Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Revolvers > S&W Antiques
o

Notices

S&W Antiques S&W Lever Action Pistols, Tip-Up Revolvers, ALL Top-Break Revolvers, and ALL Single Shots


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 06-17-2020, 09:56 PM
Awatkins1984 Awatkins1984 is offline
Member
Advice on a Baby Russian (.38 Single Action First Model of 1876) Advice on a Baby Russian (.38 Single Action First Model of 1876) Advice on a Baby Russian (.38 Single Action First Model of 1876) Advice on a Baby Russian (.38 Single Action First Model of 1876) Advice on a Baby Russian (.38 Single Action First Model of 1876)  
Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Default Advice on a Baby Russian (.38 Single Action First Model of 1876)

I could use a little advice from some of the learned men of this board.

I picked up a pair of pistols over the weekend, both .38 single actions first and second models, that are cosmetically and mechanically pretty dang nice. Good tight lockup, clean bores, nickel that's not flaking off, only minor wear, and at the price I paid for the pair I couldn't go wrong.

The second model is fine and I may shoot it once or twice before it goes in the display cabinet.

My new first model, the baby russian, on the other hand... She pains me. Beautiful, almost flawless fit and finish, everything's tight, but there's no extractor! Is it worth trying to find or have a new extractor made? It seems a real shame to let such a beautiful part of history be doomed to just decoration but I have no idea where I'd start to look for the oddball rack and pinion style extractor this would need. Anyone know where to start?

I'm only $150 into the pair so I figure there's a little room left in the budget before I am accused of throwing good money after bad and I hate the idea of having a non-functional gun in my collection.

I'll throw in a few pics here so at least someone can share my misery of wishing it were intact.





Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #2  
Old 06-17-2020, 10:25 PM
Muley Gil Muley Gil is offline
US Veteran
Advice on a Baby Russian (.38 Single Action First Model of 1876) Advice on a Baby Russian (.38 Single Action First Model of 1876) Advice on a Baby Russian (.38 Single Action First Model of 1876) Advice on a Baby Russian (.38 Single Action First Model of 1876) Advice on a Baby Russian (.38 Single Action First Model of 1876)  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: The SW Va Blue Ridge
Posts: 17,471
Likes: 88,955
Liked 24,778 Times in 8,481 Posts
Default

Post a WTB in our Classifieds. Worse comes to worse, it will still shoot; you just have to eject the empties with a pocket knife blade.
__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 06-17-2020, 10:44 PM
Oyeboteb Oyeboteb is offline
Member
Advice on a Baby Russian (.38 Single Action First Model of 1876)  
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,535
Likes: 6
Liked 862 Times in 379 Posts
Default

See if the Extractor of your 2nd Model fits and functions in the 1st Model.

If it does, then photograph it well and note detailed measurements, and you will be in good shape to find the part here or on ebay or Gunbroker or elsewhere.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 06-17-2020, 11:30 PM
mmaher94087 mmaher94087 is offline
SWCA Member
Advice on a Baby Russian (.38 Single Action First Model of 1876) Advice on a Baby Russian (.38 Single Action First Model of 1876) Advice on a Baby Russian (.38 Single Action First Model of 1876) Advice on a Baby Russian (.38 Single Action First Model of 1876) Advice on a Baby Russian (.38 Single Action First Model of 1876)  
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Arizona
Posts: 3,562
Likes: 4
Liked 2,494 Times in 1,296 Posts
Default

Your 1st Model, .38, Baby Russian is a 4". That is scarce. Check eBay, Jack First and Gunparts Corp. (a.k.a. Numrich). Otherwise sell it to me as I'll triple your money.
__________________
Mike Maher #283
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 06-18-2020, 07:46 AM
Awatkins1984 Awatkins1984 is offline
Member
Advice on a Baby Russian (.38 Single Action First Model of 1876) Advice on a Baby Russian (.38 Single Action First Model of 1876) Advice on a Baby Russian (.38 Single Action First Model of 1876) Advice on a Baby Russian (.38 Single Action First Model of 1876) Advice on a Baby Russian (.38 Single Action First Model of 1876)  
Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Muley Gil View Post
Worse comes to worse, it will still shoot; you just have to eject the empties with a pocket knife blade.
No can do chief, the extractor has the ratchet teeth on it that the pawl hits to control the timing. No ratchet and the cylinder doesn't advance, meaning you'd have to turn it by hand between shots.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 06-18-2020, 09:22 AM
murphydog's Avatar
murphydog murphydog is offline
Moderator
Advice on a Baby Russian (.38 Single Action First Model of 1876) Advice on a Baby Russian (.38 Single Action First Model of 1876) Advice on a Baby Russian (.38 Single Action First Model of 1876) Advice on a Baby Russian (.38 Single Action First Model of 1876) Advice on a Baby Russian (.38 Single Action First Model of 1876)  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 26,782
Likes: 935
Liked 18,873 Times in 9,241 Posts
Default

