A True 1891 SS Target 1st Model?

[James K]

Looking at this 1891 Single Shot in .22 and trying to figure out if it's a true 1st Model or a 2nd or 3rd model modified revolver with a single shot barrel or even something else. Perhaps you can see that the blast shields were cut from the frame? I read they added the slots on the frame sides for balance.
It does have a 4-digit serial number on the front grip strap and does not appear on the butt. There is no visible number on the barrel. Can't see any pix of the top latch which should also have a matching serial number.
Here are some photos:

 

[ol777gunnerz]

It is a 2nd Model, only one trigger guard pin, the 1st Models have 2 pins.

 

[glowe]

The Model 1891 Single Shot pistol had a recoil shield, yours does not. It also has a different top of barrel address including "MODEL OF '91". The factory removed the recoil shields on all 2nd Model SS pistols.

The Model '91 frame was from their 3rd Model 38 revolver and some were made into combination kits like this one below. This is a reconstructed set similar to originals.

 

[James K]

Thank you. Much value in the piece? I saw some plastic repro grips and screw kits for roughly $100.
I would certainly want to shoot it.

 

[red9]

A second model barrel would normally have come with a narrow (Paine?) front sight blade and a U-notch rear blade, although anything was possible.
Bob

 

[ol777gunnerz]

The repro grips do not fit correctly or add much value.

 

[glowe]

The 1st & 2nd Models only came with hard rubber extension stocks. I have a few original sets that look like those in my combo set with little wear that would be perfect for your pistol. I will send you a DM soon.

 

[mmaher94087]

There are things about this mystery SS that don't add up for me. What is the drilled hole on the underside of the barrel? Why is there what appears to be a lanyard ring hole in the frame butt? Why is the strain screw backed out? Lastly, it appears to have been reblued judging by the flattened hammer pivot screw post. There has to be a back-story on this gun.

 

[glowe]

I find that Single Shots typically sell for $700 plus in any working condition. There is one non-working parts gun that sold for $355 recently on GB. That SS had been refinished at some point and the front sight is not original, but appears clean and not abused. Guess at a minimum value of $600.

I have some revolvers that were not military issue with lanyard rings, so a previous owner or factory had would have had it installed on the gun. Actually, I put the lanyard ring back on a couple of K frames and they are still available at Numrich. I would assume that the hole was aligned with the extractor spring, so maybe to easily oil the extractor rod/spring. With the spring backed out that far, maybe some owner thought it improved the trigger pull?? That was a common practice with target shooters.

 

[Boulder350]

Target shooters often modified their guns for may different reasons. This one has a second model frame and a 3rd model rear sight with the adjustment screws on the side. Wonder if the barrel has a matching serial number

There was a transition from the 2nd model to the third model in the early to mid 4000 serial number range where you can see features from both the second and third models on a gun.

I had a numbers matching barrel and frame first model single shot that had a second model frame with only one pin. Who know why this was made that way, my guess is the first model single shot gun was sent back to the factory for repairs to the and they replaced the old frame with a second model frame, stamping the first model serial number on it, but who knows for sure.

On the original posters gun there is metal between the frame and barrel that was added by the owner or a gunsmith. You rarely see that on these single shots. Interesting modifications on this one.