent information, just empty spots!

His collection also included a trial barrel and extension for their first try at roll engraving. You be the judge. Figures 3, 4, and 5.

I started my quest in 2000, since then I have tried to photograph an XP bolt. I couldn’t find one until now. See figure 6.

The bolt is blue from heat treatment and it has been used in an active gun. I wish someone hadn’t polished off some of the great blue color of the bolt.

His collection included a few interesting magazines. I think the dark ones were carbon steel and pretty early production or pre-production. Figures 7 and 8. Note how much thicker the dark footplate is than the stainless mags! Figure 8.

As Harry fired his .357 ammo, he found lots of dust (copper dust) all over the area. He found that the copper was peeling off of the bullet as it left the barrel. He then developed a hollow point where the copper wraps around the exposed lead head. Figures 9 and 10 show the before and after bullets. Gale didn’t know which bullet manufacturer Harry used to produce his bullets!

Figure 11 shows some .44 caliber brass. This brass was the original prototype stuff made by CDM as a sample batch for Harry. He then ran tests as to the worthiness of the brass to go to full production. These samples proved to be worthy of manufacture. Thus began CDM cartridge production. These are that original brass.

Along with what I just presented, Gale has a complete set of Elgaloy springs! Many AutoMag parts and bolts including an 8 ½ inch Covina barrel, and lastly a pair of beautiful half checkered grips that he, Gale Weaver, made at AutoMag just before the bankruptcy. This shows that the half checkered grips were produced at Pasadena just before North Hollywood production began.

Now look at the end of the column, Dirty Harry’s baddest magnum, page 81, halfway down, June 1984 “Guns & Ammo”. It starts, “In an exclusive interview”. Find and read it, Gale Weaver is Bubba!

Thanks for your attention.

Bert

Please click on the thumbnails to view the bigger picture.

Home Contact Links Guestbook	Please remember to scroll down to see the pictures below. Hi, I'm Bert. This AutoMag website will be a fun and educational place for all. I've been working hard, lo these many past years, on a monumental book about Harry Sanford and his guns. When indicated, your help will be very much appreciated. Enjoy! First off, I’d like to thank all of the folks that have contacted me about this site! Yes, I’ve not abandoned it. Sorry that I took so long to get started again; but, I’ve been busy with my company and continuing my quest for AutoMag stuff! My latest find comes from a most interesting and totally enjoyable guy named Gale Weaver. He was the procurement officer at Harry Sanford’s company, during the Pasadena era. His gun, RGW-6, was given to him by Harry shortly before the bankruptcy. The frame and barrel was given to Bill Chizar for engraving. Bill asked that the barrel be in its soft state to make engraving easier. The completed gun was returned to Gale, just after Harry closed the doors. This left Gale with a barrel without any markings, since they were to be chemically etched by Harry upon the gun’s return. Not only was it without markings but, it was still in the soft state, which is where it is today, not able to be shot! Let’s start out with Mr. Weaver’s serial number RGW-6. Why 6, may you ask? How about Gale’s birthday, July 6^th! Go to Figures 1 and 2 to see what a great job of engraving “Japan” did. Notice, no made in USA” or other pertinent information, just empty spots! His collection also included a trial barrel and extension for their first try at roll engraving. You be the judge. Figures 3, 4, and 5. I started my quest in 2000, since then I have tried to photograph an XP bolt. I couldn’t find one until now. See figure 6. The bolt is blue from heat treatment and it has been used in an active gun. I wish someone hadn’t polished off some of the great blue color of the bolt. His collection included a few interesting magazines. I think the dark ones were carbon steel and pretty early production or pre-production. Figures 7 and 8. Note how much thicker the dark footplate is than the stainless mags! Figure 8. As Harry fired his .357 ammo, he found lots of dust (copper dust) all over the area. He found that the copper was peeling off of the bullet as it left the barrel. He then developed a hollow point where the copper wraps around the exposed lead head. Figures 9 and 10 show the before and after bullets. Gale didn’t know which bullet manufacturer Harry used to produce his bullets! Figure 11 shows some .44 caliber brass. This brass was the original prototype stuff made by CDM as a sample batch for Harry. He then ran tests as to the worthiness of the brass to go to full production. These samples proved to be worthy of manufacture. Thus began CDM cartridge production. These are that original brass. Along with what I just presented, Gale has a complete set of Elgaloy springs! Many AutoMag parts and bolts including an 8 ½ inch Covina barrel, and lastly a pair of beautiful half checkered grips that he, Gale Weaver, made at AutoMag just before the bankruptcy. This shows that the half checkered grips were produced at Pasadena just before North Hollywood production began. Now look at the end of the column, Dirty Harry’s baddest magnum, page 81, halfway down, June 1984 “Guns & Ammo”. It starts, “In an exclusive interview”. Find and read it, Gale Weaver is Bubba! Thanks for your attention. Bert Please click on the thumbnails to view the bigger picture. Please click here to answer in the guestbook. For last month's site click here.