Model 1902 Navy

[W.C. Morton]

I am sure this model has been discussed previously on this forum, but I just bought the above model S&W and don't have time right now to research deeper into the forum.

ALL I know about the Model 1902 is that the US Navy bought only 1000 of them and they were produced between 1902 and 1905.

Questions: What is the significance of the "Arrow "S" mark on the butt and on the bottom of the barrel?

Can the cylinder hand be stretched a bit as can be done with Colt double actions?

I found it interesting that although the chambers are stepped as was done with guns chambered for .38 Special this model, though chambered for the gov't .38 Long Colt, is also chambered that way and will not accept a .38 Special as the 1903 Model Colts will.

Any information members can supply will be truly appreciated.

[Muley Gil]

I checked the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 3rd and it merely stated that the Navy revolvers had these markings. No explanation of what they mean.

"Can the cylinder hand be stretched a bit as can be done with Colt double actions?"

With S&Ws, you use a wider, not longer, hand.

[DWalt]

While I have not checked recently, I believe .38 LC ammo and cases are available from some sources. Not too difficult to shorten .38 Special cases if you are a reloader.

[W.C. Morton]

Muley Gil

Thank you for your reply jut I don't understand a how a wider hand causes the cylinder to index fully. The hand in my gun appears to take up the whole width of the slot now. If indeed the hand is too narrow how is it made wider or must a new hand be installed?

[Muley Gil]

You need to measure the width of your hand and then place an ad in our classifieds for a wider one.

[cmj8591]

Originally Posted by W.C. Morton

Muley Gil

Thank you for your reply jut I don't understand a how a wider hand causes the cylinder to index fully. The hand in my gun appears to take up the whole width of the slot now. If indeed the hand is too narrow how is it made wider or must a new hand be installed?

It's because the wear occurs where the hand contacts the ratchet. You really can't make the ratchet bigger so the fix is to make the hand wider. The wider hand will engage the worn ratchet and push the cylinder father allowing the cylinder stop to engage. Does this make any sense at all?

[W.C. Morton]

Muley Gil

Yes it does make sense, thank you. I am mainly a Colt collector and use to their little foibles. Smiths must have a whole new set to learn. Fixing a Colt hand is a breeze next to having to find an original S&W replacement. But I do like Smith & Wesson's and have accumulated a few.