J.P. Sauer & Sohn Herter's Single .401 Powermag, 6.5 Inch Blued SAO Revolver, West German, 6-Shot
Built by J.P. Sauer & Sohn in West Germany for Herter's, this Herter's Single is chambered in the proprietary .401 Herter's Powermag introduced circa 1961, predating the .41 Remington Magnum by about three years. It features a 6.5-inch barrel, a six-shot fluted cylinder, and West German proof/inspection stamps with a "MADE IN WESTERN GERMANY" barrel mark and clear model/caliber rollmarks.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Fair - Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Bore Rifling: Fair Rifling - Worn rifling, slight loss of definition.
Specific Condition Notes: The revolver is structurally solid. There are widespread scratches and blemishes, with patches of pitting and areas of rust formation. The action remains smooth, and the trigger pull is crisp. Some of the flathead screws are mildly stripped.
What's Included
- Leather single-action revolver holster with buckle retention
- Leather cartridge belt with ammo loops and brass buckle
Purpose-built for Herter's by J.P. Sauer & Sohn, this West German single-action revolver represents a notable collaboration from the 1960s–1970s era. The proprietary .401 Herter's Powermag chambering sets it apart and is clearly identified by the barrel rollmark "HERTER'S SINGLE 401 CALIBRE" on the right side.
It wears a 6.5-inch steel barrel and a reinforced, flared topstrap that carries an adjustable square-notch rear sight. A tall fixed ramp front sight provides a strong front reference, and the full-length ejector-rod housing is secured with a front screw.
The six-shot fluted cylinder, single-action-only mechanism, and external hammer deliver classic SA wheelgun operation. The blued steel frame, cylinder, and receiver show period-correct finish, complemented by black checkered grips with silver medallions.
Country-of-origin markings and West German proof/inspection stamps underscore its provenance, with "MADE IN WESTERN GERMANY" rollmarked on the barrel. Overall, the features and markings align with Herter's early .401 Powermag offerings that came to market just ahead of the .41 Magnum era.