Cool guns, and whatever motivated the previous owner to remove the extractor is a mystery - perhaps to deactivate the gun for storage?

There are several antique collectors that will either know a source for the part, or have one in their stash. Stay tuned.
__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 06-18-2020, 06:01 PM
BMur BMur is offline
Member
Advice on a Baby Russian (.38 Single Action First Model of 1876) Advice on a Baby Russian (.38 Single Action First Model of 1876) Advice on a Baby Russian (.38 Single Action First Model of 1876) Advice on a Baby Russian (.38 Single Action First Model of 1876) Advice on a Baby Russian (.38 Single Action First Model of 1876)  
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 2,845
Likes: 1,779
Liked 4,510 Times in 1,657 Posts
Default Multiple parts missing

It’s a tough one that’s for sure.

Gun Shows are the best place to find parts guns but with this virus it seems pretty dismal.

The Baby Russians condition justifies spending the money to repair. The cylinder ratchet shouldn’t be too difficult to find it’s the older rack and pinion rod that’s the real bear to find.

At this point I would focus on just getting the action working by locating a ratchet that will fit the cylinder. I might have one but I won’t be able to check for a couple days.

You know Im also wondering if you can install a 2nd model cam and extractor mechanism on a Baby Russian? I’ve never tried it but finding that part is not going to be easy and converting to a second model extraction might actually be the ticket because literally ALL the top break 38’s have that system after the Baby Russian and parts are everywhere!

The purists are cringing right about now but bottom line? If it functions? It’s worth a lot more than if it doesn’t!!!!
Murph
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 06-18-2020, 08:13 PM
mmaher94087 mmaher94087 is offline
SWCA Member
Advice on a Baby Russian (.38 Single Action First Model of 1876) Advice on a Baby Russian (.38 Single Action First Model of 1876) Advice on a Baby Russian (.38 Single Action First Model of 1876) Advice on a Baby Russian (.38 Single Action First Model of 1876) Advice on a Baby Russian (.38 Single Action First Model of 1876)  
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Arizona
Posts: 3,562
Likes: 4
Liked 2,494 Times in 1,296 Posts
Default

To answer the question of interchangeability. The answer id NO. The extractor posts are different between these two.
__________________
Mike Maher #283
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 06-22-2020, 09:35 PM
BMur BMur is offline
Member
Advice on a Baby Russian (.38 Single Action First Model of 1876) Advice on a Baby Russian (.38 Single Action First Model of 1876) Advice on a Baby Russian (.38 Single Action First Model of 1876) Advice on a Baby Russian (.38 Single Action First Model of 1876) Advice on a Baby Russian (.38 Single Action First Model of 1876)  
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 2,845
Likes: 1,779
Liked 4,510 Times in 1,657 Posts
Default Parts comparison

Well,
Unfortunately Mike is right on this one. See photos.
Totally different shaft configuration. Also there are several parts missing here. You’re missing the top strap cylinder keeper. Yellow arrow.
The unique ratchet that is found only on the Baby Russian. Also the Rack that screws into the ratchet. Also At the tip of the rack is a spring loaded ejector release. Good luck !

In my opinion the only way to find all these parts is to purchase a relic condition Baby Russian or raid Mikes part box?

Or if you haven’t already? Sell to Mike for a good profit?


Murph
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
1st Model 38 single action Baby Russian Box. Bent-Twig S&W Antiques 25 12-14-2019 02:05 AM
38 single action Baby Russian Box Wess Smithon WANTED to Buy 1 10-22-2011 02:21 PM
FS: Baby Russian .38 Single Action First Model Centerfire now $400 shipped cgt4570 GUNS - For Sale or Trade 3 08-25-2011 06:40 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:38 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)