Would like to know what typ of pistol is most common?
Looking to get me one for target shooting.

Most common is the 3rd Model------that constructed using the double action "Perfected" revolver frame.

Ralph Tremaine

Thank you,
what price range might a fair shooter fetch?

And.. are they available with 6" barrel?

I really have no idea of the price of a fair shooter----best guess $8-1,200.

6" models were made. I have one. I've seen maybe three total in 60 years, so "available" they are not. 8" model were also made, and I've NEVER seen a legitimate example. If you can stumble upon one, the so-called Olympic barreled or Olympic chamber guns are the most accurate---produce the smallest groups. These are guns with short throats--such that you must force the bullet into the rifling when chambering a round.

These (Olympic) guns are most commonly found with serial numbers above 9548. Approximately 2,100 of these were made before the model was discontinued (#11641)----and they fetch a premium price----if the seller knows what he has.


Ralph Tremaine

Thank you sir.

I guess that rules out me getting one

The reason i need a 6" is shooting regulations in Sweden.
No more than 6" barrel for target shooting caliber .22 up to .41
6 1/2" for the .44 and .45 (at least the type of shooting i do)

i guess cutting a 10" would deserve a floggin'

And a single shot due to Swedish gun laws.

Multible rounds = renewal of the license every 5 years
Single shot = for life (or untill i break the law)

Keep in mind the last Single shots were made (Third Model, top break 1923 and the 4th model (side break) 1936). There are many many target guns available with more current and modern features at a far lower price than the single shots as a usable competition gun.

__________________
H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

True, but then they'r not S&W

Not to put words in your mouth, but you used the phrase "fair shooter". I don't know what that means to you. Here's what it means to me----your basic beater-----let's say a 60-80% gun, with good bore and mechanicals.

If we can agree on that,then we also need to agree such is not a collectible firearm. Given agreement on that, then I'd whack that barrel off-----right now (especially given the constraints placed upon you by your sanctioning body/government/whoever). I might even whack it off to 5 15/16"----just to make a point. Then go kick their butts!!

Ralph Tremaine

Richard, just which SINGLE SHOT target pistols are so available now?

Henry Stebbins described having a Single Shot cut off to a less wobbly length. He said the bore was not centered in the muzzle any more, but it still shot well.

Richard,

Here is a picture of a "legitimate" single shot with an 8" barrel. Lettered as being shipped from the factory with an 8" barrel in 1909.
It is a Second Model and I am not sure if you meant you have never seen legitimate 8" barrel on a 3rd model or just never seen one at all.

Another thought------of the 6" variety:

6"1st Model SS's, while scarce, are to be had----as are 6" 1st Model barrels (not so scarce). A 1st Model barrel will bolt right onto any 1st/2nd Model frame as is. It will bolt right onto a 3rd Model frame---after milling the bottom of the barrel lug flat---and shortening the lug (from the front) a bit----.030-.040".

The rear sight on a 1st Model is comparatively crude (compared to a 3rd Model). The good news is a 3rd Model sight will bolt right on.

So---your options:

Get a 6" 1st Model, and start shooting.

Get a 6" 1st Model barrel, "cut to suit and beat to fit" it to a 3rd Model frame, and then start shooting.

Where to come by such bits and pieces? I don't know, but I know who to ask----"Model of '91"----also known as Terry Wagner, 336-339-6654, [email protected] In addition to having forgotten more than most anybody else knows about single shots, he has a pile of them---and very likely a pile of bits and pieces. And if he doesn't, he certainly knows where to come by such.

Ralph Tremaine

If you will sit and stare at any S&W top break SS in .22 caliber, you will eventually realize those sneaky folks put a rimfire barrel on a centerfire frame----an unfooledaroundwith centerfire frame (with an equally unfooledaroundwith hammer/firing pin---and it works just fine. Having come to such realization, you will quickly note the bore is not concentric with the barrel forging (in any length barrel) throughout its length. If you are fortunate enough to have some extra barrels----both rimfire and centerfire, you will also quickly note the centerfire bores are concentric. Then you will understand perfectly why Henry's bore isn't centered----anymore---and why it shoots just fine---although I suspect Henry may have had to mess with his sights some----but I usually don't understand all I know about that.

Ralph Tremaine

Your use of the term "legitimate" suggests you're talking to me (Ralph)---never mind that you said you were talking to Richard.

