3 of 5 Gary Reeder Kodiak Wildey Survivor .45 Win Mag 10″ Pistol
SOLD FOR: $6525
LSB#: 230115CZ024
Make: Wildey Firearms Company Inc., Gary Reeder Custom No. 3 of 5
Model: Survivor, Kodiak Magnum
Serial Number: 4858
Year of Manufacture: 1990
Caliber: .45 Winchester Magnum
Action Type: Double Action, Single Action / (DA/SA), Semi-Automatic, Gas Operated, Removable Magazine Fed Pistol with Magazine Disconnect Safety.
Markings: The left side of the frame is marked “4858”, the left side of the slide is marked “Gary Reeder / Kodiak Magnum” and has a grizzly head at the rear. The right side of the slide is marked with a grizzly head at the rear and “WILDEY / NEW MILFORD, CT. U.S.A.”. The bottom of the barrel is marked “45 WIN. MAG.”. The sideplate is marked “Limited / Edition / #003”.
Barrel Length: 10” with Ventilated Full Length Rib.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated red anodized blade set on a rise in the full-length ventilated rib; the rib is secured to the pistol with one set screw into the barrel, the other into the frame. The rear sight is a flat top, white outlined square notched leaf in a base that is adjustable for windage and elevation, the base is pinned to the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are smooth wood panels. There are a few draglines and minor marks from use and storage. There are some light handling marks and draglines. The grips rate in about Fine Plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Polished Stainless Steel with Matte Gray Alloy Ventilated Barrel Rib.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In my opinion, this bore is a 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 94% of its metal finish. There are scattered scuffs and rubs that have caused smooth spots, most noticeable on the barrel. There are a few nicks and hairline scratches. There is standard operational wear. There are a few little nicks and light dings. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This pistol is gas operated with a magazine disconnect safety and decock safety. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a 7-round magazine, a non-original Wildey box, email correspondence with Gary Reeder, and paperwork including the manual.
Our Assessment: Widley has been in and out of business a few times since their creation, but the pistols were always brought back by popular demand. Well constructed with an ingenious gas operation system that helps tame powerful cartridges such as .45 Winchester Magnum. The gas system is housed around the barrel and can be adjusted by turning a knurled collar, adjusting how far the slide must travel to the rear before the pressure is released from the piston. This allows the user to tune the gas system to the load being used, optimizing operation and recoil. This one was sent to Gary Reeder who customized it with aftermarket markings and an action job, there were only five done by Gary Reeder. The customer could specify whatever engravings they wanted to have done to the pistol but unfortunately, the records of what was done were lost when Reeder Custom Guns moved from Florida to Arizona. The Wildey pistols have always had a dedicated following and the pistol was featured prominently in use by Charles Bronson in “Death Wish 3”. For a dedicated Wildey collector, a Cheshire gun would make a prized addition to a collection, but these pistols are loved by recoil junkies and handgun hunters alike. This example would make a fine addition to any collection. Please see our photographs and good luck!
Some are hot, some are not, but thankfully most can be shot!
-Red
