"John P" wrote:
 
> I have the opportunity to purchase a S&W 1026. Do you have any
> advice on this model?


Ed note: Did you think I WOULDN'T have something to say about
it???

I haven't shot one, but own a 1076 which is the same gun with 
a shorter barrel, kinda like a Colt Commander vs. a full sized
1911. 

I'd love to get my hands on one because as nice as the 1076 is to 
shoot, I'd expect the slightly heavier longer gun to do even better. 

There are precious few (one or two I've seen) at gunshows, and the 
prices were at "collector" levels, meaning over $600, and not 
negotiable prices I may add.

Few S&W's off their production line get away very clean, in that they
have a substantial amount of machine marks all over the place. This
makes them all feel rather "crunchy" whilst hand cycling them.
It doesn't affect performance, but being an old 1911 owner, having
a slick gun makes one "feel" like it's better made.

Somewhere on my site, I go into "de-crunchifying" S&W auto's, and I
REALLY recommend it. It's TERRIBLE when a 1911 owner inspects your
crunchy S&W, and says it feels like it was made in some backward
country with foot powered grinding wheels to finish them on.

Other than de-crunchifying them, I'd seriously consider replacing
the main and recoil springs with something more appropriate. 

As far as reliability goes, I've never met a S&W that won't stand
up to continuous use.

If the price is good, and it's in decent condition, let me know 
where it is, and I'll buy it :-) 

Seriously, the gun is a neat and rare example of a firearms company
that at one time led the industry with innovative ideas.

Alas, I cannot buy another "NEW" S&W until they sell the company,
and not one day sooner :-(  Bummer there! Well, I can only say that
I'm glad I bought all the S&W revolvers I want. I can't imagine
wanting one and HAVING to buy a Ruger or Taurus, but I would before
getting another S&W.

See you on the unemployment line! 

If you get it, let me know how you like it.


   Regards, Gary

 
Ed Note, More from above 



John wrote:
> 
> I am in the process of purchasing the gun.  The gun is used but 
> there looks to be negligible wear on the outside.  The barrell 
> is clean without any scars.  The recoil spring is very tight 
> along with the slide.  What I mean is the gun does not feel 
> like it has been shot much.  This pistol come with two 10 rnd 
> clips for a purchase price of $380.  I cannot let this get away.
> Does it sound to good to be true?

It does now! At $380 it's a really good deal, with 10 round mags, 
it's a steal. You see, S&W never delivered 10 round mags to the 
public. 

They were designed for the FBI as backup mags for the standard
mags. It's possible that the FBI received delivery of some 
1026's (they were supposed to, but if it IS an FBI gun it 
would fire without the mag) and if you can verify this through S&W
you will have an extremely rare collectable piece.

I'll "estimate" that to a collector, the mags alone 
are worth over $100 EACH. Get those mags with a FBI 1076,
and you'll have a nice package there!

Did that make your day? I hope so, it would make mine!

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