Dick Metcalf was a gun guy. In fact, there was a time when he was one of the gun guys. He was an influencer long before the creation of the Internet. 

Over the years, Metcalf wrote thousands of articles on firearms, hosted multiple gun-related TV shows and was the long-time Technical Editor of Guns & Ammo magazine. He even consulted with firearm manufacturers to create, modify and improve some of the most popular guns of the 80s, 90s and 2000s. 

Metcalf also had a big reputation in the gun industry. He was knowledgeable, opinionated and respected by many, despite his prickly demeanor. He also had a huge firearms collection that included numerous customs guns. In fact, Metcalf had his own personalized serial number with both Ruger and Smith & Wesson. And, he had gotten his hands on guns that were barely released to the public, if ever. 

To say the man owned some unique guns is an understatement. The Dick Metcalf collection has recently become available on GunBroker. Metcalf died in 2023, after having left the industry a decade earlier. This is an opportunity to bid on a firearm placed by Dick Metcalf into his own collection between March 10th to March 23rd. 

The Dick Metcalf Collection

Unique Smith & Wesson Firearms

During his four decades in the firearms industry, Metcalf, obviously, had an excellent relationship with Smith & Wesson. As such, the prolific gunwriter obtained a number of special edition S&W revolvers. 

To start, Metcalf owned an early 29. This is one of the five screw models that came out as simply the .44 Magnum. He also owned a Model 25 Prototype in .45 ACP that came with great influence from Clint Smith of Thunder Ranch. Another prototype in the Metcalf collection is a Model 63 Kit Gun in .22 LR; this is one of 12 produced. 

Low Production # Ruger Handguns

It was well known that Metcalf liked Rugers, especially Ruger revolvers, and he owned quite a few. He even owned a number of low production serial number Ruger handguns. These include several Blackhawks, Super Blackhawks and Super Redhawks. 

In this auction, people can bid on a Blackhawk in .30 Carbine, two in .357 Mag. and one in .41 Mag. The Metcalf collection also has Redhawks in .357 Mag., .41 Mag., .44 Mag., .45 Colt and .454 Casull. These revolvers come in excellent condition with boxes and paperwork in a variety of barrel lengths. He even owned a Single Six in .22 LR/.22 Mag. that comes with an extra set of wood grips. 

Low Serial # 197 17 Ruger Bundle

Metcalf had such a good relationship with Ruger that the company gave him his own serial number ending in 197. This collection of 17 firearms — five rifles, six pistols and six revolvers — is being auctioned as a bundle. 

This bundle includes a Mini 14, a Mini 30, a Mark II and a Mark II Target in stainless, as well as Blackhawks, Super Blackhawks and Super Redhawks. One of the Blackhawks is a Convertible Model in .38-40 & 10mm. This is a Buckeye Special with a 6.5-inch barrel. All of the guns come with the box, except for the Mini 14, and all include some paperwork. 

Early Dan Wesson Firearms

Metcalf appreciated the modular style and barrel locking system of the earlier Monson production Dan Wesson firearms. He especially liked the company’s focus on long range shooting and performance. 

He owned several with calibers ranging from .32 Magnum to .445 SuperMag, with most having extra barrels. One folks might want to take a real look at in the Metcalf collection is a prototype Alaskan Guide in .445 SuperMag. 

Custom Remington XP-100s

Metcalf really liked Remington XP-100 pistols. In fact, he often chose an XP-100 over a rifle when hunting, as he was quite good at shooting these single-shot, bolt-action guns. Most of these handguns came out of Remington’s Custom Shop, and one is customized with premium aftermarket parts and a Herrett stock. He even had an XP-100R, which came with an internal magazine, as the R stood for repeating. 

Premier Custom Handguns

While the big companies seem to get most of the coverage, every shooter loves custom guns. Metcalf was no different. He penned numerous articles about companies, and people, who improved popular firearms through customization. 

Some of these include single-actions from Mag-Na-Port, a tribute pistol from Ramline and numerous 1911s in .45 ACP and 10mm from master gunsmiths. This includes Metcalf’s Brown Heinie, a custom 1911 .45 ACP built on a Springfield 1911-A1 frame by Ed Brown and Richard Heinie. 

Rare Pistols

Metcalf approached gun writing with an open mind. For that reason, companies contacted him about product ideas and improvement initiatives. Some of these he kept in his personal collection. He also acquired rare firearms that he found useful or interesting. 

Over the years, he worked with Colt, Freedom Arms and Springfield, among others, on special projects, along with Anschutz and Irwindale Arms. 

Unique Long Guns, Mostly Lefties

Many might not realize it, but Metcalf was a leftie. As such, he owned quite a few left-handed rifles and a rare left-hand shotgun; he also owned right-handed long guns. 

The single shotgun in this collection is a left-hand Remington 1100, of which only a small percentage of the total of 1100s were made. He also has wrong-side bolt rifles from Kimber and Blaser, as well as a Sauer 202 takedown with such outstanding wood that Dick one remarked it was “…the one rifle I own that is too beautiful to take hunting.”

The Dick Metcalf collection represents 40 years of writing, editing and TV work by an expert in the firearms industry. Metcalf knew guns, especially handguns, and he owned some extremely rare and unique guns that are now available on GunBroker.

Tags: 1911, custom firearms, Dan Wesson, Dick Metcalf, remington, Ruger, Smith & Wesson