Good day Everyone --=--
I hope that your Labor Day Weekend is great!

I have a few questions please;
Looking at a friends Single Shot S&W in .22 caliber. I have looked it up in all three copies for the Smith & Wesson Catalogs and have come up with the following guesses;
1.) The serial number range is a match for between 1905-1909, number 2450.
2.) The 1st Model was made using a revolver frame and still has the shield within the frame, the 2nd Model did not, this one does not have the shielded frame.
3.) It clearly shows the Model of 91 stamped along the top of the 8" barrel strap, yet the 2nd Model was only available in 10" or 6" (rare), unless I am misreading the description. I did read however that the 1st Model barrels were interchangeable with both the 2nd and 3rd Models, so perhaps the 8" barrel on this gun was one of those changes using a 1st Model barrel.
4.) The trigger is at the rear of the trigger guard indicating that it is not a 4th Model.
5.) The perplexing thing is that the stocks have a brass attachment at the base for a rifle style butt stock. This was not a part of the description for any of the 4 Models as described in the S&W Catalog. So it's my assumption that this might also have been a change by one of it's owners?
It is not in great shape, but also not really bad shape, no visible rust or pitting, so would assume it would be graded as 'GOOD'.
Any insights would be appreciated and I thank you for listening.

mike

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Mr, socal, interesting grips. Post a dead on bottom shot of the screws and butt, pls. Could have been for a plate, ie grip cap. Or some attempt to add some weight to the butt? Had to have been for some reason? Mike

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

Sure looks like an after-market (shop made) stock mount to me.... (It would be interesting to find one of the Stevens detachable buttstocks and see if it fits....)


As for the book saying that the second model was made only in 6" and 10"..... I have a 2nd model that letters with its 8" barrel (no "Model '91 markings.) However, it was shipped to an individual in 1910, so I assume a "special" order?....

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Dean
SWCA #680 SWHF #446

socal, check the serial number "between the ears" on the barrel. It should match the number on the frame. The grip cap is a later addition by a previous owner.

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Mike Maher #283

All the top break single shots (1st/2nd/3rd) were available with 6, 8, and 10" barrels. As best I recall, the 1st was cataloged with all three lengths----the 2nd/3rd only with 10".

The 1st Model barrel markings (Model of '91) are common on 6 and 8" 2nd's, and are also found on early 10" 2nds. The explanation is simple: They fit, they work, and S&W is NOT going to throw them out.

The 1st and 2nd barrels will NOT fit/function on a 3rd frame unless/until the barrel lug is ground flat on the bottom (and shortened a bit at the front).

The brass gizzy is what it is (weight/stock mount/??), is nicely done (not counting the mounting screws), and if I had to pick one, I'd say stock mount.

Ralph Tremaine

Hello Repliees --=--
And thank you for your insights.
gmborkovic: I no longer have the pistol, but might be able to get a better picture and post later. The brass definitely has a tapered channel (wide at the rear, smaller at the front) with a dovetail. Where ever it came from, I cannot detect any tool marks on it around the circumference, so it either 'fit' as is or was very well done.

deadin; interesting find on the 8" barrel.

mmaher94087; I will call and get the serial number off of the barrel for verification.

rct269; As suspected, I agree that this is most likely a 1st Model barrel on a 2nd Model pistol. (I do not believe that this is a 3rd Model as the serial number is out of that range.) Since the brass gizzy has a tapered channel with a dovetail, I assume the same, it's for a rifle stock attachment, but pretty well done.
Thank you one and all for taking the time to reply to my inquiry, it is most appreciated.
mike

My 3rd Mod Single Shot has a 8" 2nd Mod barrel.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

HRichard --=--

That's a real beauty compared to the one that I saw. Congrats on a very nice 3rd Model!
mike

I'll go with Ralph on this one, 100%, likely a stock mount. the area where is slides in should be angled and there should be a threaded hole in the frame base of the gun for a thumbscrew.

Reminds me of Frank Wesson single shot, long barrel, single shot pistol / rifle in the late 19th century with the removable skeleton shape, nickel plated stock.

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ANTIQUESMITHS
LM1300 SWHF425

I know of several with stocks. I had one that I regret selling at the Charleston SWCA show many years ago. It had a slender wood stock and was oak cased. A club gun is currently available with what looks like a clamp on metal stock. Both Frank Wesson and Stevens offered detachable stocked "bicycle rifles" with 10 to 18" barrels.

Bob

Thank you for the follow up red9, much appreciated. I hope that you have a great rest of your week....and beyond!
mike