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01-09-2017, 09:09 PM
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Join Date: Jul 2013
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Model 1?
I recently acquired this and was told it was a model 1 22 rimfire. I hoped it would arrive with some legible writing on the barrel etc, but it did not. That is all well and good since I paid a very small sum and just wanted it to be in my Smith group. I figure some of you knowledgeable gents could help me out with date or any pointers. FYI I do not plan to fire the gun, but it does seem to line up well and does work, but it is pretty loose once snapped in place. Any help is greatly appreciated!
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01-09-2017, 10:32 PM
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US Veteran
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Location: Michigan Western UP
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I cannot be sure what the serial number is, but think I see 27XXX? If so, the gun most likely shipped around 1864. It is called a Model 1, 2nd Issue.
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Gary
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01-09-2017, 10:49 PM
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Gary,
Yes it is a 27XXX. I was having a hard time getting it to take that picture correctly. Thanks so much for the info. I thought it was a model 1, but wasn't sure if 2nd or 3rd issue.
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01-12-2017, 12:08 PM
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For my dough, the second issue Model 1 is the best combination of price and looks. I like its lines. Isn't it great to buy an example of S&W's very first revolver model and design for not much money?
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01-12-2017, 02:05 PM
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The barrel and cylinder stampings are very small, often shallow and easily worn off from use.
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Mike Maher #283
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01-16-2017, 07:28 PM
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As others have stated, this is a Model 1, 2nd Issue. This was the first model that Smith & Wesson made in their Stockbridge Street factory, which was their first "everything under one roof" factory. Earlier Model 1's were much more of a handmade enterprise, which makes them simultaneously rarer, more collectible, and more variable in terms of quality, fit and finish.
There were just over 110,000 of these Model 1, 2nd Issue guns made, and 1864 is a reasonable guess for when it left the factory.
As for firing it ... don't. Some people swear that firing CB caps out of these guns is OK, but do you really want to subject the paper-thin cylinder to ballistic pressures? More than a few Model 1's have been irreversibly damaged because someone was eager to put lead down the pipe. These guns are antiques in every sense of the word, and it's best to preserve them for future generations to learn from.
You've got a nice piece of history here!
Mike
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