I just acquired my first S&W, a Model 1 3rd issue .22. I have a simple question or two. I've seen pictures of this model with a bluntly pointed rod under the barrel, I assume to poke out the spent casings. But I've seen photos of others without the rod (including one currently on a gun site with an asking price of $595!). The gun I have has only a short (3/16") stub protruding from the hole under the barrel. The stub is clean and chamfered on the edge -- obviously not just roughly broken off. My questions: Did this gun ever come with just that little stub, or has it been cleanly cut off and dressed? Also, what holds the stub or a longer rod in place; i.e., how would I get it out? Sorry if this is ignorant -- as I said, it's my first S&W and I do plead ignorance but want to learn.

littleguns,
I'm not sure your revolver is a Smith & Wesson. It sounds like an Otis Smith which is a different beast. A picture would most certainly help. Mike #283

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Mike Maher #283

I don't have a way to post a picture at the moment, but the gun is definitely a Smith & Wesson, Model 1, 3rd issue. It says "Smith&Wesson Springfield Mass" on top of the barrel rib, with the correct 1855, 1859 and 1860 patent dates. It is identical to many online pictures of the Model 1 3rd issue. The serial number is correct for a 3rd issue. The cylinder is fluted like a 3rd issue. Sideplate and screw placements are identical to pictures of 3rd issues. (For example, GunsInternational "Smith & Wesson 1st Model 3rd issue revolver. (AH2531)" - Smith & Wesson Antique Pistols). It's just that the rod under the barrel is a stub -- perhaps cut off and nicely dressed -- instead of extending about half of the barrel length as in most pictures I've seen. I don't want to damage something by messing with the rod stub (if that's what it is) until I know how the rod is removed (unscrewed or whatever) from 3rd issue guns that have it.

I have figured out that I am missing the cartridge ejector rod that apparently was held in by a tiny screw on the Model 1 3rd Issue revolver. Now what I have to figure out is how to get out that stub that someone apparently installed to replace a missing full-length rod. It covers the screw hole but doesn't stick out far enough to easily grasp. I assume it has been tapped into place for a snug fit. I wish people wouldn't do such things, but I'm sure it brought the value of the gun down into my price range, so maybe I should be grateful.

Welcome to the Forum. Without pictures, it is difficult to tell how your ejector rod was installed. My original Model 1 3rd issue ejector rods are simply pushed into the hole in the frame and then a small screw is inserted on the underside into the barrel frame. Many old Model 1s have lost their ejector rods and they are easily remanufactured. I would assume that you do not see a screw holding the rod in, so my guess is that someone either force fit it into the hole or glued it into the hole.

I would try a little heat to the rod, protecting the barrel and see if you can detect any burning glue smell. If so, keep working and pull it out as the glue melts. If it was hammered into the hole. you might need the help of a machine shop. You could always try to drill a horizontal hole through the rod and try to twist it loose.

Lastly, you can manufacture a replacement rod by fashioning a .225" rod and add the screw hole and install to replace what you have with something resembling the original. Also, check the website parts suppliers and might be able to find an original. ebay, Gunbroker, Oldwestgunsmith, etc. The Model 1 2nd Model did not have a screw hole, so must have been press fit, so if you find one of those, you will have to add the screw and hole to attach. I will try to add some close-ups of one of mine for your reference.

Attached Images

	Model 1 3rd (2).jpg (63.3 KB, 28 views)
	Model 1 3rd.jpg (45.4 KB, 25 views)
	Model 1 2nd (2).jpg (56.8 KB, 26 views)
	Model 1 2nd.jpg (42.1 KB, 26 views)

Your photos show what I have -- or don't have, as it turns out. I'm missing the ejector rod. Under the very edge of this little stub I've described, I can see a tiny bit of the screw hole. If I can get the stub out as you suggest, I won't have trouble making a replacement rod; I have the necessary equipment. I appreciate your advice and photos. Thank you.