The first edition SBH Hunters that were introduced in ~1992 and discontinued in ~1996, had a few things that are different from the current editions. John Taffin in his book BIG BORE HANDGUNS said the he could see no difference.



Can you?



Can you guess which is which?



























David

Any difference between the two editions would probably be cosmetics due to variations/changes in manufacturing for cost and efficiency reasons. From the two top barrel pictures, the one the right (the top one from the very bottom picture) must be the newest edition. Thanks.

The difference seems to be between the 44 Mag. and the 45 Colt. The latter has no barrel taper and the longitudinal grooves on top of the rib are different between the two different calibers on the new edition guns. Basically I'm saying I have two 2nd ed. guns that are 44 & 45 and look just like your photos (different). So maybe Taffin was right in what he was comparing...

Hunt4fun,
The new Hunters in 44, 41 and 45 that I have seen have all been like the new 45's with the bull barrel and new style serrations.
I meant no disrespect to Taffin he is one of my favorite writers I have 2 of his books and try to read most of his articles.


Sure the differences are noticeable when they are side by side as I have pictured, but they are not that apparent when they are separated.

David