Let's see those S&W single shots!

[PALADIN85020]

Over the years, Smith & Wesson has produced some very fine single shot pistols; all of them designed for target shooting. I wasn't very interested in them for years until I saw one at a gun show that just cried out for me to take it home. These were the antithesis of firepower, requiring loading and unloading each single round. But at the same time, they were models of precision for their time, and even today are perfectly capable of putting those shots into the x-ring.

How about showing us some examples of this interesting breed of pistol?

I'll start the ball rolling with this one. It's a "Perfected Target" .22 LR, sometimes known as the 3rd model single shot. It was the last of the revolver-framed single shot pistols. It has a 10-inch barrel, and was shipped in March of 1914, according to Roy Jinks. It carries the serial number 7305. These pistols used the same "Bekeart"-style stocks found on many of the I-frame .22/32 revolvers of that era. Some of these had "Olympic" chambers in which the cartridge had to be pressed hard into the chamber, as the bullet engaged the rifling. These are rarer. A variety of sight options were available. These were produced from approximately 1909 through 1923, with serial numbers ranging from 4618 - 11641. At total of 6,949 were made.

If you've got one of these old treasures, dig it out and show us a picture!

John

 

[H Richard]

This one is not too far from yours, a 3rd model, Perfected. S/N 8694, but has a 8" barrel from an earlier 2nd model on it, S/N 3644. I think this gun had been a parts gun at one time, as when I got it the side plate wouldn't fit snug down, and when I tightened the screws the trigger had a lot of drag. I pulled the side plate, and someone had fit a trigger rebound spring slide form a K Frame in it by trying to stone it down to fit. (It didn't ). I read where the parts are compatible with .32 Handejector parts, so I tried one form one of my 32's and it fit perfectly, so I then ordered a one form Gun Parts International. Just took a little cleaning up to work perfectly. The trigger is outstanding. I questioned Roy about the mismatched barrel, and he said it wasn't unusual at all for people to swap barrels, and S&W even sold replacement barrels, but those weren't always numbered. I wish mine was in as good a condition as yours.

 

[gjamison]

Straight line serial #26

 

[H. M. Pope]

All matching Combo set # 2615.
With a Factory letter from D. B. Wesson dated 1937.
H. M. Pope

 

[singleshot1891]

1st Model S/N 8039 with British proof marks.

 

[Dosgatos]

1st Model shipped to to Philip Bekeart & Co. in March 1905. Home-made redwood case.

 

[mod34]

All matching Combo set # 2615.
With a Factory letter from D. B. Wesson dated 1937.
H. M. Pope

You don't play fair! I'm taking my ball and going home!

 

[varmint243]

A friend of mine has one very similar to the OP's pic.
I borrowed it and took it to the range this winter.
I had a tremendous amount of fun with it.
It is nice to the point where people asked if it had ever been fired.
I assured them that it had

My only regret is not getting a video of me shooting it.
It would probably have given some collector a heart attack seeing me blazing away with it.

 

[H. M. Pope]

Sorry mod 34, didn't mean to not play fair, I'll keep the better stuff till last. How bout just a lowly 8 inch Second Model 22 with an 8 inch 32 S&W barrel to go along with it.
H. M. Pope

 

[tjpopkin]

I sold my .22 perfected 3rd Model to a forum member....everytime he saw it, he said I want it....so he got it....



Here is the Straightline....


and my .32 single shot.....


and of course those newer guns...also owned by S&W


Terry

 

[22hipower]

The picture is poor and the gun's condition isn't great but the SN is 6756 putting it not too far from the one in Paladin85020's original post. Can anyone explain the difference in stocks; why one has an inset emblem and the other doesn't? I'll take some better pictures one of these days.

 

[Docneeley]

This beauty passed through my hands a while back.

 

[forindooruseonly]

Ugh, this thread is killing me. I desperately need a 3rd model to balance my collection. My Colt Camp Perry is just spoiling for a some competition...

I would post gratuitous photo of said Colt, but I figure I wouldn't sully this fine thread with an outsider.

 

[pace40]

Its ugly, its modified... but it'll sight at 200yds and stay there if you do your part.

 

[red9]

I appreciate guns like Pace's, modified to better do what they were designed for. Those stocks were obviously made to fit one person, and I bet they did it very well.
Years ago, I had a beautifully French cased and stocked single shot that I sold at the Charleston SWCA gathering. If it is still around, I would love to see a picture of it.

Bob

 

[hsguy]

Here are a couple, I no longer own the bottom one.





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[Club Gun Fan]

One of my Club Guns. This is the second Single Shot that I own that has the frame cut to fit the Roper stocks.

 

[H. M. Pope]

Here's one to go with the others. S&W first Model S S used as a back up gun by Karl T. Frederick, Olympic Gold Medal winner in the Slow Fire Pistol event, 1920 Olympics.

Not a very good Photo but I'm not a camera guy, maybe I'll try for a better one this summer.
H. M. Pope

 

[red9]

First model 6 inch, second model 8 inch and third model 10 inch.

Bob

 

[nutsforsmiths]

A well loved 2nd Model with an 8" barrel. Shipped in 1909.