2" Model 1899 Hand Ejector

[Haybinger]

So it seems like there is very little info on these guns online, and even on the forum here I couldn't find a lot. I thought I'd share my 2" 1899 H-E, although as I have gathered the barrel was most likely cut down. The butt and barrel flat have matching serials in the 94xx range, the yoke and frame have matching assembly numbers, however the cylinder was replaced with one in a 700,000+ serial range.

Its no beauty queen, having evidently been reblued, the rear sight groove slightly milled out and scratches under the grip telling me a tyler t-grip or similar adapter lived there for a long time. It additionally came to me with some sort of rubber grip adapter glued to the back of the grip, however I have taken it off.

I would also like to know if anyone has a disassembly method/explanation? One day I left it in the safe working fine and then came back another and the cylinder stop spring appears to have given up the ghost for no apparent reason. Would any standard K-frame cylinder stop and spring work fine? Or am I going to need a custom fab made up for this oldie?

 

[Wiregrassguy]

You might send a PM to forum member mikepriwer. He's quite knowledgeable on the 1899.

 

[glowe]

You did not take pictures of the important parts. What is most helpful is a closeup of the front sight, from the side and top. That can help determine if the front sight was soldered or brazed on the barrel? Also, a shot from the top of the barrel, looking for any indication of partial stampings or refinishing marks. Next is a closeup of the muzzle crown to see if it looks factory or not? Lastly, using a micrometer, take an accurate measurement of the barrel at the muzzle.

I am wagering that it is a cut barrel.

As for the cylinder stop issue, the best first thing to do is remover the sideplate and closely inspect the operation of the revolver, looking for broken or worn parts, springs, and stop mechanism. I am showing the interior of a Model 1899, so you can see what the insides look like. Of course, it may be that there is lots of debris and/or dried oils fouling the mechanism as well. It could also be totally dry without any lube inside.

 

[Absalom]

Just thinking:

Were there any Models 1899 with a square butt? I don't think so. The Victory stocks make me wonder too ...

The cylinder serial in the 700,000s may be the actual one.

 

[delcrossv]

Just thinking:

Were there any Models 1899 with a square butt? I don't think so. The Victory stocks make me wonder too ...

The cylinder serial in the 700,000s may be the actual one.

Yep, all RB's. Maybe someone just stuck on a 1899 rod knob?

 

[Haybinger]

I am quite sure it is an 1899, unless someone changed the entire set of internals as well as all of the serial numbers save one...

It does seem likely it was converted to a square butt however, there is a lot of material buildup on the frame around the butt that indicates reshaping.

Here are some older pictures I have that show the open action while at rest and cocked, you can see the trigger is not interfacing with the cylinder stop correctly.

I will take some pictures and specific barrel measurements later when I am in the shop.

 

[glowe]

It is a 1899 with a modified butt frame. Looks like welds made on the rear lower corner. ALso looks like the trigger and hammer were either polished or plated. Lots of work done on this one, so who knows what might have been done to the mechanism.

 

[merl67]

Welcome to the forum. Now ain't that something someone shortened the barrel to make it more concealable then square butted the frame. What a contradiction. A neat one for sure if only it could talk I am sure it has some interesting stories to tell.

 

[Haybinger]

Alright, finally getting back to this. The barrel from the crown to end of the forcing cone measured out around 2.256-2.257" long and from the crown to the frame was 1.475" long. I took some pictures of the sight from the side and top, it looks like there is a flat slightly around the edges of where the sight is sitting, doesn't appear to be any old markings on the top though. The sight looks to be ever so slightly crooked.