Hello;

I’m enamored with the S&W break-tops and wondered how the 2” barreled chambered in .38 S&W compared in size with say a Model 60 J frame in .38 Spl? Was the top-break .38 S&W referred to as the bicycle or lemon squeezer revolver?

Neither in my book. Almost all 2" 38 S&W revolvers out there today are cut barrel guns and I think the factory originals are much more rare than its sibling, the 2" 32 Safety "Bicycle Gun". Roy's book only references the 2" in the 5th Model section, though it is understood a few lettered earlier examples do exist.

Not many S&W collectors like the term "Lemon Squeezer" and feel it denote cheap hammerless revolvers that were on the market when the S&W Safety/New Departure was being manufactured.

I forgot to address the question about the same frame size as some other models. While the stocks found on the 38 DA and Safety revolvers are the same as those found on the I frame revolver, the factory called them a Y frame. The list of most obscure models is below.

Attached Images

Obscure Frame Sizes.jpg (103.0 KB, 30 views)

__________________
Gary
SWCA 2515

" Was the top-break .38 S&W referred to as the bicycle.." Only the .32, 2" was referred to as the 'bicycle' revolver because of the advertising cut used in an ad. The .38 was only a 2" barrel if so equipped. The .38 is easily cut to 2" leaving authentic looking roll stamps and careful scrutiny can discern the authentic from the bogus. The .38 (authentic) is the rarer bird.

__________________
Mike Maher #283