Here is a project for a long winter night. You are going to assemble a collection entitled “100 Years of Smith & Wesson Revolvers” . It will begin with a Model 1 and will end with a Model 29. To fill it out you will look for examples that best illustrate improvements in design and function, and introduction of new cartridges. Here’s the kicker: Available time and funds limit you to acquiring only ten additional pieces. Which ten revolver models would you choose to fill out the group?

Whew. The first looong winter night I come upon, I'll start this project, sounds like I would learn a lot. Now understand, this is a paper project - RIGHT. Sounds like a fun project, stay tuned.

How many do you get to start with??

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Dean
SWCA #680 SWHF #446

Good heavens, I'm out of my league.

Wow dean! I think the 320 revolving rifle would bust several years budget! You forgot contract Russians

Some people have just waaayyyyyy too much time on their hands!

Unfortunately, of all of the guns in the picture, I only have one remaining. (The .455 Triplelock).
The rest wandered off years ago when my interest went elsewhere. Now, in no way, could I afford to replace them.....
I still have a 1/2 dozen or so Smiths, but always have hopes of hitting the lottery and starting the collection over...

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Dean
SWCA #680 SWHF #446

While mine aren't all "collectors grade", I do have a representative (or more) from every decade between 1860 and 1990, except 1930. That's 130 years as soon as I find a 1930's example.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Tip-up .32 Model 2
.44 American, .45 Schofield, .44 Russian, and DA
Top-break .38 SA & DA
Top-break .38 Safety
1st .32 & .38 Hand Ejectors
.44 Triple Lock.....

Whoops, that's eleven. I give up.

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Peter #2091

The hundred years starts with the Model 1 (1850s) and ends with the Model 29 (1950s) You could fill it out pretty well by choosing 10 more from Deadin’s picture list. Thanks for posting those great pictures. Here is what I might add for my ten more:

A Model 2 Tip-Up. It introduced the .32 Rimfire cartridge.

A Model 1-1/2 Tip-Up. Perhaps the first effective (?) pocket cartridge revolver.

A Model 1-1/2 Single Action Top Break. It introduced the top-break design and the .32 S&W cartridge.

A Baby Russian. Another SA top-break that introduced the .38 S&W cartridge.

A Model 3, American or Russian. Introduced the .44 caliber cartridges and completes the SA top-break picture.

A .32 or .38 Double Action Top Break. They introduced double action design but no new cartridges.

Model 1896 .32 Hand Ejector. The first solid-frame swing-out introduced the .32 S&W Long.

Model 1899 .38 Hand Ejector. It introduced the great .38 Special Cartridge.

A .44 Hand Ejector, Triple Lock if possible. Introduced the fabulous .44 Special cartridge.

A Model 27 or earlier .357 Magnum. Introduced the stupendous .357 Magnum cartridge.

There are others I would like to include. Target and self defense arms are not too well represented. A K-Frame Masterpiece, or a Model 25 or earlier .45 ACP gun, or one of various M&P models, or maybe a Model 36. All could be argued. My emphasis is on cartridges and functional design changes.