Anyone own a S&W Model 1?

aterry33 · #1 05-25-2010, 11:34 AM

I was reading an article last night in a shooting mag (forget which one) on the North American Arms mini revolver, a tiny little 5 shot single action that looked an awful lot like the Model 1. Are there are reproductions of the Model 1 currently made?

I know this model was carried "concealed" by a lot of folks during the Civil War, which is cool. I also know some people that carry the NAA mini revolver today, although the idea of carrying a .22 (even if it's a magnum) in single action scares me as far as a carry piece is concerned.

H Richard · #2 05-25-2010, 02:02 PM

This is a Number 1, 2nd Issue, shipped in 1867. I would hate to think of it as a self protection. I guess it's better than a rock, but not much.

aterry33 · #3 05-25-2010, 02:17 PM

That's awesome, Richard. Does it hold 5 rounds?

I agree.. better than a rock. I wouldn't carry one.

Have you shot it or is it strictly a museum piece now?

H Richard · #4 05-25-2010, 02:39 PM

Holds 7 rounds of 22 short. I haven't shot it, but it's in good enough condition it could be shot. I may someday shoot it, but only with mild CB caps.

gerald mcdonald · #5 05-25-2010, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H Richard

This is a Number 1, 2nd Issue, shipped in 1867. I would hate to think of it as a self protection. I guess it's better than a rock, but not much.

Folks were easier to kill back then. LOL Put in context of the times, it was a pretty deadly little piece that reloaded quickly.

H Richard · #6 05-26-2010, 09:52 AM

I believe I read somewhere that most victims died from infection unless a vital organ was hit.

hobby-gunsmith · #7 05-26-2010, 12:42 PM

I am in the process of purchasing a model 1, second issue for $650.00 in very good to excellent shape. The model number one, 1st issue, followed by five other issues, are hard to come by and if the are available, they are expensive to buy. The model two which was manufactured in 1861, civil war, was carried by a lot of troops which was purchased with their own money. I have not seen any reproductions of the model one. I do own a North American .22 which resembles the model one and is quite accurate. I carry it with me if I am out of house and going to a nearby store so I have something to defend my self with. Normally I carry my springfield XD.40.
Nick

sigp220.45 · #8 05-26-2010, 01:59 PM

Here's my Model 1, 3rd issue. I shoot it once in a while with CB caps.

gerald mcdonald · #9 05-27-2010, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H Richard

I believe I read somewhere that most victims died from infection unless a vital organ was hit.

I think that was common all the way up until WW II and the advent of antibiotics.

erk · #10 06-14-2010, 02:14 AM

See my earlier post today. S/N 1780 under the left grip. Not yet authenticated.
Ernie

twaits · #11 06-14-2010, 12:46 PM

This is my Dad's third issue with at 3 digit serial number. Anyone have a rough idea of manufacture date of this one?

mmaher94087 · #12 06-14-2010, 09:32 PM

twaits,
You've got a rare one. Look at the top of the frame where the barrel hinge and cylinder stop are. The machining for the cylinder stop is "squarish"; not rounded as are the majority of the 1st Model, 3rd issues. A serial number below (roughly) 10,000 will have this feature like the 1st, 2nds. Mike #283

twaits · #13 06-15-2010, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmaher94087

twaits,
You've got a rare one. Look at the top of the frame where the barrel hinge and cylinder stop are. The machining for the cylinder stop is "squarish"; not rounded as are the majority of the 1st Model, 3rd issues. A serial number below (roughly) 1,000 will have this feature like the 1st, 2nds. Mike #283

Thanks Mike. I didn't know that. I may letter this one at the same time I letter my 1 1/2.

mmaher94087 · #14 06-15-2010, 11:19 AM

twaits,
The quantity mfg. before the frame change was roughly 10,000. I edited my last post to correct the error. I've had two and both were in the 2,000 serial range. The "lowest" numbered "rounded" frame 1st Model 3rd Issue was in the 9,400 range. Mike #283

twaits · #15 06-15-2010, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmaher94087

twaits,
The quantity mfg. before the frame change was roughly 10,000. I edited my last post to correct the error. I've had two and both were in the 2,000 serial range. The "lowest" numbered "rounded" frame 1st Model 3rd Issue was in the 9,400 range. Mike #283

Thanks Mike. Would you expect that my Dad's was a first year production 3rd issue? If so do you know what year the 3rd issue was introduced?

mmaher94087 · #16 06-15-2010, 08:40 PM

twaits,
1868 was the first year. Roy Jinks wrote an article for the SWCA Journal and it is reprinted, for the 25th Anniversary, in Book 1around page 150. This article listed serial numbers produced by year and month. As I haven't yet unpacked the book since moving, I can't look up the month for you, but I'd bet it's a first year revolver. Ed, It's time for you to chime in. Mike #283

twaits · #17 06-16-2010, 07:18 AM

There's another 3 digit 3rd issue on gunbroker right now.
I've got a small bid on it but I haven't hit reserve. Its nickel and doesn't look in bad condition. I think I'm too cheap right now to bid it up any more. Maybe somebody here would be interested. It's easy to find if you do a search.