POTD: Wildey Survivor Prototype – Matte Black Rib Development Gun

Welcome to right now’s Photo of the Day! Right here we have now a Wildey Survivor prototype gas-operated pistol in .475 Wildey Magnum, documented by Wildey as an early manufacturing gun that examined the matte black anodized barrel rib and rear sight. This comes with an additional .45 Winchester Magnum barrel and bolt meeting.

Wildey J. Moore designed the Wildey pistol within the Nineteen Seventies as a gas-operated semi-automatic dealing with magnum revolver cartridges. Fuel operation was uncommon for handguns however allowed the Wildey to handle extraordinarily highly effective cartridges like .475 Wildey Magnum and .45 Winchester Magnum. The .475 Wildey Magnum was developed particularly for this pistol, pushing a 280-grain bullet at roughly 1,450 fps from the 8-inch vented rib barrel. This delivered magnum revolver energy in a semi-automatic platform.

Fuel operation tapped barrel fuel to cycle the motion, much like rifle designs. This diminished felt recoil in comparison with blowback or recoil operation. The vented rib barrel dissipated warmth and diminished weight whereas sustaining rigidity. This prototype examined matte black anodized end for the barrel rib and rear sight. Most manufacturing Wildey pistols used bright-finished ribs, however matte black diminished glare. The Wildey letter confirms this gun’s position in growing that end choice.

The .45 Winchester Magnum barrel and bolt meeting exhibits the Wildey’s modular design permitting caliber modifications. Multi-caliber functionality was a promoting level. The Wildey gained fame when Charles Bronson used one in “Dying Want 3” in 1985. Manufacturing numbers stayed comparatively low because of complexity and manufacturing value.

Most of our POTDs make the most of photos from our mates at Rock Island Auction Company, the premier firearms public sale in the US. Take a while to browse their current auctions – who is aware of, perhaps you’ll discover a piece of historical past to take dwelling!

“Documented Prototype Wildey Survivor Semi-Automated Pistol with Additional Barrel, Case, Field and Equipment.” Rock Island Public sale, www.rockislandauction.com/element/1049/3795/prototype-wildey-survivor-pistol-with-extra-barrel-case-box. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.

Sam.S

Author | TheFirearmBlog
Author | AllOutdoor.com Instagram | sfsgunsmith Outdated soul, licensed gunsmith, revealed creator, avid firearm historical past learner, and appreciator of outdated and distinctive weapons.