I---me---Ralph, have never seen a legitimate 8" 3rd Model. I have an 8" 2nd Model----also an 8" 1st Model. Actually, I have all the models in all the barrel lengths---EXCEPT an 8" 3rd and a 6" 2nd. I expect to die without either/both---and that's sad. Dying is to be expected. Dying without those guns really burns my butt!! I just remembered!! I also have an 8" 1st in .32 caliber----my one and only centerfire. I'm not quite sure how I could have overlooked that----an elder moment perhaps.

RALPH (not Richard) Tremaine

Speaking of legitimate (or not) 8" 3rd Models, there is an "(or not)" example out there----just waiting to snare another suck----er, ah, another unsuspecting, and/or overeager new owner. This gun is FLAT GORGEOUS!! It has A box. It has a bunch of paperwork/provenance----ostensibly from some famous person I never heard of (But then, I don't get out much.). It's a "Club Gun", which is to say it's serial number starts with 0----followed by something in the 20000's I don't recall right off. It has been up for auction several times, fetching sums in the multiple thousands each time. So far, so good------------

To the not so good news---------------------------------

S&W never heard of this gun----it will not letter. It's chambered in 22WRF---never mind the barrel says .22 Long Rifle Ctg.

I have, during periods of abject boredom, surmised this gun was built by someone(s) AT S&W---but not BY S&W----perhaps something to do during lunch time----it's that good. One or more of its several owners has very likely convinced themselves (at least temporarily) that this is a for real, special gun whose history was lost behind a filing cabinet----and eventually eaten by hungry mice. Don't be the next one.

I did, but just didn't bother to spell it out.
Thanks for doing the details.

I think RCT's approach would produce a "shooter grade" single shot, but I think it is going to be difficult to organize all those separate bits and pieces in Sweden.


I once looked hard at a H&R USRA single shot but could not come up with a likely reason for its lack of finish and how that could justify the selling price, so did not buy it.
A friend was bidding on a H&R Ultra Sportsman revolver. I didn't bid against him but I sure wish he had told me when he was fixing to drop out, I would have paid a bit more for it even though it was up into K22 money.

Sorry about that Ralph. I read the thread quickly and looked at the wrong post before I replied.

Thanks for all the information on single shots. It is quite interesting.

Steve (not Richard, or Ralph!)

I have seen an 8" barrel, it is attached to the 3rd model Single Shot I own, it is a 2nd model barrel on a 3rd model. It does still shoot pretty good, but I have other target guns (not single shots) that I can shoot much better.




Shot offhand at 50 feet. Those skinny grips are hard to hold consistently.

__________________
H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Well... shiver me timber....
Look what showed up for an up coming auktion here in Sweden

Walterborg AB - Din partner i Jakt & Natur

Now that one looks like a dandy with those improved grips. I'm not so sure about the (?) finger rest.

__________________
H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Your apprehension is well founded! I have a NM #3 with the "special Russian style trigger guard"----and it's checkered to boot (which at least suggests the original owner intended to use it). It may well be my imagination is lacking, but--------------------------------------

The shooters of the day shot one handed (or so the various photos lead one to believe). I have done my best to grip this gun with one hand (and using the hook/finger rest), and have failed to come up with anything that makes any sense at all. Now, using a two hand hold----and using the hook, is great; but-------------------------------------

Ralph Tremaine

For those of us who find the grips too small, I found this on FeeBay last wk., he also had a 2nd one for my Colt Camp Perry single shot. It greatly improved the fit for my large hands [can shoot pistols right or left handed]. It basically improves where you grip the pistol, borrowed the idea from the H&R USRA model, or vice versa. Just loosen grips & thin metal clip slips onto frontstrap, then tighten grips, takes 2-3 minutes.

Attached Images

DSCF3078.jpg (86.8 KB, 24 views)

QBall, you may want nothing other than a S&W. But are you familiar with the Harrington & Richardson "U.S.R.A." model?
Not to take anything away from the Smiths--I have quite a few--but the USRA is by far the finest single shot 22 ever made in America. Interchangeable grips, different barrel lengths/weights (unfortunately 7" is the shortest), ejection of fired cases, not just extraction, and a spectacular trigger pull. If you are going to chop an old SS to 6 inches you might consider one of those. Up until fairly recently the 10" guns weren't that expensive but that has been changing; ones with worn or rust-specked finishes can still be had at times for semi-reasonable money. Get a later model with all improvements if possible.

Yeah, I know about the Tompkins

Ralph Boineau in central South Carolina

There were at least 5 more single shot's at that auction, beside the Smith.
German and Belgum made, much more suitable for a custom job.
I'll se what happens.

A Thompson Contender is readily available, no not a S&W but cutting the barrel down to 6" wouldn't give the heart burn of modifying a fine collector's grade firearm.