Dick Metcalf's Legendary Firearm Collection is up for Auction

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., -- From March 10th through March 23rd, GunBroker.com is offering collectors a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bid on more than 80 firearms from the personal collection of legendary gunwriter Dick Metcalf.

For more than 40 years, Dick Metcalf was a cornerstone of the firearms media world. As a contributing editor to Guns & Ammo, Shooting Times, Petersen’s Hunting and Handguns, Metcalf was one of the most influential gunwriters of the modern era. Metcalf was a familiar face through digital channels as well as several shows on the Sportsman Channel.

With a PhD in history, Metcalf was able to frame both products and practices within a larger picture and built a legacy as an expert in handgun hunting, long-range handgunning, modern sporting rifles and general firearms design.

Over the course of his career, Metcalf amassed a significant collection of unique, custom, prototype and consecutive-serialed firearms. Revolvers from Smith & Wesson, Ruger and Dan Wesson stand out, as do custom handguns from Ed Brown, Richard Heinie, Mag-Na-Port and the Remington Custom Shop. Highlights include:

Outstanding Smith & Wesson Revolvers

Given Metcalf’s close relationship with Smith & Wesson, it isn’t surprising that a number of very special revolvers from Big Blue came to live in his gun room. Examples include a lettered prototype (one of 12) Model 63 Kit Gun .22 LR, another Model 63 with an uncataloged six-inch barrel and ivory grips, a lettered Model 60-1 (one of 171) with a three-inch barrel, a Model 686-3 in Midnight Black, several .44 Magnums including a pre-Model (five screw) pre-Model 29, a consecutive pair of prototype Model 460 VXRs (one a Shooting Times cover gun) and a consecutive pair of Model 460 VXRs from the first producton run. Others with engraving, rare finishes and special features are included.

Group of 17 Rugers with VIP serial number 197

As a frequent writer on Ruger firearms, Metcalf was given his own VIP serial number. Each of the 17 rifles and handguns in this group  of five rifles, six pistols and six revolvers all wear his VIP serial number ending in 197 number. All but one include its factory box.

Long Guns

While Metcalf was primarily known for his writing on handguns, he was no stranger to fine long guns as well. As a lefty, he was especially fond of Remington, Kimber of Oregon and Blaser rifles in their left-hand configurations. The self-professed crown jewel of his rifle collection, however, was an outstanding Sauer 202 Takedown in .300 Winchester Magnum. Never a believer in the concept of a “safe queen,” even Metcalf stated that the wood on this Sauer made it “the one rifle I own that is too beautiful to take hunting.”

Dick Metcalf’s Brown Heinie 1911 .45 ACP

As with most top-tier gunwriters, Metcalf was a favorite among America’s custom gunsmiths. They knew that it took a lot to impress Metcalf and offered up some of their finest work in the hopes of making it into a center spread or onto the cover of a publication.

The most famous (or infamous) of the custom firearms in this collection is “Dick Metcalf’s Brown Heinie,” a custom 1911 in .45 ACP built by master gunsmiths Ed Brown and Richard Heinie. Based on a Springfield 1911, is just one of several outstanding handguns presented in this auction.

Dan Wesson Alaskan Guide Prototype

Metcalf was a fan of Dan Wesson firearms, owning several models and calibers. Ranging from .32 Magnum up to .445 SuperMag, his collection of Dan Wessons showcased the wide-ranging designs and ideas of the brand.

One of the most important in this collection is a prototype Alaskan Guide revolver in .445 SuperMag. Metcalf’s knowledge and experience was a valuable resource to firearms designers, so it was not unusual for him to receive prototype firearms for his testing and feedback.

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