Well folks, been a while since I posted. Change of jobs, change of location (now I'm on the "dry" side - who ever said it always rains in WA. has never been to the tri-cities ~7" a yr), with all the worry and concern associated. Anyway, a small local shop had a 3rd model perfected ladysmith, 3.5", walnut stocks, in good working order, with about 98% of finish with a few scratches - nice, but not for the serious collector. I convinvced him and myself it was worth a couple of other non-smiths I had picked up for trading stock along the way (good deals), I'm happy, he's happy, the LS is happy (I think, the little lady hasn't complained, and in my limited life experience this is usually a good sign when dealing with the ladies). I'd call it a shooter, except I know they're a little delicate, and shouldn't be shot much. I did though run a few rounds of CBs through it, can't really tell you how inaccurate it was, wasn't hitting the target I was aiming at, and the other targets were too full of holes. So, I guess I have some knowledge, but there's little info available here and out there, I'd like to know more.

Thanks, Cecil

I've got third model, too. They're fun and cute! I shoot mine occasionally with CB shorts, also. Mine is an early factory re-nickel in perfect mechanical shape with a pristine bore. A few flaking spots in the finish. I traded for mine, too. I've got about $700 in it.
Chris

"A little delicate" is an understatement! Be very careful what you shoot in it ( CBs are probably going to be a good choice, but they are not accurate rounds, compared to .22 shorts) The forcing cones, a poor design, are very thin ( weak) in these guns, and you don't know how stressed yours may be from prior shooters using too powerful rounds. If your gun is a true 98%, then I'd call it collectable, as compared to a "Shooter"

Hey, thanks for the responses. I've got about $750 into this. As to condition, I would estimate it truly has ~98% of the original finish, but most of the missing finish is from scratches, one good size on left side, and some more minor on the right side plate. Not abused, but nowhere perfect. Good enough for me to want it.

quote:

Originally posted by opoefc:
"A little delicate" is an understatement! Be very careful what you shoot in it ( CBs are probably going to be a good choice, but they are not accurate rounds, compared to .22 shorts) The forcing cones, a poor design, are very thin ( weak) in these guns, and you don't know how stressed yours may be from prior shooters using too powerful rounds. If your gun is a true 98%, then I'd call it collectable, as compared to a "Shooter"

+1 and yes, standard velocity Shorts are getting harder and harder to find. And, generally cost about the same as high grade Target ammo because of the low numbers in the production line.

They are cute little beggars! I have a Third Model 3 incher with medallioned mother-of-pearl grips. Finish is turning to plumb but it is otherwise excellent. It's a fascinating little jewel. I paid way too much for it in 1996 but I hardly ever see them for sale around here with intact forcing cones and working actions.

Yep I have one and shoot it once in awhile, there alot of fun! Mine is a factory nickle gun that I installed a very rare barrel length NOS barrel on. I still have the priginal numbers matching barrel with the cracked cone and a third NOS barrel the correct length for my gun with no serial number on it. My dad has one too in blue.Ill post a pic...
Matt

I have a blue one in 95+ persent. It was better before some stupid relative scratched the side of the frame with the ejector star by not opening the cylinder all the way while playing with it. Years ago it had not only the original box but also the chamois bag that it came in. I still have the original box but not the chamois bag. They are a cute little devil but they are somewhat delicate.

T