I have just acquired a Smith&Wesson top break pistol in 38 cal. I believe that it is a model 3 from looking at pics on the internet. It is in very good shape except for the right side grip is broken and the pin on the "link" (not sure what it is actually called) that rotates the barrel is broken. It has a visible hammer and the frame is stamped on the front of the handle 23410. Any idea when it was made and if I can get a replacement grip and "link" to put this gun back into working order? What is really interesting is that it also came with a single shot 22 long rifle barrel that can be swapped into the gun.
Thanks for any help you can provide.

I'm afraid we are going to need a little more information in order to help you. A picture is worth a thousand words........

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Dean
SWCA #680 SWHF #446

Sounds like a M1891 single action to me.

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Tom
1560

I have attempted to attach a pic

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Pic of the other side

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0119162001.jpg (121.4 KB, 47 views)

I believe it to be a 38 ss 3rd model. Model of 1891. Serial number range is 1-28107. Manufactured c. 1891-1911. Nice gun. I believe it should have came with two sets of grips.

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No gold. Only lead. Bobby

Welcome to the Forum. Stocks were optional target style and if ordered with that set, they would have been the only set sent out with the gun. When the company sent a revolver out with target stocks they would have moved the serial number to the front strap as you noted. If it was sent with a standard set, the stocks would have been standard hard rubber round top service stocks with the serial number on the butt.

Many combination sets have been put together over the years, so you should check the single shot barrel over closely for a serial number. Also, look at the underside of the latch for a number as well. Let us know what you find. Also, check the serial numbers on the rear of the cylinder, the underside of the revolver top latch, and up between the ears of the top strap frame for barrel numbers. Most stocks are marked on the inside of the right one with the serial number also, but not seen on some target stocks.

Let me add a commentary on this S&W that has some additional information.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/blog.php?b=101

I looked at Neal/Jinks book on S&W and got to the list of combination sets for this model. The latest set is serial number 18,873 for the 22 single barrel combination set. That would make the probability that the barrel was added after the revolver left the factory, but never say never. Some exceptions have shown up over the years, so check those numbers.

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Gary
SWCA 2515