Does anyone have a Model #2 with a factory 4 inch barrel and letter confirming authenticity?

I am looking at one, but am trying to authenticate that it's real and interested in how the top rib of the barrel is marked.

Thanks.

Dustin

There are known Model 2s with factory 4 in. barrels. I don't have one at the moment, however as I recall the barrel stamping is the standard "Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass" and it is centered between the muzzle & breech. A barrel cut from a 5 in or 6 in will not have the stamping centered, of course. Depending on the serial number of the gun, the stamping can be either the small letters used on the Model 1, as early Model 2s still used the same die as was used on the Model 1s, or the larger letters used later when a Model 2 barrel stamp die was made. If I was paying a premium for a 4 in. gun, I would require the seller to furnish a factory letter verifying the 4 in as factory, or the right to get a refund if the gun doesn't letter. Ed.

Thanks Ed.

Seller just sent more info. Picture attached.

Sure looks cut to me!

Dustin

Attached Images

image.jpg (37.1 KB, 61 views)

No question, that is a cut barrel.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

it's cut from a standard 6 in. barrel. Destroyed any collector value, whatsoever, unless it has an impeccable provenance, such as a cut barrel and rounded grip frame that's on a modified Model 2 used by an undercover Pinkerton detective to shoot & kill John Younger, of the James Younger gang in a gun fight. !st James Younger gang member to die at the hands of a peace officer. Ed.

Uncle ED is the Younger story real or were you just making it up to use as an example of what would make a modified gun worth the price?

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James Redfield
LM #497

James, It's very real. You can Google the gunfight which occurred when two Pinkerton detectives,looking for the gang and posing a cattle buyers, and a local deputy sheriff, hired to guide them, were waylaid by John & Jim Younger, who relieve the trio of their visible sidearms. Fearing they would be killed anyway, as the gang had recently killed two other detectives, the detective drew his hidden modified boot gun, a Model 2 Army. and shot & killed John Younger. The detective was wounded and died several days later. Said Model 2 resides in my collection. Ed. ( And no, I was not the other Pinkerton detective that escaped alive from the gun fight )