A break top puzzler.

[Iggy]

I ran across a break top revolver today. Appeared to be a 32 cal.

On the rib of the barrel it had Schofield and some patent dates.

Pawn shop feller said it was a S&W and that they made lots of models of the Schofield in many variations and calibers.
This gun had plain hard rubber grips, no S&W logo or any other for that matter. The clyinder turned with no way of stopping it. Worn or broken part, I assume. Nickel was about shot too.

I wanted to scream BS, but being the dedicated gentleman that I am, I didn't.

My understanding is that the "Schofield" model was a modification based on recommendations from an Army Officer that changed the latching mechanism of the break top service revolver.

The gun in question did not have the same latch system as any Schofield I ever saw.

Does anyone know of a knock off break top revolver made by a Schofield Arms or anything similar..

Oh, Yeah, he wanted $150 for it.

 

[s&wchad]

PM sent.

It appears to be a Spanish produced revolver capitalizing on the name. It also appears to be a top-break rather than a tip-up.

 

[HKSmith]

This revolver is probably a foreign knock-off trying to capitalize on the name Schofield. It's obviously not a S&W. Since it has no collector value and is non-functional, it's virtually worthless. A genuine S&W .32 break top in the condition you describe probably wouldn't bring $150.

 

[Iggy]

That's kinda what I figgered. Nickel was flaked so bad I couldn't read some of the stuff on the barrel.

Picture you sent sure looks like the same gun.

No consideration of buying the thing, just wanted reassurance that I'm still just eccentric and not plumb crazy..

Thanks Guys.

 

[mmaher94087]

I guess I can put away the Hooey Detector as I feel that you are on the right track; uh, "proper" track. Mike

 

[Tom K]

There are a lot of people out there who seem to think any top break revolver is a "Schofield", particularly if it's a larger caliber. Sounds like this one is just an out-an-out fraudulent use of the name though.

 

[DWalt]

There are several Schofield variants, but none in .22. Some of the European gunmakers were very creative in naming their products.

 

[Speedo2]

Iver Johnson made some top-breaks in 32 long. Here's a poorly re-finished model that I've got laying around somewhere:


It's about the same size as a k-frame:


Haven't shot it much, but as I recall it weren't much to brag on, what with really tiny sights and my old eyes. -S2

 

[Iggy]

This is one similar to what I was looking at.

Nothing to be excited about.

 

[opoefc]

These foreign made copies of the Schofield turn up quite often, usually with Belgian or Spanish proof marks, and the spelling of Schofield can be varied sometimes. Caliber is never .45 Schofield. I've had a few Spanish copies in .44-40, but most were .38 or smaller. They are oddities and the only thing they have going for them is that they are usually inexpensive, unless in a pawn or antique shop where the seller is totally ignorant of antique firearms. Ed.

 

[Tom K]

These foreign made copies of the Schofield turn up quite often, usually with Belgian or Spanish proof marks, and the spelling of Schofield can be varied sometimes. Caliber is never .45 Schofield. I've had a few Spanish copies in .44-40, but most were .38 or smaller. They are oddities and the only thing they have going for them is that they are usually inexpensive, unless in a pawn or antique shop where the seller is totally ignorant of antique firearms. Ed.

Thing is, they are almost never copies of a Schofield. Personally, aside from the recently made Italian copies I have never seen a foreign made Schofield - they are usually some variation of a Model 3 break top (usually DA) but never have the frame-mounted latch. Like I said, some people just call any large top break a "Schofield".