I own an 1891 2nd model 22lr with a 6 inch barrel.

Its the first gun my daughter ever shot.
Its tons of fun shooting a single shot 22.

But I am highly considering getting rid of it to help acquire a S&W 1911PC RB Bobtail

But... Will I regret it? Mmm.... I dunno.
I know most will say just save up and keep the 1891. But without going too deep, Pancreatic cancer disabled me and finances are a nightmare. It'd be a couple years before that could POSSIBLY change.

I guess im just seeking some thoughts. Opinions to put in my bag of decision making.

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There’s nothing special about that 1911. There are lots of ‘em.

Your daughter’s 22, is special. There’s only one of these.

Its not hers, just the first gun she shot. She has a Really nice Ruger 10/22

If the sentiment is removed, I’d pick a nice 1911 over the 22 if I could have only one.

I would never give up a scarce 22 for a 1911 of any kind

Sent from my SM-A326U using Tapatalk

This is a simple dollars and cents business decision----never mind anything else.

The Second Model Single Shot will appreciate in value. (My 6" 2nd Model Single Shot sold for $1750 within the last two years (Gun Broker Auction). Any/all non collector guns will depreciate in value.

Now what was that question again? Really??!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You need to find a proper set of grips for the single shot (black hard rubber extended targets)----push come to shove, you can get a FINE set of reproduction grips from Hugh May-------and I'm pretty sure my gun that just sold was wearing a set of those.

Ralph Tremaine

Oh, and stop using that holster for anything----especially storage----or you'll ruin your gun.

easy decision for me! just wish I had that .22!

It is a second model single shot, period, not an 1891. Many of the second models have first model of 91 barrels, which I assume yours does? Do all the serial numbers match, which will affect it's value as well as the cut down grips, unless it belonged to a notable person, which would require a S&W letter. I am not trying to beat you up, it is a rarer S&W single shot, & most buyers will be looking for any flaws to determine how much they want to spend.

Welcome to the Forum. Did you ask your daughter if she would like to keep the pistol? Unless you have an early transition Single Shot that used left-over barrels, the top rib of your pistol should not have the "Model of 1891" stamping. Your pistol was simply named "Second Model Single Shot".

Personally, I would keep it as the value of these target pistols seem to be on the rise.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

I agree with most here. Any gun store in the country will have several 1911’s. When have you seen a second model single shot? I know that I have never seen one.
That is a beautiful handgun, I think you would be sorry if you sold it for a 1911.

Actually, a great many 6" & 8" Second Model Single Shots carry leftover First Model ("1891") barrels. They even sleeved leftover .32 & .38 First Model barrels. See N&J, page 38. It seems the "Waste Not Want Not" philosophy knew no boundaries-------never mind how much it cost.

Ralph Tremaine

My 8" 2nd Model SS (serial #3587, all matching) doesn't have the 1891 marking on the barrel. However it is my only S&W that letters to an actual person rather than some retailer. Shipped 02/15/1910 to C.L. Flannigan, No Address Given.
I'm pretty sure he was an exhibition shooter that ran with the usual suspects of fancy shooting in the early part of the century and is mentioned in McGiveren's "Fast and Fancy Revolver Shooting".

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Dean
SWCA #680 SWHF #446

Dean, what city did it ship to?

Sell the 1891 to your daughter for the price of the 1911 and then buy the 1911. That way you will keep both guns in the family and you can go shooting together.

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Petter
S&WCA 1759

"No Address Given" according to Roy and the letter.


Could this mean he picked it up at the factory or it was hand delivered while he was on tour, or something??
(or went out in a batch of guns being delivered to someone else??)

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Dean
SWCA #680 SWHF #446

I have a 3rd model that shipped to an individual whose name appeared on the letter, but that was also his hardware company's name.

AFAIK, Flannigan was an exhibition shooter and never had a retail business. His specialty seemed to be shotgun, but those early guys were kind of masters at all things gun-wise.....

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Dean
SWCA #680 SWHF #446

Or it could just mean that the address wasn't recorded. Frustrating, but I'm sure it happened more often than we'd like to believe.

Mike

Yes everything matches. I'm not concerned about any of that. The gun is in Amazing condition!
What do you mean you aren't trying to beat me up? are you saying something negative about the gun or something?
I don't understand why you said that unless you felt you were possibly being harsh.

I never mentioned worth. I only mentioned getting rid of it to purchase a 1911.

Jesus... how long does it take for the holster to ruin the finish?
been decades and its still in the same exact condition as when I purchased it.
I take dang good care of it and it shows.


In response to those concerned about my daughter, She doesn't care for the gun at all. She's in love with her TALO Shark themed Ruger 10/22. The 22 SS is not hers it was simply the first of my many guns she shot. nothing more.

1891 is not stamped on the barrel. The only thing on the barrel is "22 long rifle CTG" Serial number 1323.

BTW, I appreciate all the responses. And I kind of agree with the overall thoughts on the idea.
You guys are awesome 👏 .

Also, I wasn't aware the 2nd models were not considered M1891 2nd model by name.
It sounds like second model is simply called "Second Model SS?"
That doesn't make sense to me but oh well lol. Learned something new.
Again thanks for the responses

Yes, it is simply a second model, due to the frame & serial number. The 1891's have two pins above the trigger guard.

Well now, some of the 2nd's also have two pins above the trigger guard, so---------------------------

And as to what's on the barrel, you say the caliber's on there---and the serial number----fine. Do you mean to say there's nothing on top of the barrel? That'd be a shocker!! That which is on top of the barrel is generally known as the barrel address. The address to be found most often(?) on a 6 or 8" 2nd SS is the "two line" address found on the 1st Model. The other alternative is the "one line" address to be found on the 10" 2nd. I've never known of a SS of any designation to have gotten out without a barrel address. Perhaps you can favor us with a photograph of the nothing on top of the barrel.(?)

Ralph Tremaine