I'm writing a story and I want the main character to use an old S&W revolver. I'm thinking the M1896 (hope I have the terminology correct). The story is fiction and a little supernaturalistic, but I was wondering if something like that could be fired if it was engraved? The character is not worried about resale value, but it would go through some use. How would the engraving affect the firing (if at all, sorry, I've never fired a gun!) and vice-versa? Would it be even remotely realistic for a character to use such a gun once in a blue moon? Again, resale value is not an issue.

Hello Writer, engraving would not effect the operation of a gun and it certainly could be fired. Many persons fire engraved guns or use them as daily weapons and at the turn od the last century and on it was common for lawmen etc. to order engraved guns. I have included a link to a thread about the 1896 you might find interesting. John
S&W 32 Hand Ejector 1st Model (Model 1896)

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John. SWCA #1586

Inappropriate response has been deleted.

Writer, Welcome to the forum. There are no stupid questions, just stupid answers. Hsguys link to a Model 1896 is a very good description of Model 1896. If your story is circa turn of the century period, yes ,a charcter could have used a Model 1896, and engraving would have no affect on the firing or function of the revolver. It's kind of like if you ordered your new car with a special paint job, it would run just as good with or with out the special paint. An ancestor of mine, Brack Cornett, lead a gang of bank and stage coach robbers in Texas in the 1880s. He ordered a fancy engraved Colt single action revolver with Ivory grips from the Colt Firearms Co. Nice gun, I have it in my collection, but he came in 2nd place in a gunfight with Dep. Sheriff Alfred Alee, while fleeing a robbery 1888. I don't think the engraving had anything to do with the gun fight's result, just that Alee was a better shot. Ed Cornett , swca#15

And Ed knows because he was holding the horses...

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James Redfield
LM #497

Welcome to the Forum Writer. There are no stupid questions and I'm sorry you were accused of asking one.
We are usually a friendly bunch here.

Thank you all for your help.
1. This is me doing my homework. Figured the best way to do my history is to ask those who do it every day.
2. I like this model, and I think I'm going to stick with it. The story takes place in modern times and the main character is showing his new girlfriend his favorite weapon, so I'm looking for American made revolvers from that era, mid to late 19th century, that look nice and can still shoot.
Once again, thank you all very much. If someone has any pics of other revolvers from that era and wants to post them, I'd take a look. Thanks again.

James I like that I am pretty sure Ed. did also.


John Claydon
SWCA # 348

Writer

I would suggest you go and shoot a revolver, if it is possible where you live.

After all you would not want to write a book about sky diving if you have never stepped out of an airplane.

And IF you have done some sky diving then you would also know, that the ariplanes they jump out of are nowhere near "perfectly good".

Mine's engraved with initials and a date and I'm pretty sure will fire just fine
Writer, welcome to the forum. Hope it sparks an interest in the firearms world for you.