Historic Opportunity: Legendary Gunwriter Dick Metcalf's Firearms Collection Goes to Auction
Author: Nick Miles | Publish Date: Mar 21, 2025
For Second Amendment enthusiasts and serious collectors, a rare treasure trove has become available that represents decades of American firearms excellence. From March 10th through March 23rd, GunBroker.com presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own pieces from the personal collection of Dick Metcalf, one of the most influential voices in firearms journalism.
For over four decades, Metcalf stood as a pillar of firearms media, lending his expertise as a contributing editor to prestigious publications including Guns & Ammo, Shooting Times, Petersen's Hunting, and Handguns. His influence extended beyond print to digital platforms and television programs on the Sportsman Channel, where his PhD in history allowed him to provide uniquely insightful context to firearms discussions.
Metcalf's collection reflects his deep appreciation for craftsmanship, innovation, and the constitutional heritage that underpins American gun ownership. His expertise in handgun hunting, long-range handgunning, modern sporting rifles, and firearms design helped shape industry standards while educating generations of responsible gun owners.
The auction features over 80 exceptional firearms, with Smith & Wesson revolvers being particularly noteworthy. These include a lettered prototype Model 63 Kit Gun in .22 LR (one of only 12 made), another Model 63 featuring uncataloged six-inch barrel and ivory grips, a rare lettered Model 60-1 with three-inch barrel (one of just 171 produced), a Model 686-3 in distinctive Midnight Black, and several prized .44 Magnums including a pre-Model 29 five-screw version. Collectors will also find consecutive pairs of prototype Model 460 VXRs (including a Shooting Times cover gun) and first-production 460 VXRs.
Metcalf's close relationship with Ruger is evidenced by his personal VIP serial number ending in 197, which adorns 17 different firearms in this collection - five rifles, six pistols, and six revolvers. With all but one including the original factory box, these represent the kind of provenance collectors dream about.
Though renowned primarily for his handgun expertise, Metcalf's rifle collection showcases his appreciation for functional artistry. As a left-handed shooter, he gravitated toward southpaw-friendly options from Remington, Kimber of Oregon, and Blaser. The crown jewel among his long guns is an exquisite Sauer 202 Takedown in .300 Winchester Magnum, which even the well-traveled Metcalf considered "too beautiful to take hunting" - high praise from a man who rarely left firearms unfired.
America's premier custom gunsmiths revered Metcalf, knowing his endorsement carried tremendous weight. His collection includes the famous "Dick Metcalf's Brown Heinie," a custom 1911 in .45 ACP meticulously crafted by master gunsmiths Ed Brown and Richard Heinie on a Springfield platform.
Dan Wesson firearms feature prominently in the collection, spanning calibers from .32 Magnum to .445 SuperMag. Of particular historical significance is a prototype Alaskan Guide revolver in .445 SuperMag, representing Metcalf's role as a trusted consultant to firearms designers who valued his feedback on prototype models.
Additional highlights include Remington XP-100 hunting handguns, exclusive Ruger models, and several firearms bearing coveted low serial numbers.
This auction represents more than just a collection of firearms – it's a piece of Second Amendment history assembled by one of the most knowledgeable and influential advocates for responsible gun ownership America has ever produced. For those who value both the craftsmanship and constitutional significance of fine firearms, Metcalf's collection offers a chance to own pieces that helped shape modern gun culture.