Straight Line Target

millerj7 · #1 10-15-2016, 03:30 PM

Good afternoon,
I plan on attending a farm auction and a S&W pistol kind of intrigued me. The only listing information I have is "22 Smith & Wesson Single Shot Pistol and Case" with the pictures from the auctioneer's website that I have attached. From what I have read in my S&W book, these can get a little pricey. I am hoping for some guidance from the experts concerning value, desirability, and any other information that can be determined from the limited information available. Obviously the "case" is a sheep-lined holster and not the original box (dang it!)
Thanks for any help.
Jim

JSR III · #2 10-16-2016, 12:05 AM

IIRC, these guns shipped in a blue metal case with a green velvet lining. There were also tools included that were held in place with thin blued metal tabs. The cases alone bring a fair amount so the gun minus its case should get a big deduction. Unfortunately sellers don't always take that into consideration and try to get the same high prices that they have seen garnered for the complete set up.

Do a search on Gun Broker and similar online sights to get a feel what folks are asking and you can also then search the sold listings to see what they actually got. Try to compare similar packages and adjust for included or missing items and you should get a fairly good feel for what the market will bear.

opoefc · #3 10-16-2016, 01:35 AM

I sold one, 99% condition, w/o the original case, for a mid 4 figure price to the top collector of this model. I don't believe the gun ever had a case, as it was serial number 3, presented to Frank Wesson, Treas. of S&W. Ser. No. 1 is in the factory museum. No. 2 went to Harold Wesson, Pres. of S&W,. Ser. No. 4 went tp Col. Roy Jones, Pres, of the US Revolver Assoc., who was involved in the development of The Straight-line. Actually the Straight-line is the 4th Model Single Shot. After the 3rd model, S&W sent out inquiries to the top shooters to ask what they wanted for the design of the 4th model. Many different designs were suggested and the Straight-line was selected for production but was not a marketing success and basically ended S&Ws venture in single shot pistols. Having said that, what is the serial number of the gun in the auction? There are several varieties and engineering changes of this model that can affect value. Approx. the first 1/2 of the production had the 0lympic chamber, the last 1/2 did not. The photos aren't the best to determine condition but I see some wear, so I would put the current fair market value at $750- $850 range. Finding an original case will not be easy, and there are several variations of the case, also, so finding the correct case for whatever the serial number is, is also a factor, if you want to put the gun back together correctly.
Ed.

rct269 · #4 10-16-2016, 02:23 AM

These can indeed "get a little pricey". How pricey they get is almost entirely based on condition. As noted, the photos aren't the best, but it appears this item is of less than "collector quality"---substantially. Your apparent dismay at the missing "box" suggests you view this as a collectible. If it is your desire/intention that this be a collectible, let me suggest you pass on this one. There will be a better one down the road---somewhere---sometime.

And remember my favorite philosophical phrase: It only costs a little more to go first class (even though you may occasionally get an argument from live in companions about the definition of "a little more").

Ralph Tremaine

H Richard · #5 10-16-2016, 05:51 AM

You never know about farm auctions. There may be no "collectors" in attendance, but old friends and relatives may bid it above value just because it was Uncle Bob's gun, or no one might bid on it because out in farm country who wants an old single shot. I've seen old rusty Mod 10's go for over $500 and Italian shotguns for $100 for just these kind of reasons. Farm auctions are interesting.

Club Gun Fan · #6 10-16-2016, 09:56 AM

Jim
You might want to contact our resident expert on Straight Lines. Ernie Rice.
His handle is Straightline 22. If it were me, I'd attend the auction, I bought a Schofield at a farm auction, hammer price $250.00. I almost got it for my opening bid of $50.00, but one guy thought it would look good hanging up in his den. Like others have said, you never know. Heck, I'd give you $200.00 for the holster, if it in fact fit a Straight Line.

