Serial number 26--. 8 inch 22 long rifle. First model with 3rd grips?
Or just first model? I have taken pictures and hope to get them posted.
If not maybe someone will email me and they could help by posting them.
Thank you in advance for any and all information.

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2nd Model (one pin frame)---almost certainly a special order (Lyman Ivory Slide sights-----and (maybe/maybe not/don't know about) the grips). If the grips are original, will be marked with serial number (inside of right side panel---in pencil---often difficult to see----use GOOD light/magnification---vary the viewing angle).

Scarce barrel length----should be a 1st Model barrel (two line address---with "Model of '91" in the center.)

A rather spiffy serial number---if you get all atwitter about low numbers. I know some folks who say they don't---but they lie now and again.

The sights are worthy of special mention----the granddaddy of the "3 dot" sights. Put the front bead in between the two rear bars---and go bang.

All in all, a rather special gun. Give it a good home!

Ralph Tremaine

Back to the grips: If these are the so-called "gold medallion" style, seems like those didn't come along until later. Someone who knows/cares about such things will be along to confirm/deny that---or I'm quite certain there's a rather exhaustive section on grips in SCSW-3 which gives chapter and verse about such.

And I just noticed two dashes after the serial number------"26--". If that means there's two more digits, so be it---------it's still a rather special gun.

No markings on the grips.
Two line address.
Serial number on the barrel matches the frame number.
Which model? One or two?
Thank you sir.

Four(4) digit number

Your pistol is a 2nd Model---and will letter as such.

These guns were cataloged with 10" barrels (as were the 3rd Models). Both 2nd and 3rd series were available (special order) with 6" & 8" barrels. 6" and 8" 2nd Models used (leftover) 1st Model barrels. The barrels for 1st & 2nd Models are identical in all respects---except for the address (two line on the 1st, one line on the 2nd). And that said, leftover 10", two line address 1st Model barrels were used on early 2nd Models----just to confuse us a hundred years later. Truth be told, there is absolutely no difference (other than appearance) between the 1st and 2nd Models (not counting the revolver innards found in most 1st Models)----and the absence of the cylinder stop hinge pin on the 2nd Model----most 2nd Models. To add to the confusion there are "two pin" 2nd Models (which some folks like to call "transitional" models) which are absolutely identical to "transitional" 1st Models----differing only in serial number range. Those within the 2nd Model serial range (typically early guns) will letter as 2nd models. Those (EXACTLY THE SAME) numbered outside of the 2nd Model range (and typically in the 20000+ neighborhood) will letter as 1st Models. All this comes under the heading of "much ado about nothing".

Clear as mud?

Ralph Tremaine

I always go by the following to quickly ID these three models. The 1st Model, or Model of 1891 has a recoil shield. The 2nd Model has the recoil shield removed and a groove cut in the frame. The 3rd Model is capable of firing in single action and double action.

As for the stocks, the original target stocks for the Single Shot was a set of black hard rubber extended stocks. Around 1910, the gold medallion wood stocks became available. Around 1920, the stocks had a convex top round without a medallion. Since the 2nd Model was made between 1905 to 1909, the stocks should be black hard rubber, BUT, if your serial number was above 3500 range, it would have shipped after 1910 and might have had walnut medallion stocks. Just a little more confusing data.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

So its a 2nd model with a 3rd model grip.

Excuse me. 1st model barrel on a second model frame with a 3rd model STOCK.

Yeah, but now you're making it sound like a "put together" gun---and while that's certainly possible, I'll bet it isn't.

There's been no mention of matching numbers---probably because all the players think it's a kosher gun. The serial number should appear on the front (grip) strap of the frame-----and on the latch/rear sight (underneath)---and on the barrel (inside the recess at the rear where the latch resides). Lift the latch, and have a look at the vertical portion of the barrel (between the "ears" which extend back on either side of the latch)---on the right side. There, the good Lord willing, you will find the same serial number. All three numbers match (?) you're looking at the gun as it left Springfield (not counting the grips---and I wouldn't get my knickers in a knot about the grips). When the grips match, it's good; but it's not bad if they don't. If memory serves, the ejector is also numbered---on the inside. I don't pay any attention to that---simply because it's a pain to see/read those numbers.

If the barrel is numbered to another gun, it's a "put together" gun. If the barrel is not numbered, it came from the Parts Department---and it's still a "put together" gun. And if you get a gun with two (or more) barrels---both numbered to the same frame, then you're in tall cotton---and God is in his heaven!

Ralph Tremaine

The reason why we call it a 2nd Model is that the BATF only recognizes the butt-frame serial number for S&W revolvers, and I assumed the 4 digit serial number was found on the butt-frame. Is that a correct assumption?

Lastly, I believe the barrel would be called a 1st Model only if there was "Model of '91" stamped on the barrel rib.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

As stated earlier, barrel serial number matches frame.
The two line address has" model of 1891" in the center.
The back side if the ejector is also matching.

In my way of thinking, the only item that seems out of the ordinary are the stocks. The frame is a 2nd Model, single pin; the barrel is what is found on the 2nd Model but are commonly left over stock from the 1st Model production as Smith & Wesson never wasted parts. I believe the stocks with the gold Medallions are from/for the 3rd Model.

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Mike Maher #283

Thou shalt not covet. Thou shalt not covet. I keep telling my self this really beautiful gun thanks for sharing !

It is available to covet. Not going into my collection.
Will be listed soon.

nyeguy,

Just to clear up something regarding the Extended Target Stocks on Your Single-Shot...Since it seems no one has taken notice...Those Target Stocks are not likely to be Stocks related to any S&W Model SS at all!!

To explain...Those look to be slightly worn Silver Flush Medallion Extended Target Stocks...Which didn't come to be used on any of the I-Frame Models until approx. Early to Mid-1929...Most likely a .22/32 HFT (Heavy Frame Target)!!

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Masterpiece

Not so sure I can make the call that they are silver or gold from the pictures. I keep seeing shimmers of gold in the pictures when I enlarge and it goes fuzzy under magnification, but if silver, I agree.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Gary,

Concerning whether they're Gold or Silver I agree it's somewhat hard to discern from the photos & is why...Believing them to be Silver...I noted them as having "Slightly Worn" Silver Flush Medallions!!

Also...Even if they were/are Gold...There are Flush Gold Medallions known to exist...Although only for a "Very" short period of time right after the Convex Top Medallion Extended Targets were first introduced!!

As far as my assessment as to these Stocks being produced sometime in or after 1929...This is because the OP's Stocks do have Convex Tops...Rather than Concave...Which would/should have Recessed Gold Medallions...Hopefully all I've now noted clears things up a bit more for everyone!!

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Masterpiece

They are silver.

This gun is now available for sale on this forum.
Thanks for all info provided.