1891 single shot

[S&W ucla]

I know the serial number is on the frame and the latch. The SCSW says on barrel also. Where is it located? Thanks

[singleshot1891]

The s/n on the barrel is located under the latch, where the lugs of the frame engage the barrel. The numbers can be a little tough to see, a magnifying glass can be helpful ....

WB

[Dosgatos]

Here's a photo of the numbers - get in there with a Q-tip and use a magnifier.

[rct269]

Okay----and your revolver has two numbers (which appear to be different numbers), because--------------------???

Ralph Tremaine

I guess I should have said your barrel has two numbers----------------------???

[opoefc]

Single shots are the S&W model that it's most common to find mixed numbers, or no numbers, on the barrels & latches. (except for Turkish models). This is because there were various barrel lengths available, and if the gun was not ordered new with all barrel combinations, then the later additions of extra barrels did not come with the original serial number of the gun stamped thereon. I've had guns, new in the box and untouched, that had latches with no numbers, so I don't discount guns with unnumbered latches. Ed.

[S&W ucla]

Well, the barrel matches but the latch does not. It also looks like the barrel was cut to 8" as there is no finish on the muzzle. Is it still believed that only 860 or so single shot 22s were made?

[rct269]

Neal & Jinks notes their list/counts of 1st Model SS's are incomplete. I have three 1st Model .22's (all with higher numbers than those shown in N&J). All three letter as .22 SS's. Bottom Line: No, it is not still believed that only 862 .22 SS's were made. That said, I have no clue as to the best guess at a new total at this time. I'd bet money Jinks keeps a running count----give him a call.

And the original N&J list of .22's is off by at least one, because I also have 1st Model SS #14272----an 8" .32; which shows in N&J (and in the factory records) as a 10" .22; so go figure!!

Ralph Tremaine

And-----------odds are your barrel has not been cut---the muzzles were left in the white. The pistols were produced with 6, 8, and 10" barrels. If the roll mark on the barrel is more or less centered (between the muzzle and what I will call the "step"------at the other end of the rib) then it was born with an 8" barrel. Get a letter-----then you'll know----unless the shipping records are fubared like they are on my .32.(!!!!)

[Dosgatos]

Originally Posted by rct269

Okay----and your revolver has two numbers (which appear to be different numbers), because--------------------???

Ralph Tremaine

I guess I should have said your barrel has two numbers----------------------???

If you are referring to my photo with the double numbers on the barrel, see my earlier post "32 DA With Odd Barrel"