Don Mundell
Assistant Historian
Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation.

millerj7 · #7 10-16-2016, 12:45 PM

Thanks to all for the info and guidance. The original case is not really important to me (would be a nice bonus, though!) and just looking at it as an interesting and unique pistol to take to the range with my Mod. 41. In other words, a shooter still in original shape. Pretty sure it has killed its share of barn pigeons and rodents over the years. Serial # will not be known until auction day. Am thinking $500-$800 is where I would like to be at to feel good. I have reached the point where collectability takes a back seat to shootability, uniqueness, and fun.
Thanks again to all the great folks here and I will let you know in a couple weeks how it turns out (good or bad!)
Jim

millerj7 · #8 10-22-2016, 05:32 PM

Well, I was successful in being the winning bidder, although at a final price a little higher than I had hoped. Upon inspection in hand, I noted it is serial #114 so maybe 1st or 2nd year? Very smooth and crisp and well cared for. I would judge it at 85%, although that is objective. Maybe a better description would be "above average shooter." There was 2 or 3 other interested parties when bidding was at $200 to $700, but after that 1 gentleman remained and we went to $1200 in $50 increments. I am not sure I would have went much higher, but he did not go to $1250 and it was mine. I feel good about it and am pretty sure I could recover most if not all in an internet auction. For the time being, I am going to shoot it and enjoy it for what it is. Will be interesting to see how it compares to my Model 41's, accuracy wise. I will post more detailed pictures next week when the estate releases it and I take possession. Thanks to all for your guidance and helpful information. I am excited!
Jim

JSR III · #9 10-22-2016, 05:57 PM

Good for you. It will be interesting to see how the recoil compares between the semi auto and the single shot. Please let us know.

millerj7 · #10 10-22-2016, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSR III

Good for you. It will be interesting to see how the recoil compares between the semi auto and the single shot. Please let us know.

Thank you, James. I have quite a few boxes of standard velocity and target (old Win Mk lll, Fed. Gold Medal, Eley, etc.) so will stick with them and also wring out the best accuracy the old girl is capable of...it will be fun!
Jim

Club Gun Fan · #11 10-22-2016, 08:18 PM

I have shot a number of 1st, 2nd and 3rd model .22 Single Shots over the years. They all shot better than I can hold them. You'll have fun shooting it, then you can sell the holster to me.
Don Mundell
Assistant Historian
Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation.

opoefc · #12 10-22-2016, 09:57 PM

Serial number 114 would have had the more common case - blue metal, green felt lining and the tools held by blue spring clips. Wooden handled cleaning rod. Single cases w/o guns seldom show up for sale. Last one I remember was on Joe Salter's site at $2,000. and I think the sight adjustment tool with the case was a replacement. Ed.

Straightline22 · #13 10-23-2016, 08:54 AM

Good Morning Jim:

I sent you a private message last evening regarding Straight Lines. I forgot to mention about only using standard velocity ammo, but I see that you have already plan on using standard velocity which is good. The Straight Lines have a sharp corner on the frame that causes a hairline crack to develop. In fact I have a brand new Straight Line with a hairline crack about 1" and it doesn't look like it was ever shot other than at the factory. I have two Straight Lines that were modified by Smith & Wesson and sent to Winchester for testing. Actually, all they had to do was put a small radius in the sharp corner!!!! So its is best to stay with standard velocity ammo!! Enjoy your new Straight Line!!!!

Ernie Rice,
SWCA Life Member #390

Club Gun Fan · #14 10-23-2016, 10:40 AM

Straightline22.
Good to see you in on the conversation. The information about cracked frames is priceless. Thanks for sharing. I didn't know that and I'm sure other folks didn't either.
Don Mundell
Assistant Historian
SWHF

millerj7 · #15 10-26-2016, 01:37 PM

As promised, here are some pictures of my purchase. Sorry that not of the professional quality of some of the members, only slightly better than cell phone images. I am just amazed at the precision of the mechanism and how every works together in the firing cycle (particularly the extractor.) Hope the weather straightens out (snowing right now) and can get her to the range this weekend.

millerj7 · #16 10-26-2016, 01:39 PM

A couple more of the internals.

gmborkovic · #17 10-26-2016, 01:50 PM

Hello Miller, man that is a Gosh Darn handsome little S&W. That would have been tough to have passed up. Great snag. Another one out of the bush.
There are lots more, keep looking. Best

H Richard · #18 10-26-2016, 07:59 PM

My, that's a great looking gun. Just enough wear that you can shoot it a lot and not worry about it. Wish I had it.

Tom S. · #19 10-27-2016, 07:37 AM

You done good! I've been looking for one of these.

bbqncigars · #20 10-28-2016, 07:06 PM

I would have gone for that gun as well. That sexy profile is somewhat similar to lines of the original Auto Mag.